2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while adding a touch of modern character. The XC90 retained its boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights featuring "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," with high-quality materials and a restrained design. The interior featured matte-finish wood trim and unique options like wool upholstery, complemented by an Orrefors crystal shifter.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with SUV-like styling. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays gave it a bold look, while the redesigned sliding side doors added an assertive stance. The Sienna's exterior was marked by superb fit and finish, with alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width and comfort, with a higher seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console offered smart storage solutions, and the second and third-row seats provided ample comfort and flexibility, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centred around a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. All models in Canada came with all-wheel drive. Despite its power, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 offered three drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—but the Pure mode was limited to low speeds. The XC90 excelled in luxury, with an optional air-suspension system providing excellent ride quality and a quiet cabin. It had a towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritized smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency. While the CVT blunted throttle response, the Sienna offered four drive modes—Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's handling improved with new suspension systems, providing a comfortable ride. It boasted impressive fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 city and 6.6 highway.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. An optional power sunroof and upright roof profile enhanced the interior's spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Storage space was limited, with a shallow centre console bin. Cargo capacity was 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored into the floor. The second row slid up to 63.5 centimetres, providing flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo capacity was 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly placed under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family-friendliness.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. The system had two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display were available. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though some menus were difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was limited in size, and only second-row USB-C ports were available.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered a wealth of technology features, starting with a nine-inch touchscreen standard across all trims. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect were standard, with Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming. Higher trims featured Qi-compatible charging, a 1500-watt inverter, and a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, with an 11.6-inch display, remote, and wireless headphones. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display, digital rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered extensive standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The Star Safety System included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. A tire pressure monitoring system and inflator kit were standard. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.