2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, moving away from the traditional image with its sleek front-end styling reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. Despite its minivan roots, the Sienna offered a variety of trim levels, including the sporty XSE with 20-inch wheels, and the luxurious Limited trim. Inside, the Sienna impressed with high-quality materials, such as brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents, although some features were not available in Canada. The Sienna accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater option supporting three-across car seats in the middle row, making it a practical choice for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's past designs, presenting a purposeful yet understated look. The front end was solid and assertive, complemented by the distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The XC90's Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels and a sophisticated Platinum Grey paint with brown undertones. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather steering, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather seats. The minimalist design was enhanced by wood deco inlays, although the limited physical controls could be a drawback for some users.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors, delivering a combined 245 horsepower. While this setup offered decent fuel efficiency, it lacked the power needed for the Sienna's size, resulting in lacklustre acceleration. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was not the most refined, but the Sienna's nimble chassis and light steering made it enjoyable to drive in urban settings. Various drive modes were available, but the normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain offered a smoother operation and slightly improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessors. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission provided seamless shifts, and the vehicle handled corners well despite its size. The mild-hybrid system enhanced the fuel-saving auto stop-start feature, making it almost imperceptible. While the XC90 lacked extensive off-road capabilities, its driving experience was straightforward and enjoyable.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage, offering numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins. Its spacious design included a large open cubby below the centre console and a long shelf across the dash. The Sienna's three-zone climate control was standard, with four-zone available on higher trims. Measuring 5,175 millimetres in length, the Sienna provided ample cargo space, with 949 litres behind the third row and up to 2,860 litres with seats folded. However, the middle row could not be removed or folded into the floor, limiting maximum cargo capacity compared to competitors.

The 2023 Volvo XC90, while elegant, had limited storage options. The front seats were comfortable, but the lack of dedicated phone space and small centre console bin were drawbacks. The second row was spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging. With the third seat in place, the XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded, and 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. These figures were lower than some competitors, but the XC90's smaller size contributed to its agile driving dynamics.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured an older infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though both required a wired connection. The interface included physical buttons, which were practical but felt outdated. The 12-speaker JBL audio system provided good sound quality, but the overall tech experience was less advanced compared to newer models.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 boasted a 9-inch vertical touchscreen running Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system's natural-language recognition was a highlight, allowing voice commands via Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display.

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

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a 5-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety tech included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The XC90's Pilot Assist technology provided additional support, maintaining distance and lane position at various speeds.