2025 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in Canada in B6 and Recharge T8 model series, both featuring standard all-wheel drive. The B6 model came with a turbocharged and supercharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid offering superior performance and efficiency, with an estimated electric-only range of 53 kilometres. The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $71,550 to $94,500, excluding destination charges and fees. The Recharge T8 Ultimate trim test vehicle featured seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, a premium headliner, active air suspension, a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $107,709 in Canada. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued and earthy paint palette, with various wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, while maintaining the traditional minivan shape, attempted to add style with upswept body lines, hidden sliding door tracks, and swollen rear fenders. The trapezoidal grille, however, reinforced the "Dustbuster" metaphor. The Sienna's Platinum package introduced new flower-petal wheel designs. Despite these efforts, the Sienna still resembled a minivan, though it offered seating for up to eight and a practical design. The test vehicle was a top-of-the-line Limited with the Platinum package, featuring the new Magnetic Grey paint colour. The Canadian lineup included LE, XLE, and XSE trims, with prices ranging from $51,219 to $73,753, including destination charges and fees. The interior updates for 2025 included a new woodgrain finish, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. The Sienna's interior was generally considered an improvement over previous models.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The battery and electric motor allowed for 53 kilometres of electric-only driving, though real-world testing showed 45 kilometres. The XC90 Recharge T8 averaged 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, slightly above the predicted 8.9 L/100 km. The SUV offered various driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with a ground clearance of up to 25 centimetres. Despite its power, the XC90 Recharge T8 was more of a luxury SUV than a performance vehicle, with firm ride quality and handling that was not particularly thrilling.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing a net horsepower of 245. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an available all-wheel-drive system. The Sienna's hybrid system aimed to maximize fuel economy, with an official rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. However, the test model averaged 8.9 L/100 km. The Sienna's handling was predictable and secure, though not particularly engaging. The ride was smooth and absorbent, with excellent impact isolation. The CVT, while quiet during city driving, became noisy during hard acceleration.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 offered a well-equipped interior, even in the Core trim, with features like power-adjustable and heated front seats, optional leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims included additional features like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats with massage. The XC90 seated seven or six with optional second-row captain's chairs. Interior storage was adequate, with a cargo capacity of up to 2,426 litres with the second-row seat folded.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna focused on practicality, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, ventilated and wrapped in perforated leather in the Limited with Platinum package. The second-row long-slide, reclining captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular with passengers. The third-row seat was accommodating for adults, and the hands-free power liftgate added convenience. The Sienna offered generous storage space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 2,860 litres. However, the second-row seats could not be removed, limiting maximum load space compared to rivals.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with premium audio options available. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the 9-inch screen was small by modern standards. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) system. The Limited with Platinum package featured a four-zone automatic climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered connected services with varying subscription periods, and the digital assistant was responsive. The Sienna's infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Limited trim included a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, with a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in most assessments. However, its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were not particularly innovative, and the Pilot Assist system had some issues. The XC90 included standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna's ADAS generally worked well, though the adaptive cruise control required vigilance in urban areas. The Sienna added new rear-seat reminder technology for 2025, and it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal crash-test result was lower.