2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling to a more characterful yet distinctly Volvo appearance. The XC90 retained classic Volvo elements like a boxy profile and a rectangular grille, but introduced softer lines, increased chrome detailing, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring high-quality materials and thoughtful design, with options like wool upholstery and an Orrefors crystal shifter adding unique touches.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. It featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage and seating flexibility. The Sienna's cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating for second- and third-row passengers, and a 60/40-split third-row bench that easily folded into the floor. The power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for families on the go.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on 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. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. All models in Canada came with all-wheel drive. Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin. It had a towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued with its hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. Fuel consumption was impressive, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 6.5 on the highway. The Sienna's 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was located under the front seats and came with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom in all three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The interior felt spacious, thanks to a power sunroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Cargo space was limited, with 317 litres behind the third row, 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 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed as a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo. Cargo space measured 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna had a towing capacity of 1,585 kilograms. The 60/40-split third-row bench easily folded into the floor, and each row had storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. It included 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, but the text was difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and only second-row USB-C ports were available.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not available. The Sienna included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect telematics services. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard. Qi wireless charging was available on higher trims. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 12-speaker JBL system. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available. A digital rearview mirror was optional on higher trims.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of 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 2022 Toyota Sienna also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, including adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and the Star Safety System were standard. The Sienna featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and tire-pressure monitoring.