2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Toyota Sienna set out to redefine the conventional minivan appearance, aiming for a more SUV-like look. It featured a wide grille emphasizing its width and sleek LED headlamp arrays integrated horizontally into a panel. This panel, adorned with a proud Toyota logo, contributed to its assertive stance. The reworked sliding side doors were sculpted impressively, with the body lines swooping up from the rocker panels and bulging over the rear wheels. The alloy wheels, available in 17-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch sizes depending on the trim, added to the refined look. The rear kept a big window but managed to convey a wide, low stance. Internally, the Sienna’s design emphasized width with horizontal lines that aimed to avoid the school bus feel. The dashboard remained uncluttered, while the higher seating position provided comfort. The second and third rows were spacious enough for adults, making the Sienna a blend of style and practicality.

The 2022 Lexus GX came in with a unique appeal, particularly with its Black Line Special Edition. Its Black Onyx color eradicated almost all chrome from the exterior, making it look like a rolling black hole. This version looked shabby quite quickly with a layer of dust, and despite its upscale appeal, the GX’s design seemed dated. Its signature spindle grille, running lights, and triple-beam LED headlights were some of the few modern touches that pointed to Lexus. Inside, craftsmanship was evident, featuring soft materials and a quiet cabin that blocked most noises, except for the faint roar of the V8. The GX's overall design followed older themes but did not compromise on the build quality and refinement.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was noteworthy for being Toyota’s first hybrid minivan. It combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. Offered with standard FWD and an optional AWD, the Sienna utilized a separate electric motor to drive the rear wheels in AWD, providing 54 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque. The electronically controlled CVT facilitated a smooth power delivery but dulled throttle response. Handling saw significant improvements due to new TNGA front suspension and steering, and independent rear suspension, leading to minimal body roll. The Sienna excelled in fuel economy, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving for FWD and 35 mpg for AWD models.

The 2022 Lexus GX, weighing around 5,126 pounds, relied on a 4.6-liter V8 engine generating 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain facilitated a 7.8-second run from 0-60 mph and offered a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system managed power distribution effectively. However, the GX's shape and weight resulted in a somewhat unremarkable fuel economy, approximately 16 mpg combined. The KDSS system improved the GX’s handling, reducing excessive body motions and providing stability despite its significant curb weight. The drive, while heavy in steering and touchy in braking, remained refined with Lexus's attention to ride comfort and off-road capability.

Minivans like the 2021 Toyota Sienna were heavily judged on functionality. With a standard third-row 60/40-split bench and a second row that slid up to 25 inches, the Sienna provided flexible access and space. It boasted 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. Notably, it could accommodate a four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The hybrid battery was cleverly placed under the front seats, avoiding a reduction in cargo space. Families especially appreciated the power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with kick-motion activation.

Conversely, the 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position and straightforward maneuverability. Despite padded and comfortable front seats, the rear access and the third-row were less accommodating. The third-row seat was cramped, and its placement just inches from the rear door compromised safety in case of a rear collision. The GX’s swing-open tailgate also proved inconvenient for urban settings. Cargo capacity measured only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and maxing out at 64.7 cubic feet with the second row down, which was less than compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in integrating technology. All trims featured a nine-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. Connectivity options included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and WiFi Connect with a three-month trial for data. Additional features like the 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment system and multiple USB ports throughout the cabin catered to tech-savvy families. High-end trims offered Premium Audio systems with JBL speakers and Dynamic Navigation, enhancing the multimedia experience. Advanced features like the digital rearview mirror and a Head-Up Display further elevated its tech credentials.

For the 2022 Lexus GX, the centerpiece was the new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system was optional. Despite the intuitive placement of the new screen, the old touchpad remained. The physical controls for the audio and off-road functions were confusingly arranged, causing frequent misoperation. The dual-screen view and advanced voice recognition added modernity, but tech features like the off-road system controls were oddly prioritized over more frequently used audio controls. Standard safety technology upgrades like the Intuitive Parking Assist added value.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. Ten airbags, LATCH connectors, and a tire pressure monitoring system enhanced safety. Although crash-test ratings for the 2021 model year weren’t available, previous models received high marks from both IIHS and NHTSA.

Safety in the 2022 Lexus GX was centered around the Lexus Safety System+. It included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and high-beam headlights. Additional features were blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect. However, the absence of more modern driving aids and crash-test ratings highlighted its outdated nature, despite the comprehensive safety suite.