2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in a market where minivans were becoming increasingly rare. Despite the decline in popularity of minivans due to the rise of SUVs, Toyota remained committed to this segment. The Sienna, with its SUV-like styling, featured a bold front end and cleverly engineered sliding doors that concealed the slider channel, giving it a sleek appearance. The interior was designed with families in mind, offering ample storage and seating options, including available second-row captain’s chairs with ottomans. The third-row bench could be easily stowed away, providing flexibility for various passenger and cargo needs.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's earlier, boxy designs. The XC90 exuded a purposeful yet understated elegance, with its assertive grille and signature “Thor’s Hammer” headlights. The vehicle's dimensions retained a rectilinear shape, but it was far from the utilitarian designs of the past. The XC90's interior was a testament to Scandinavian elegance, featuring luxurious materials like Nappa leather and wood deco inlays. The minimalist design was complemented by a few physical controls, creating a clean and sophisticated cabin environment.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. This setup offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter adding an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to its smooth power delivery and impressive fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. While the fuel economy benefits were modest, the mild-hybrid system provided smoother operation and supported Volvo's electrification goals. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission ensured seamless acceleration, and its handling was commendable for a vehicle of its size. The XC90's driving experience was enhanced by its quiet cabin and responsive brakes, although it lacked some of the off-road capabilities found in other SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a versatile family vehicle, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second-row seats allowed for flexible cargo configurations, with a maximum cargo capacity of 2,860 litres. The Sienna also offered a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity, making it a practical choice for families with diverse needs. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate added convenience, especially when loading or unloading with full hands.

The 2023 Volvo XC90, while offering a comfortable and elegant interior, faced some challenges in terms of space and storage. The second row was spacious, but accessing the third row was difficult, and the overall cargo capacity was limited compared to some competitors. With the third-row seats folded, the XC90 provided 1,183 litres of cargo space, which was less than some of its rivals. Despite these limitations, the XC90's driving dynamics made it feel more compact than a typical three-row SUV.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. While it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Sienna offered a range of audio and multimedia options, including a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, providing entertainment for passengers on long journeys.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen running Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system's natural-language recognition enhanced the user experience, although some functions were buried within the touchscreen interface. The XC90's tech offerings included keyless entry and an optional head-up display, but the reliance on the touchscreen for basic functions could be frustrating for some users.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system, enhancing its appeal as a family vehicle.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. It offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology provided additional support for maintaining safe distances and lane positioning.