2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

In 2022, the Toyota Sienna firmly embraced the minivan archetype while simultaneously adopting a touch of SUV flair. Despite the declining minivan market, Toyota's commitment to the segment was unwavering. The Sienna’s lineage dated back to 1998, with each successive generation evolving in style and functionality. The fourth-generation Sienna, introduced for the 2021 model year, exemplified Toyota’s dedication to this vehicle class.

The exterior of the 2022 Sienna tried to mask its minivan identity with an assertive, SUV-like aesthetic. The prominent front end, re-engineered door hinges, and the rear door details contributed to an overall muscular and confident look. The Sienna offered a range of wheel options, from 17-inch standards to 20-inch on higher trims. Despite its overt minivan traits like sliding side doors, the Sienna managed to present a more aggressive stance compared to its predecessors.

Inside, the Sienna’s design prioritized functionality and comfort. The cabin was uncluttered and came equipped with extensive storage options, such as the under-console storage, large door pockets, and numerous cup holders. Second and third-row passengers enjoyed ample space, with features like available second-row captain’s chairs and a spacious third-row bench that folded seamlessly into the floor. The second-row seats were highly flexible, sliding up to 25 inches to facilitate easy access to the third row.

The RX had always been popular, but it wasn’t considered visually stunning. The 2023 model continued this trend with a design that arguably carried too much visual weight over the front wheels, creating an imbalance accentuated by the SUV’s stretched wheelbase. The RX’s rear roof pillar design further visually shortened the vehicle’s rear end, making it appear smaller despite being roughly the same size as previous models.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna exclusively featured a hybrid powertrain, setting it apart in the minivan market. It utilized a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, collectively generating 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, but AWD variants added an extra electric motor to drive the rear wheels, simplifying the AWD system's mechanics.

The hybrid setup, coupled with an electronically controlled CVT, promised smooth power delivery and maximized fuel efficiency. The Sienna offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The 2022 Sienna excelled in terms of handling for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform, which featured advanced front suspension and rear trailing arm suspension. This setup minimized body roll and ensured a comfortable ride over long distances.

The Sienna’s EPA fuel economy ratings were impressive: 36 mpg in the city, on the highway, and combined for FWD models, and 35 mpg across all categories for AWD versions. Toyota’s efficient packaging placed the 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack under the front seats, maintaining interior space. The battery came with a decade-long, 150,000-mile warranty.

In comparison, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered varied hybrid powertrains, each designed to cater to different driving preferences. The RX 350h combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. Despite being less powerful than the previous RX 450h, which had 308 hp from a 3.5-liter V6, the RX 350h promised better fuel efficiency, averaging 36 mpg in combined driving.

The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering system, significantly enhancing its athleticism and cornering confidence compared to the RX 350 F Sport Handling model.

Cargo space in the RX Hybrid was notably improved from its predecessors, with 29.6 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This surpassed the old RX 450h’s 16 cubic feet and 32.7 cubic feet, respectively, but still lagged behind some competitors. Despite housing the hybrid battery pack under the rear seat, the RX offered good legroom and support in the back, but rear headroom was somewhat limited due to the vehicle's lower roofline.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was engineered to be a versatile family workhorse. It could comfortably transport a 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, thanks to the flexible sliding second-row seats. Cargo capacity was a strong suit for the Sienna, boasting 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and an expansive 101 cubic feet behind the first row. Additionally, the Sienna had a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity.

The third-row bench seat, split 60/40, folded into the floor effortlessly, enhancing cargo space as needed. Each passenger row offered convenient storage solutions, including cup holders and storage cubbies. Accessibility was further improved with power-operated sliding side doors and a rear tailgate, all of which could be triggered using foot motions, a convenient feature for busy families.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was packed with an array of standard and optional technology features. All trims came with a 9-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa capabilities, along with SiriusXM and multiple USB ports. However, the absence of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a notable omission.

Standard telematics included a year-long trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a decade-long trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T Wi-Fi Connect. Audio systems varied across trims, from a six-speaker system on base models to a superior 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. The Sienna also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch fold-down display for those long family trips.

An optional head-up display in the Platinum trim provided important driving information without requiring the driver to look away from the road. Top trims could also opt for a digital rearview mirror, ensuring a clear view irrespective of passenger obstructions. Keyless entry with push-button start was standard, upgraded to the Smart Key System on higher trims.

In comparison, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid debuted the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, a significant upgrade for the RX lineup. To fully leverage this system, owners had to activate various connected services and create user profiles. Services like Service Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect brought advanced features including cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant.

During testing, the Lexus Intelligent Assistant performed adequately, although it occasionally returned inaccurate search results. The new interface allowed wirelessly running Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but suffered from some practical issues, such as screen reflections and the absence of a tuning knob. The head-up display, available with touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, was less effective when viewed through polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in safety, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Sienna’s extensive safety suite included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 with features like adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. Additionally, Toyota’s Star Safety System provided stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brake-force distribution.

The Sienna was equipped with 10 airbags and multiple LATCH child-seat connectors, reinforcing its family-friendly design. A rear-seat reminder system and tire-pressure monitoring with an inflator kit were standard across all models.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, encompassing advanced driving assistance features like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and a curve-speed reduction feature. Proactive Driving Assist further ensured safety by automatically adjusting speed based on traffic and road conditions.

The RX’s new front cross-traffic alert system provided both audio and visual warnings for approaching vehicles, although visibility issues arose when using polarized sunglasses. Curve-speed reduction and a driver monitoring system, while advanced, had their quirks and could sometimes be intrusive. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist for low-speed, hands-free driving and an Advanced Park semi-autonomous parking technology.