2023 Lexus RX vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Lexus RX presented a refined exterior with a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase, maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor. Despite offering more cargo space than the 2022 model, it appeared smaller due to reduced rear overhang and softer design lines. The signature spindle-style grille was seamlessly integrated, flowing into an elevated hood and upswept body sides reminiscent of the Lexus IS sedan. The rear featured a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper, ensuring the RX was recognizable yet fresh compared to its predecessor. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. High-quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather and real wood trims were available, enhancing the luxury feel. The RX 350 was offered in various trims, including hybrid options, with pricing expected to remain close to the previous model's base price of just over $47,000.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna stood out with its distinctive design, available in trims like LE, XLE, and the sporty XSE. It featured sleek front and rear fascias and came in vibrant colors such as deep blue and red. LED lighting was standard, with upper trims offering Bi-LED projector headlamps. The XSE trim added sporty elements like a black metallic mesh grille and 20-inch dark wheels. The Woodland Edition catered to off-road enthusiasts with roof rails, a tow hitch, and increased ground clearance. Inside, the Sienna offered a practical layout with a lower storage pass-through, multiple cupholders, and a shelf above the glovebox. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom, though they couldn't be removed, limiting cargo space. The third row was accessible and offered generous legroom when the second row was adjusted. The Sienna featured tri-zone climate control, with upper trims adding a fourth zone for the front passenger. The rear liftgate revealed 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 101 cubic feet with the third row stowed.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered more torque and better high-altitude performance than the previous V6, though it lacked the same smoothness. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport Handling trim felt more secure with its adaptive damping suspension. Both models had 21-inch wheels and 235/50 all-season tires, with the F Sport Handling offering upgraded brakes. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with fuel economy expected at 24 mpg combined, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a total of 245 horsepower. AWD models added an electric motor for the rear wheels. While the Sienna offered a sport-tuned suspension and Sport mode, it felt sluggish off the line, with the CVT contributing to a less engaging driving experience. Acceleration was smooth but slow, especially on highways or inclines. The Sienna excelled in urban settings, with light steering and excellent visibility. The brakes were occasionally grabby, but the minivan offered a comfortable ride. Competing models like the Honda Odyssey and Kia Carnival provided more powerful V6 engines.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package providing sport seat bolsters for added support. The RX 350 Luxury trim featured premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The F Sport Handling trim included NuLuxe simulated leather seats and a thick-rimmed heated steering wheel. Both models provided ample rear seat space, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX offered improved cargo space, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space, with a lower storage pass-through and multiple cupholders. The second-row captain’s chairs offered up to 40 inches of legroom, though they couldn't be removed, limiting cargo capacity. The third row was accessible and provided ample legroom, with the second row adjusted. The Sienna featured tri-zone climate control, with upper trims adding a fourth zone. The rear liftgate revealed 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 101 cubic feet with the third row stowed.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. Drive Connect offered three years of free service, including Intelligent Assistant voice recognition. The system allowed user profiles and music streaming through embedded apps. The RX also featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional head-up display. However, the system lacked the ability to display multiple data panels simultaneously.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna retained Toyota’s older infotainment system, with a nine-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the graphics were less advanced, physical buttons for common menus were appreciated. The backup camera was grainy, and the gauges were analog, with a 7-inch digital display in the cluster. The Sienna offered a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM radio, and an optional JBL stereo system. USB ports were plentiful, and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt outlet was available. Optional features included a rear-seat entertainment system and a head-up display.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. New features included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. While LSS+ 3.0 was impressive, it had some flaws, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and non-predictive curve-speed reduction technology. The driver monitoring system could be obstructed by certain driving positions.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, road sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The Sienna had numerous airbags, including side curtain airbags for all rows. It received a four-star rating from NHTSA for frontal crash and rollover protection and five stars for side crash protection. The IIHS rated it "Good" in crashworthiness but "Average" in front crash prevention.