2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. The interior featured sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, though the center console design was considered bland and dated. Lexus offered the RX in five variants: RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each catering to different preferences, from base models to performance-focused and extended body versions. The 2021 model retained the elongated headlights and refined front-end design introduced in 2020, which aimed to address previous criticisms. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling elements. It featured a macho front end and re-engineered door hinges to conceal the slider channel, giving it a sleek profile. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage and comfortable seating across all rows. The second-row seats could slide up to 25 inches, making access to the third row easy. Cargo space was generous, with 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 boasted a 3,500-pound towing capacity and power-operated sliding doors and tailgate for added convenience.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) RX 350 achieved 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined, while all-wheel-drive (AWD) and RXL models saw slightly lower fuel efficiency. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 horsepower and achieving up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX offered a comfortable ride with targeted steering, though it exhibited some body roll at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension and other performance enhancements. The RX's top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

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 design. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) offered smooth power delivery and four selectable drive modes. The TNGA platform provided better-than-expected handling for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable highway ride. The Sienna's fuel economy was impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city/highway/combined and AWD models getting 35 mpg. 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 RX was a functional SUV with seating for five in the two-row models and six or seven in the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid. Front and second-row seats offered ample space, while the third row was tight. Cargo space in the two-row RX was 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row RXL provided 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second row, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo and passenger space, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements were 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 60/40-split third-row bench easily stored away, and each row featured storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for families.

The 2021 Lexus RX came with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, wireless charging, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The touchpad controller for the infotainment system was functional but took up valuable center console space. The RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, one USB media port, and six USB charging ports. It offered 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 included Qi wireless charging and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt AC outlet. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 12-speaker JBL system. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror and a 10-inch head-up display on Platinum trims.

The 2021 Lexus RX received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 suite included a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, and road sign assist. The RX had two complete sets of LATCH connectors in the rear outboard seats.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The 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 Star Safety System added stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brake-force distribution. The Sienna had 10 airbags and multiple LATCH connectors, with a rear-seat reminder system and tire-pressure monitoring. A spare tire was available, mounted in the cargo space wall for convenience.