2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Toyota Sienna occupied a unique niche in the automotive market, standing firm as a minivan while many competitors shifted to SUVs. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident through its history, from the original Van in the 1980s to the innovative Previa and the subsequent generations of the Sienna. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced an SUV-like style while retaining its minivan identity, thanks to features like sliding side doors and a macho front end. The re-engineered door hinges and slides, along with integrated styling details, gave it an assertive profile. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering an uncluttered front cabin, clever storage solutions, and comfortable seating for second- and third-row passengers.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX boasted a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and a height of 74.2 inches. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards off-road capability, with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and disappointment, with an abundance of plastic materials. While it featured heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery, the overall feel was not as luxurious as one might expect from a Lexus.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna carried over its hybrid powertrain from 2021, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all trim levels. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), offering four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform contributed to better-than-expected handling for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable highway ride. The Sienna Hybrid's fuel economy was impressive, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was tucked under the front seats, backed by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 offered a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. The GX's towing capacity was 6,500 pounds, but its fuel economy was less impressive, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to noticeable body roll, but it remained predictable and controllable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard four-wheel drive (4WD) system, along with features like downhill assist and hill-start assist, enhanced its off-road capability. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) further improved on- and off-road driving dynamics.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, capable of carrying 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 60/40-split third-row bench stored away easily, and each row featured storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for families.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered plenty of cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a phone space ahead of the shifter, and side-by-side cupholders. However, the door pockets were small, and the USB ports were outdated USB-A types. The GX retained physical controls, which some drivers preferred over touchscreens. The center console lid had sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests, and the second row was comfortable with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat. The third row, however, was too tight for regular use. The side-hinged trunk door required muscle to open and offered limited cargo space: 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen standard across all grades, featuring 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 trim levels offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display, and a 10-inch color head-up display. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror and Smart Key System.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrations. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as in newer Lexus models. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, a two-speed transfer case, and features like downhill assist, hill-start assist, and KDSS. The Off-Road Package added a multi-terrain monitor, transmission cooler, fuel-tank protection, crawl control, and multi-terrain select system.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the 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 had 10 airbags, multiple LATCH child-seat connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year. Despite this, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. While it lacked some top-end features, its safety technology was still commendable.