2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Lexus RX

The 2020 Lexus RX underwent a refreshing makeover, receiving significant upgrades to its exterior and interior that made it stand out in a crowded luxury SUV segment. The exterior boasted standard 18-inch wheels, sleeker headlights, and distinctive L-shaped taillights. Buyers could opt for triple-beam LED headlights and choose from new paint colors like Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. The rear design also received updates, with a revamped shape due to the dual exhaust, redesigned rear diffuser, and updated reflectors. The hands-free tailgate added a contemporary touch. Inside, the Lexus RX presented a well-appointed cabin with a variety of interior colors and materials. Equipment packages offered wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package introduced a unique steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, bumpers, grille, badges, and 20-inch wheels, among other features. Despite its luxury elements, the RX maintained a robust design suitable for family use. However, the design of the climate control center stack seemed dated.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics by borrowing design cues from SUVs. The Sienna sported a wide grille that emphasized its width, and sleek LED headlamps. From the side, the minivan had an assertive stance, with intricately engineered sliding side doors featuring a dynamic body line. Alloy wheels varied by trim, ranging from 17-inch to 20-inch, in different finishes. The rear was characterized by a large window and a low, wide look. The interior design also focused on width with horizontal lines, creating a spacious feel. While it didn't match the SUV vibe entirely, the Sienna provided a comfortable seating position with a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was practical, housing the gear selector, multiple cupholders, and ample storage space. The second and third rows offered generous comfort and adjustability, making the Sienna practical for families.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The three-row RX 350L had the same engine but was limited to 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. A hybrid version, the RX 450h, combined the V6 engine with an electric motor to achieve 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The elongated RX 450hL produced 259 horsepower combined with its electric support. The RX 450h and RX 450hL were equipped with a CVT.

All models, except the hybrid, accelerated from zero to 60 mph in about 7.9 seconds. The fuel economy varied, with the RX 350 achieving 23 mpg combined, the RX 350L at 22 mpg, and the RX 350 AWD at 21 mpg. The RX 450h hybrid excelled with 30 mpg combined, while the RX 450hL managed 29 mpg combined. RX F Sport models, equipped with adaptive variable suspension, offered a more dynamic drive experience, though the SUV struggled slightly in snowy conditions compared to its sibling, the Toyota Highlander. Nevertheless, the RX delivered a smooth and quiet ride with stable handling.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid emerged as Toyota's first hybrid minivan, with a well-established engine and motor combination. It featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with two electric motors, generating a total of 243 horsepower. The Sienna employed a CVT, which, while efficient, lacked the throttle response some drivers might seek. The minivan offered four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling was improved with new front suspension and steering, and independent rear trailing arm suspension, reducing body roll and enhancing comfort. The Sienna's standout feature was its impressive fuel economy. The FWD models achieved 36 mpg across all metrics, while the AWD models scored 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The interior of the 2020 Lexus RX, though not as minimalist or stylish as its German competitors, was functional and comfortable. In its two-row configuration, it could accommodate four adults comfortably, but the three-row RX-L's third row was more suited for children. The high load floor in the cargo area limited available space. With the rear seats folded, the RX offered reasonable utility, although it lagged behind competitors like the Lincoln Aviator in terms of cargo capacity.

Minivans, like the 2021 Toyota Sienna, needed to excel in convenience and practicality. The Sienna's cabin accommodated up to eight passengers comfortably, with ample storage cubbies and cupholders throughout. The third row was standard and could fold into the floor, while the second row slid 25 inches for easy access. Cargo capacity was robust, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna could also tow up to 3,500 pounds. The clever placement of the hybrid battery under the front seats did not compromise interior space, and power-operated sliding doors and tailgate added convenience for families.

While the 2020 Lexus RX received criticism for its infotainment system, improvements were made for the 2020 model. The 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver for ease of use. Despite this, navigation remained cumbersome. The RX offered Apple CarPlay as a solution, alongside Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, Google Assistant, Spotify, Pandora, and more. The system had six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, upgradeable to a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was rich in technology. All models featured a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Sienna provided standard connectivity features like Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a premium JBL audio package with 12 speakers and Dynamic Navigation. A rear-seat entertainment system was available with an 11.6-inch 1080p display. Drivers benefited from a 10-inch Head-Up Display in Platinum models, a digital rearview mirror, and a Smart Key System for added convenience.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features like daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist were added for 2020. The RX performed well in crash tests by IIHS and NHTSA, maintaining good safety ratings despite its age.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System provided enhanced stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Sienna had 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Crash-test ratings for the 2021 model were pending, but the 2020 model had strong ratings from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.