2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was a minivan that defied traditional expectations with its sleek design and practical features. Toyota worked hard to shed the typical minivan image, giving the Sienna a front-end styling reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. The Sienna offered a variety of trim levels, including the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, and the luxurious Limited, with a special 25th Anniversary Edition also available. Inside, the Sienna impressed with its high-quality materials, such as the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in the Platinum trim. It accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater option allowing for three-across car seats in the middle row, making it a smart choice for families.

The 2024 Volvo XC90, on the other hand, was a luxury SUV that emphasized practicality, safety, and sustainability. Available in B6 and Recharge T8 models, the XC90 featured a subdued and earthy exterior paint palette, with wheel designs up to 21 inches. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery and natural wood trim. The XC90 offered a range of trim levels, from Core to Ultimate, with options like massaging front seats and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Despite its luxury status, the XC90's design leaned towards practicality, with a focus on comfort and functionality.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two front-mounted electric motors and an additional rear-mounted motor for AWD trims. This setup delivered a combined 245 horsepower, which was somewhat underwhelming for a vehicle of its size. The Sienna's CVT was not the most refined, and its acceleration lagged behind competitors like the Honda Odyssey. However, the Sienna excelled in handling, with a nimble chassis and light steering that made city driving a breeze. It offered multiple drive modes, but the Normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency.

In contrast, the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, producing a robust 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. The XC90 offered 53 kilometres of electric-only range and averaged 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. It featured various driving modes, including Pure, Power, and Hybrid, each catering to different driving preferences. Despite its power, the XC90's handling was more luxury-oriented, with a firm ride and less engaging dynamics compared to performance SUVs.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions, with a plethora of cubbies, shelves, and bins. It featured a large open cubby below the centre console, a long dash shelf, and a big bin in the centre console. The Sienna's three-zone climate control was standard, with four-zone available on higher trims. Measuring 5,175 millimetres in length, the Sienna offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,129 litres with the seats folded. Although the middle row couldn't be removed or folded into the floor, the Sienna's captain's chairs were highly functional, with extending ottomans and sliding tracks for added comfort.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in its base Core trim, was well-equipped with features like power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added a touch of luxury, while higher trims offered additional amenities like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats with massage. The XC90's interior was comfortable, with a commanding driving position and good sightlines. It seated seven, or six with optional captain's chairs, and offered up to 1,854 litres of cargo space with the third row folded. However, interior storage was adequate rather than abundant.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured an older infotainment system, lacking the latest tech found in other Toyota models. It included core features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, but required a wired connection for the latter two. The interface was somewhat clunky, with no dedicated buttons for Android Auto. Despite its dated design, the system was reliable, and the 9-inch touchscreen didn't feel undersized. The 12-speaker JBL audio system provided good sound quality, standard on higher trims.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 boasted a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM were also standard, with premium audio options available. The system was intuitive and user-friendly, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 also featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, making it a top choice for families prioritizing safety.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning high marks from both the NHTSA and IIHS. However, its ADAS features were not as advanced as some competitors, lacking a hands-free driving system. Pilot Assist, Volvo's semi-autonomous system, had some limitations, but overall, the XC90's safety features were effective and reliable.