2024 Lexus GX vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2024 Lexus GX signified a marked departure from its predecessor with a bold, geometric exterior. The newer generation ditched the softer, rounded corners of the previous GX 470 model for more angular styling. The trademark “spindle” grille remained, but it became less prominent, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. This gave the front fascia a more squared-off, aggressive look. The GX’s hood design featured raised sections above each front wheel, aiding driver awareness during off-road ventures.

Down the sides, the GX boasted minimal character lines and a low window beltline, enhancing visibility. The new design made the vehicle appear as though it was carved from a solid block of metal. The lower edge of the window frame kicked up before the C-pillar, continuing horizontally to the rear. Standard running boards completed the look, with powered variants available on higher trims.

The GX came in six trims, from Premium to Overtrail+, each with distinctive features. The Luxury trims focused on opulence with 22-inch wheels and illuminated doorsills, while the Overtrail trims emphasized off-road capability with eco-friendly upholstery and 18-inch wheels on 33-inch all-terrain tires.

Inside, the GX balanced luxury and utility. Highlighted by a 14-inch touchscreen, it retained essential physical off-road controls and rotary knobs for climate and audio adjustments. Though not as opulent as a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the GX exuded a rugged, premium feel suitable for a lifetime of hard use.

Conversely, the 2024 Toyota Sienna continued to cut a distinctive look despite the absence of its “swagger wagon” commercials. Available in vibrant colors like deep blue, red, and green, the Sienna featured sleek front and rear fascias. Upper trims benefited from Bi-LED projector headlamps for enhanced nighttime visibility.

The XSE trim, distinct for its sporty design, included a black metallic mesh grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels. The Woodland Edition featured off-road enhancements like roof rails, a tow hitch, and marginally increased ground clearance.

The Sienna’s interior aimed for convenience with standard cloth seats, three-zone climate control, and space for eight passengers. Opting for the XSE trim added luxuries like captain’s chairs, heated and cooled leather-trimmed front seats, and a leather-wrapped power steering wheel with ADAS controls. Despite the practical interior, the lack of luxury elements meant it remained primarily a kid-friendly utility vehicle.

Under the hood, the 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, boosting power to 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The V6 offered significant low-end torque, ideal for off-roading scenarios. Built on the GA-F truck platform, shared with vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Tundra, the GX benefitted from a stiffer chassis for better stability.

Its 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth and decisive gear shifts, and standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen center differential provided versatile off-road capability. Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), enhancing wheel articulation and terrain contact.

The GX demonstrated excellent acceleration and braking, though its weight was a consideration in demanding conditions. Surprisingly, the new model offered composed on-road handling, counteracting the expected body roll.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, meanwhile, featured a hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing a total of 245 horsepower. While ample for everyday use, the Sienna lacked robust acceleration, feeling sluggish, particularly with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup, aimed more at efficiency than performance, provided a smooth but uninspiring drive.

Around town, the Sienna proved pleasant with adequate steering and visibility, though the brakes could be grabby. Competing minivans like the Honda Odyssey offered stronger V6 powerplants for those seeking more spirited performance.

The 2024 GX’s interior was a lesson in minimalist sophistication, reducing the number of physical buttons while maintaining crucial controls. The first and second rows offered substantial legroom (41.2 inches in the front and 36.7 inches in the second), but the third row, available only in select models, was tight and best suited for children.

In terms of cargo space, the GX excelled with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet when folded. Overtrail models, lacking a third row, offered even more space, topping out at 90.5 cubic feet.

The 2024 Sienna, designed with family convenience in mind, provided a practical setup. Front seats featured multiple storage solutions, including a lower pass-through area. The second-row captain’s chairs slid 25 inches fore and aft, offering up to 40 inches of legroom, though their non-removable nature limited maximum cargo capacity. Adults could access the third row easily, with its 39 inches of legroom, the best in the class.

Cargo capacity in the Sienna stood at 33.5 cubic feet with the third row in place, expanding to 75 cubic feet when folded, and reaching a total of 101 cubic feet with the second row folded down, outperforming the GX in this regard.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offered plenty of USB-C ports and a 120-volt outlet in the trunk. The Lexus Interface included a voice assistant and subscription-based services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect for added convenience.

The GX’s standard 10-speaker audio system could be upgraded to a 21-speaker Mark Levinson system on higher trims. However, many features required a subscription after the initial three-year trial, potentially adding to long-term costs.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna lagged with an older infotainment setup. A nine-inch touchscreen offered wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and while it included physical buttons for common functions, the system felt dated.

The backup camera suffered from poor resolution, and the analog gauges complemented by a 7-inch digital display felt slightly behind the times. Nevertheless, the Sienna offered a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM, optional JBL stereo, rear-camera mirror, and in-dash navigation.

Multiple USB ports and a 1500-watt inverter with 120-volt outlets added convenience, though activating these outlets required an additional step. Optional features included a rear-seat entertainment system and a head-up display, enhancing its family-friendly appeal.

The 2024 Lexus GX made significant strides in safety, upgrading to the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. This included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. Although not yet rated by NHTSA or IIHS, the modern architecture and comprehensive ADAS suggested improved safety over previous models.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, featuring lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and road sign recognition. While adaptive cruise control performed well, lane-keeping assist showed some side-to-side movement. Numerous airbags provided comprehensive protection, and NHTSA awarded it four out of five stars in frontal crash and rollover protection, and five stars in side crash protection. IIHS also rated it highly, except for an “Average” in front crash prevention.