2021 Lexus RX vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received a refresh in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when closed, a detail that many automakers typically refine. The instrument panel appeared to be from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, each adding features like power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and a power rear liftgate. The Nightshade Edition added a touch of style with dark accents and wheels.

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased the modern design aesthetic of Lexus, featuring a large grille, angular headlamps, and a floating roof. The interior boasted sumptuous seating and perforated leather upholstery, though the center console design was considered bland. The RX was available in five variants, including the performance-focused RX F Sport and the extended RXL with a third row. The RX retained its 2020 design updates, which included elongated headlights and a refined front end. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels and LED lighting, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The interior offered a range of luxurious options, from semi-aniline leather upholstery to heated and ventilated seats.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered stout acceleration in normal mode, with a Sport mode for more spirited driving. The Sienna's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, and it was available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The FWD model achieved 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the AWD version returned 18/24/20 mpg. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, though its steering response was twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models combined a V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 horsepower. The FWD RX 350 was the most fuel-efficient, achieving 20 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined. The RX Hybrid managed up to 31 mpg city and 28 highway. The RX's suspension and handling were tuned for a more dynamic feel, with the F Sport Handling package adding adaptive suspension and sportier features. The RX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing 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. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but accessing the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it a practical choice for those needing such accommodations.

The 2021 Lexus RX provided functional interior space, seating five in the two-row models and up to seven in the three-row RXL. Front and second-row seating were spacious, but the third row was tight. Cargo space was limited compared to traditional SUVs, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded in the RX. The RXL offered 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 58.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth connectivity. It included five USB ports and a WiFi hotspot with a trial period. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the speakers.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch screen, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. The Remote Touch controller allowed drivers to navigate the infotainment system without touching the screen, though it was less refined than competitors. The RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), which included lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. It earned five stars from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS in various crash tests.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, with Good marks in crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall. The RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. It lacked advanced hands-off piloting technology found in some competitors.