2023 Lexus RX vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in the minivan segment with a strong emphasis on blending practicality with a dash of SUV style. While the van's sliding doors made its minivan nature clear, the front end sported a macho demeanor reminiscent of SUVs. Toyota's intricate engineering was evident in the redesigned door hinges and slides that concealed the slider channels, creating a more streamlined look. The rear doors, integrated with styling elements, combined with an assertive overall profile and wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, gave the Sienna a bold stance.

Inside, the Sienna’s cabin was designed to avoid the typical minivan aesthetic. The front cabin had an uncluttered design, exuding a sense of family-friendly functionality. Clever storage solutions, such as the under-console open storage area and numerous cup holders, ensured convenience for all occupants. Seating comfort was top-notch, with second-row captain's chairs featuring ottomans or a bench seat option, and a 60/40-split third-row bench that easily folded away for additional cargo space. The Sienna effectively bridged the gap between family practicality and user-friendly design.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX took a different approach, focusing on premium, modern styling. Shorter in height, broader, and with an extended wheelbase, the RX maintained the same overall length as its predecessor, yet appeared sleeker due to its reduced rear overhang and flowing design lines. The signature spindle-style grille seamlessly flowed into a dramatically elevated hood, contributing to a sporty and sophisticated look. The RX’s upswept body sides and light-blade taillight design further enhanced its sleek, contemporary aesthetic.

The RX’s interior mirrored the sophistication of its exterior. A modern cabin with fewer buttons, a range of high-quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather, real wood, and aluminum, and advanced digital instrumentation created a luxurious environment. The inclusion of features like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and an option for a head-up display underscored Lexus’s commitment to comfort and technology. Overall, the RX combined familiar Lexus design elements with fresh styling cues, offering a refined and upscale driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled with its exclusive hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to generate 243 horsepower. It came in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. The AWD system included a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, adding 54 hp and 89 pound-feet of torque, enhancing functionality without adding mechanical complexity. The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth and efficient power delivery, enhancing the driving experience.

Driving modes like Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport allowed for customized driving experiences, suitable for various conditions. The Sienna’s handling was noteworthy for a minivan, thanks to the TNGA platform, which combined superior suspension and steering systems. It offered a fuel-efficient performance with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models, aided by a cleverly situated Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

Conversely, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 employed a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. During testing, the RX 350 AWD exhibited a balanced performance with some torque steer and body motion under hard acceleration. The F Sport Handling trim, featuring an adaptive damping suspension, offered a more controlled and engaging driving experience with better handling during dynamic conditions.

However, the turbocharged engine, while delivering more torque and better high-altitude performance compared to the outgoing V6, lacked the smooth, refined note of its predecessor. The RX 350 FWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, with the AWD version clocking in at 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy expectations were moderate, with anticipated averages of 25 mpg for the FWD and 24 mpg for the AWD, though real-world tests showed slightly lower results of 22.5 and 21.8 mpg, respectively.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was engineered to be a versatile family workhorse. Capable of holding a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, it offered remarkable cargo flexibility. With sliding second-row seats, the Sienna provided 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second, and 101 cubic feet with all rear seats stowed. It also boasted a 3,500-pound towing capacity, making it a solid choice for families needing ample cargo space and towing capability.

The 60/40-split third-row bench folded easily into the floor, enhancing cargo versatility. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated with foot-motion triggers, which was a big plus when managing groceries or kids.

The 2023 Lexus RX, featuring luxury and sophistication, also offered good functionality but with a focus on premium comfort. The RX 350 Luxury trim came with semi-aniline premium leather seats, ten-way power adjustment, and other luxurious touches like heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. The RX 350 F Sport Handling trim had sportier seats and materials, adding a layer of athleticism to the premium comfort.

While the back seat of the RX was spacious and supportive, taller people might have found headroom slightly tight. Cargo space was improved over previous generations but was still more limited compared to the Sienna, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 46.2 cubic feet with the seats down. This was less generous for the segment but adequate for most luxury SUV buyers’ needs.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was well-equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen that included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a omission for a vehicle of its class. Key connectivity features included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Qi wireless charging was available on most trims.

Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup on base models to a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. An optional rear-seat entertainment system featured an 11.6-inch 1080p display, adding to the family-friendly technology suite. Higher trims included advanced features like a 10-inch head-up display and a digital rearview mirror, making driving safer and more convenient.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or a 14-inch touchscreen. This new system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect plan, free for three years, included Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant, facilitating natural voice recognition for commands and queries.

The RX’s infotainment technology supported user profiles for different drivers, streaming apps like Apple Music or Amazon Music, and a premium 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. Advanced digital features like digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, a digital rearview mirror, and a digital key were available, enhancing the luxurious and futuristic feel. The RX also offered a color head-up display, although it had visibility issues under certain conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned high marks for safety, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which offered adaptive cruise control, lane centering, collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. Additional standard features were stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, 10 airbags, and several LATCH child-seat connectors. A rear-seat reminder and tire-pressure monitoring were also standard, with an optional spare tire for added convenience.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve speed-reduction function. Semi-autonomous driving technologies like Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were also available.

During evaluations, LSS+ 3.0 performed well but had some quirks. Issues included the adaptive cruise control’s unmarked buttons, visibility problems with the HUD when wearing polarized sunglasses, and the curve-speed reduction technology’s non-predictive braking. Despite these concerns, the safety systems contributed to the RX’s robust safety profile.