2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the F Sport models boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for a Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material quality was excellent, with leather and wood trim available. The gauge cluster featured a sculpted metal-faced four-dial setup with a 4.2-inch multi-information display, though it appeared dated compared to competitors. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age but remained functional. However, the layout limited open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna aimed to blend minivan practicality with SUV styling. It featured a macho front end and re-engineered door hinges to conceal the slider channel, giving it a more assertive profile. Standard 17-inch wheels could be upgraded to 18-inch or 20-inch on higher trims. The interior avoided a minivan feel with an uncluttered design and ample storage, including an under-console area, big door pockets, and numerous cup holders. The second and third rows offered comfortable, roomy seating, with available captain’s chairs and a spacious three-across bench in the third row.

The Sienna's third-row bench easily stored away into the floor, and the second-row seats slid up to 25 inches for easy access. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated with foot-motion triggers, adding convenience for families. The Sienna's interior was designed to be a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission, which was adequate but not as smooth as the newer eight-, nine-, or ten-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a competitive time for its segment. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport model included Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically, though some considered this feature gimmicky.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar numbers but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph. The adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, offered up to 650 instantaneous adjustments for a smooth and engaging driving experience. The NX featured three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, each affecting throttle response and power-steering assist.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued with its hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), offering smooth and efficient power delivery. Drivers could choose from four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport.

The Sienna's handling was impressive for a minivan, thanks to the Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform's front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension. Body roll was minimal, and the ride was comfortable. The big news was the Sienna's fuel economy, with the FWD model achieving 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, while the AWD model had slightly lower ratings of 35 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was tucked under the front seats, and it came with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available. The NX offered a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, but its cargo space was limited. With the second-row seats up, there were 17.7 cubic feet of space, expanding to 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. These numbers were among the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility. It could carry a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench stored away easily, and each row had ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated with foot-motion triggers, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included HomeLink, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. The Lexus infotainment system was considered less user-friendly, with functions buried deep in menus. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an upgrade to a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions, and a 10-year subscription to Lexus Enform Services Connect was included.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. A color multi-information display in the instrument panel varied by trim, with a 10-inch head-up display available on Platinum models. Limited and Platinum trims could also upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included 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 safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, a "Superior" rating for front crash prevention, and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also featured the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available, mounted in the cargo space wall for safety and convenience.