2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, shedding its traditional image with a design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. Despite its minivan roots, the Sienna offered a stylish alternative with features like 20-inch wheels on select trims and a variety of options from the base LE to the top-tier Platinum. Inside, the Sienna impressed with high-quality materials, such as brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents, especially in the Platinum trim. It accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater option supporting three car seats across the middle row.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid maintained a more traditional SUV appearance, with subtle differences between the RX 350 and RX 350h models. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its aggressive styling and unique color options. While the RX wasn't considered stunning, it offered a clean, minimalistic interior with modern textures and ambient lighting. The RX 350h Luxury trim featured luxurious Macadamia leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a sportier, all-black interior with artificial suede and aluminum trim.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors, producing 245 horsepower. While it lacked the power of some competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering provided a surprisingly nimble and enjoyable driving experience. It offered various drive modes, but the normal mode was recommended for the best balance. The Sienna's light steering and tidy turning radius made it easy to maneuver in urban settings.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two hybrid options. The RX 350h produced 246 horsepower and achieved an estimated 36 mpg, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance delivered 366 horsepower with a turbocharged engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The RX 500h accelerated to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, offering a more dynamic driving experience with features like adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering. However, its fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 20.9 mpg during testing. The RX 350h, on the other hand, provided a more efficient and comfortable ride, averaging 32 mpg.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions, with a large open cubby, a long dash shelf, and numerous cupholders. Its minivan platform offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 101 cubic feet with seats folded. While the middle row couldn't be removed, it provided ample legroom and comfort with sliding captain's chairs and extending ottomans.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid improved cargo space over its predecessor, offering 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with seats folded. The RX 350h Luxury trim provided ten-way power-adjustable front seats with premium leather, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance featured eight-way adjustable seats with larger bolsters. Rear legroom was good, but headroom was tight due to the battery placement and lower roofline.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna used an older infotainment system with standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but required a wired connection. The interface was reliable but felt outdated and clunky, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system with connected services, cloud-based navigation, and an Intelligent Assistant. While the system worked well, it had limitations, such as single-screen menus and reflection issues. The available head-up display added functionality but was problematic with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a 5-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with new additions like motorcycle detection and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were available, though some features had limitations, such as the curve-speed reduction tech and driver monitoring system.