2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that added newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 version still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel looked like it came from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the base L with 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen to the Limited Premium with leather seats, a JBL premium audio system, and a DVD entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX carried over its familial design and styling attributes, featuring sharp design lines similar to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower. The F Sport version added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models featured quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a G-Force meter, though the center stack's design looked outdated. The NX offered a smooth, comfortable ride with three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. It also had a manual mode, useful for its 3,500-pound towing capacity. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, but all trims except the base L had an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option. The FWD Sienna returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna handled well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its twitchy steering response at higher speeds was a concern.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims. The FWD model achieved 22 mpg city, 28 highway, and 25 combined, while AWD versions had the same city/highway numbers but 24 mpg combined. The NX offered a smooth, comfortable ride with an available adaptive-suspension system making up to 650 instantaneous adjustments. The steering was numb but the car remained easy to maneuver. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain’s chairs than a bench seat. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features like the Auto Access Seat, making it easier for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Lexus NX had an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. The NX offered a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and a power liftgate with kick sensor technology. However, its cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. These figures made the NX’s storage capacity one of the smallest in its class.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Other standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims like the Limited added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Limited also featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver’s voice to the rear speakers.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the Lexus system was less user-friendly. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Navigation package added two speakers to the standard eight-speaker system, with a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system available on the top-tier NX. The NX also supported the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app and Enform Services Connect.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and top scores from the IIHS, with its driver-assistance features rated Superior.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional extras included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX earned top scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.