2022 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was a testament to Volvo's approach of easing traditional car owners into the electric vehicle (EV) world without drastic changes. From the outside, it closely resembled its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, maintaining the same basic shape and structure. The most noticeable difference was the solid panel in the grill, replacing the airflow-dependent design of the gas version. Subtle details like the enlarged fuel-filler flap, trim-specific alloy wheels, and the absence of tailpipes hinted at its electric nature. Inside, the XC40 Recharge embraced Scandinavian design, offering an airy and roomy cabin despite its compact SUV classification. The harmonious dash elements and premium finishes underscored Volvo's steady climb into the luxury automotive category.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, distancing itself from traditional minivan styling. Toyota's efforts were evident in the Sienna's front-end design, reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train, and the availability of larger wheels on certain trims. The Sienna offered a variety of trim levels, including a special 25th Anniversary Edition, catering to different preferences and budgets. Inside, the Sienna impressed with its high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The Platinum trim, although not available in Canada, showcased luxurious features like brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents. The Sienna's seating configurations accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the middle row supporting three-across car seats, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was a thrilling drive, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and dual electric motors, delivering 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This setup enabled the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, impressive for a compact SUV. The gasoline versions, the T4 and T5, offered 0-100 km/h times of 8.5 and 6.4 seconds, respectively, with standard AWD. The Recharge featured regenerative braking, allowing drivers to maximize battery charge through one-pedal driving. Its low centre of gravity, thanks to the battery placement, enhanced handling, making it feel stable and planted. The XC40 Recharge boasted a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, with fast-charging capabilities. Fuel efficiency for the gasoline models was rated at 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T4 and 9.4 L/100 km for the T5.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with electric motors for a total of 245 horsepower. While this setup was less powerful than some competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering impressed with nimbleness and ease of handling. The Sienna offered various drive modes, but the normal mode was recommended for the best balance. Despite its size, the Sienna was easy to drive in urban settings, thanks to its light steering and tidy turning radius. However, the CVT's sound and the lack of power were noted drawbacks. The Sienna's hybrid system provided a practical balance between performance and efficiency, making it a suitable choice for family transportation.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The absence of a gasoline engine allowed for a front trunk, ideal for storing the charging cable or small items. Inside, the cabin featured ample storage cubbies, including door pockets for water bottles and map pockets on the front seat backs. The front seats provided excellent comfort, while the rear seats were suitable for outboard passengers, with limited space for a middle passenger. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, a minivan by design, offered exceptional interior space and storage solutions. The open cubby below the centre console and a long dash shelf provided ample space for personal items. The Sienna featured numerous cupholders and climate control options, with higher trims offering four-zone climate control. Measuring 5,175 millimetres in length, the Sienna made excellent use of its minivan platform, providing 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row and up to 2,860 litres in total. The second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with extending ottomans available on certain trims. The Sienna's third-row seats accommodated adults comfortably, a rarity in three-row crossovers.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with advanced technology, including a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems like Pilot Assist. The Recharge featured a heat pump to enhance climate control efficiency, extending the vehicle's range. The infotainment system, powered by Android Automotive, included a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. It offered seamless integration with Google services and supported Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth. Over-the-air updates allowed for software enhancements without dealership visits. However, the range reporting system, which displayed charge percentage instead of remaining kilometres, was a point of contention.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, while lacking the latest tech seen in other Toyota models, offered a reliable infotainment system with core features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims. Despite its older interface, the Sienna's technology was functional, with physical buttons providing ease of use. However, the need for wired connections for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and the lack of a dedicated interface for these features were noted drawbacks.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, while the gasoline version earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 Recharge's extensive safety features included collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. A new sensor platform enhanced active safety features, and Volvo's Connected Safety system shared road condition data with other connected vehicles.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While competitors offered additional features like intercom systems and rear-seat cameras, the Sienna's safety package was comprehensive and well-suited for family use.