2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Lexus RX

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to change the minivan's traditional look, making strides toward a more appealing, SUV-like exterior. Designers worked hard to give it a bold look, starting with a wide grille that accentuated its width and sleek LED headlamp arrays integrated into a panel displaying a prominent Toyota logo. The side view was particularly noteworthy with assertive lines and meticulously re-engineered sliding side doors that bulged over the rear wheels, filled by 17-inch to 20-inch alloy wheels depending on the trim. Completing the look, the rear presented a wide and low stance, uncommon for minivans, with a large rear window.

Inside, the Sienna continued the wide, horizontal lines theme, creating a spacious feeling without entirely emulating an SUV. Drivers enjoyed a raised seating position and an uncluttered dashboard, while the center console offered practicality with multiple cupholders, a sizeable storage compartment, and an innovative tray for handbags. Second- and third-row passengers found comfort with ample space, and the second row boasted adaptable seating configurations.

The 2021 Lexus RX exemplified modern Lexus design with its large grille, angular headlamps, and a floating roofline. Sumptuous seating, perforated leather upholstery, and a somewhat bland center console marked the interior. The RX was offered in five variants: the RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, catering to a range of preferences from the base models to the more performance-focused RX F Sport and the extended RXL versions with third-row seating.

For the 2020 model year, Lexus had refined the RX’s front end with elongated headlights and a redesigned grille to resolve past criticisms. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, various LED lighting elements, and integrated rear spoiler, with options for larger wheels and additional exterior enhancements like triple-beam LED headlights. The F Sport Appearance package added specific design and performance features, enhancing the exterior and interior further with unique badging, a sportier steering wheel, and additional trims.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna introduced a hybrid model, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, and all-wheel drive was optional, facilitated by an additional electric motor for the rear wheels, delivering 54 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque. The Sienna utilized a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which while efficient, provided a less responsive throttle experience than conventional transmissions. Four drive modes—Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport—offered varied driving experiences, though "Sport" mode only added a slight liveliness. Handling improvements came from the new TNGA front and rear trailing arm suspension, ensuring minimized body roll and a comfortable ride. Fuel economy was a major highlight with FWD models achieving 36 mpg across city, highway, and combined, and AWD models slightly trailing at 35 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lexus RX featured a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Although generally smooth, the transmission occasionally hesitated under acceleration. Fuel efficiency was decent for the segment, with the FWD RX 350 managing 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. AWD and RXL configurations saw a slight reduction in efficiency. The hybrid variant combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, achieving a total output of 308 hp and using an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), performing similarly in terms of acceleration to the standard RX models. The RX Hybrid managed 29 to 31 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, depending on the model.

On the road, tuning updates made the RX dynamic yet comfortable, though some body roll was noted at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package offered additional features like adaptive variable suspension and sporty interior elements, enhancing performance slightly for those seeking more thrill.

In terms of functionality, the 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled with convenient features and ample space. It boasted a standard third row across all grades with a versatile 60/40-split bench that could seamlessly stow away. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating easy access to the third row. The interior offered abundant storage with 16 cupholders and multiple cubbies. In terms of cargo capacity, the Sienna was versatile, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood and providing 33.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 101.0 cubic feet with the first row utilized. The minivan could tow up to 3,500 pounds while cleverly housing its hybrid battery under the front seats to avoid cargo space compromise.

The 2021 Lexus RX, while offering a luxurious environment, provided less cargo space compared to minivans. The two-row versions had 18.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. Three-row configurations lessened space to 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second row, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. Standard features included power liftgates with an available hands-free option. While functional, it trailed in cargo capacity when directly compared to other SUVs like the Nissan Murano and Honda CR-V.

Technological offerings were generous in the 2021 Toyota Sienna, starting with a nine-inch touchscreen standard across all trims, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Additional features included SiriusXM, multiple USB ports, Bluetooth, and a trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. High trims added Qi wireless charging, a 1500-watt inverter, and a robust 12-speaker JBL audio system. Rear-seat entertainment was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display. For drivers, the Sienna included a variety of displays and a new digital rearview mirror for unobstructed views when fully loaded.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, among other features. Higher trims added a 12.3-inch display, additional USB ports, a moonroof, and a premium Mark Levinson sound system. While the infotainment system was functional, it wasn’t as user-friendly as competitors, requiring a touchpad controller that occupied necessary center console space. Unlike its competition, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, indicating its slightly dated tech.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system, among others. Standard safety features included ten airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and LATCH connectors. Past safety ratings were promising, though 2021 ratings were pending. Previous models scored highly in various categories and received a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Lexus RX earned the Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS, scoring well in crashworthiness tests. NHTSA awarded it four out of five stars overall. Standard on all RX models were enhanced vehicle stability control, ten airbags, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, with features like pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The RX lacked some of the latest hands-free driving aids found in newer models from competitors.