2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a tremendous leap in Volvo’s design evolution. This SUV presented a purposeful and dignified front end, with an assertive grille size that's neither too flamboyant nor too understated. The distinctive “Thor’s Hammer” headlights, a modern hallmark of Volvo, added a contemporary touch, a notable departure from Volvo’s famously boxy designs of yesteryears. The Platinum Gray paint on our test model lent a subtle hint of brown under the sunlight, adding depth and elegance, though the overall color palette remained conservative with muted shades of blue, black, white, silver, and gray.

Inside, the XC90 was a symphony of luxury and minimalist design. The two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel and the understated yet high-quality materials like Nappa leather on the seats and wood deco inlays across the dash offered a serene and plush environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna, available in multiple trims, brought forward a distinctive and modern appearance with sleeker front and rear fascias and more vibrant color options like deep blue, red, and green. The XSE trim on our test model, branded as sportier, flaunted a black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and striking 20-inch dark wheels.

The Sienna’s interior was thoughtfully designed for family use, featuring versatile storage solutions and a cabin that maximized functional space. The lower storage pass-through and multiple cupholders provided practicality, while the horizontal design lines and various satin interior accents added a touch of visual spaciousness.

For the 2023 model year, Volvo had transitioned to mild-hybrid technology for the XC90, replacing the older engines with the B5 and B6 powertrains. Both anchored by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the B5 utilized a turbocharger and mild-hybrid system to produce 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Our B6 test model, employing both a supercharger and turbocharger, offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

This mild-hybrid setup didn't make the XC90 noticeably more fuel-efficient but did enhance the smoothness of the ride. The 2023 XC90 accelerated confidently with its eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering a stable and composed driving experience, impressive insulation for reduced road noise, and reliable brakes with a solid pedal feel.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was equipped with a hybrid powertrain across the lineup, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, culminating in a total output of 245 horsepower. While the Sienna wasn’t built for thrilling performance, exhibiting sluggish acceleration and a noisier continuously variable transmission (CVT), it provided a smooth and competent ride around town.

The Sienna’s brakes could be a bit abrupt, and steering light but precise, making it a decent choice for daily driving. However, those seeking a more robust powertrain might find better satisfaction in competitors like the Honda Odyssey or Kia Carnival.

The Volvo XC90’s interior aesthetic and material quality were exceptional, but Scandinavian minimalism led to some compromises in practical storage and space. The front seats, though luxurious and comfortable, lacked specific spaces for smaller items like cell phones, and the compartment space was somewhat limited.

The second row, while comfortable, posed challenges with its adjustment mechanisms. Interestingly, opting for captain’s chairs instead of a bench required a $500 upgrade and a switch to the B6 engine. The result was that access to the third row could be cumbersome. Cargo space was also on the lower side for its class, offering 12.5 cubic feet with all seats up, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row down, and a maximum of 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

Meanwhile, the Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality and family-friendly design. The front cabin’s lower storage pass-through, numerous cupholders, and useful shelves provided ample space for everyday items. Second-row seats, which could slide 25 inches and provided up to 40 inches of legroom, offered superior comfort and roominess, though they couldn't be removed, slightly limiting maximum cargo capacity.

The Sienna’s third row was notably more accessible, and when the second row was adjusted forward, the third row provided up to 39 inches of legroom. The cargo space was commendable, with 33.5 cubic feet with the third row up, 75 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and an impressive 101 cubic feet when the second row was also folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a sophisticated 9-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen running on Google OS. This system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant directly into the car’s setup, providing a seamless tech experience with impressive natural-language recognition. However, Volvo’s commitment to minimalism meant many key functions were buried within the screen interface, potentially frustrating new users.

Conversely, the 2024 Toyota Sienna featured an older infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen offering wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not as modern or fast as Volvo’s system, the inclusion of physical buttons for common functions made it more user-friendly. The back-up camera in the Sienna was disappointingly grainy, but the availability of a 12-speaker JBL audio system, Wi-Fi hotspot, and optional rear-camera mirror added a range of technological conveniences.

Volvo’s historical commitment to safety shone through in the XC90, which held a five-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Standard advanced safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and the comprehensive Pilot Assist technology, ensuring excellent driver and passenger protection.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna’s safety credentials were equally notable. Toyota Safety Sense was standard across all trims, featuring lane departure alert, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and road sign recognition. The Sienna also earned four out of five stars from NHTSA for frontal crash and rollover protection, and five stars for side crash protection. IIHS ratings were strong, though front crash prevention was rated as “Average.”