2024 Lexus TX vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

Lexus had based the new 2024 TX on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet managed to create an SUV distinct enough to uphold its luxury branding. Unlike the Grand Highlander, which bore a resemblance to a larger version of the RAV4, the Lexus TX aimed for an upscale look. The test model, adorned with Luxury trim, featured 22-inch silver-finished wheels—an expensive option, but one that considerably enhanced the SUV’s presence.

In terms of styling, the TX eschewed the more aggressive Lexus design language for a more conservative, nearly anonymous appearance. This could appeal to those put off by the automaker’s previous styling trends. The 2024 model came in three different series—TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid—with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. Notably, Lexus had not yet started selling the 550h+, which could begin at over $75,000.

For the test, the focus was on the TX 350, predicted to be the volume seller. Equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and FWD or AWD, the test vehicle featured the FWD variant with Luxury trim. The base price was $60,950, with options including a Convenience Package, Technology Package, 21-speaker surround-sound audio system, side puddle lamps, and rear cargo lamps, bringing the total to $67,869.

Luxury trim added upgraded ambient interior lighting and premium semi-aniline leather upholstery with artificial suede trim. Despite this, the dark Peppercorn interior, combined with black-grained trim, resulted in a rather dark cabin atmosphere even with the panoramic glass sunroof. Nevertheless, it still met expectations for luxury that one would associate with the Lexus badge.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna offered a more distinctive and daring look. Available in trims like LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum, the Sienna presented a vibe reminiscent of Toyota’s "swagger wagon" days. The front and rear fascias were sleek, and the color palette included bold options like deep blue, red, and green. Standard LED lighting was improved with Bi-LED projector headlamps in upper trims, enhancing nighttime visibility.

The XSE trim, tested for its sportiness, included a black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels. The Woodland Edition upped the ante further with exclusive Cement or Midnight Black Metallic colors and off-road-ready features like roof rails with crossbars, a tow hitch, and an extra half-inch of ground clearance.

In the interior, the Sienna boasted features like cloth seats, tri-zone climate control, and room for eight passengers. The XSE trim with the optional Premium package added leather-trimmed, heated, and cooled front seats, while leather-trimmed captain’s chairs replaced the second-row bench seat. This change did sacrifice some cargo space but delivered more comfort and flexibility. Horizontal design lines added a sense of spaciousness.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Though the idea of a smaller engine in a mid-size, three-row luxury SUV seemed questionable, the engine performed adequately with up to four passengers. However, a grating engine note and mild torque steer in FWD variants could be irksome. The engine produced 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, accelerating the SUV to 60 mph in around eight seconds. The SUV felt quicker than these figures suggest, thanks to the noticeable torque.

Fuel economy for the FWD variant was rated at 23 mpg in combined driving by the EPA, just a slight improvement over the older RX L’s 22 mpg with a 3.5-liter V6. However, real-world testing showed an average of 20.4 mpg. The AWD option cost an additional $1,600 and offered slightly quicker acceleration while affecting city and highway fuel ratings but retained the 23-mpg combined rating.

The ride and handling of the TX were commendable, with a balanced suspension that was firm yet compliant, ensuring comfort without sacrificing road feel. The steering was accurate, and the cabin remained quiet on highways. The brake pedal felt soft but proved easy to modulate during stops.

Conversely, every 2024 Sienna came with a hybrid powertrain: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors for the FWD models and an additional motor for the rear wheels in the AWD models, all producing a total of 245 horsepower. Performance enthusiasts would find the Sienna sluggish, even with a sport-tuned suspension and Sport mode to aid acceleration. The CVT further hampered the driving experience by making the vehicle feel slow and occasionally loud.

However, for regular city driving, the Sienna was pleasant and unremarkable. It offered modes like Normal, Eco, and EV for various situations, though its brakes could be overly sensitive. Light and accurate steering and excellent visibility rounded out the driving experience.

In addressing the needs of a three-row SUV, the 2024 Lexus TX surpassed previous Lexus efforts. The GX and LX models were aimed at off-roading and carried hefty price tags, while the RX L was too small. The TX corrected these issues, offering a genuinely functional third-row seat suitable for adults.

The interior featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated seats in the front and second rows, triple-zone automatic climate control, dual USB ports, and manual window shades. The third-row seat was spacious enough for taller adults if the second row was adjusted slightly forward. Even then, the third row offered supportive seating and good visibility.

Storage was ample but could have used linings to prevent noise and vibrations. The split front center armrest aimed for convenience but was less practical. Cargo space was a standout, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.4 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and a whopping 97 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, while different, was equally adept at handling interior space and utility. The lower storage pass-through, multiple cup holders, and a storage shelf above the glovebox showcased thoughtful design aimed at family convenience. The powered side doors in the second row could be operated easily by passengers, with the captain’s chairs providing up to 40 inches of legroom and available ottomans.

However, the inability to remove the second-row seats limited maximum cargo capacity. Third-row access was easy for both children and adults, providing 39 inches of legroom with the second row adjusted forward, the best in its class. Additionally, the third row tilting seats and ample storage options contributed to a well-rounded family vehicle.

Cargo capacity in the Sienna was impressive, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Folding the third row expanded this to 75 cubic feet, and with the second row down, it maxed out at 101 cubic feet—greater than the TX’s offering.

The Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the package’s unmarked dual-purpose steering wheel controls were distracting and less useful when wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 14-inch touchscreen display for the Lexus Interface infotainment system was a highlight, especially with the complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were seamlessly integrated. The TX also offered Service Connect and Safety Connect for ten years, providing features like emergency calling and a stolen vehicle locator, along with Wi-Fi Connect and remote engine starting options.

The 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system provided exceptional audio quality, making it a worthy addition for audiophiles.

In contrast, the 2024 Sienna used Toyota’s older infotainment tech, featuring a nine-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not as advanced, the physical buttons for common menus made navigation more straightforward. However, the backup camera’s grainy quality was disappointing for a 2024 model.

Standard features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an optional 12-speaker JBL stereo system. The rear-camera mirror streamed wide-angle video, although it was not featured in the test model. Plenty of USB-A and USB-C ports were available, along with a 1500-watt inverter and 120-volt outlets for the second row and rear cargo area. Notably, an 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment system and a 10-inch head-up display were also available options.

The Lexus TX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). These included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-keeping assist, road sign assist, and automatic high beams. Proactive Drive Assist added further braking and steering support to maintain safe distances.

Additionally, the TX featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional upgrades included parking sensors with automatic braking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist provided hands-free driving at low speeds but didn’t offer high-speed, hands-free driving.

On testing, the ADAS proved smooth and effective, though the TX slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut into the gap ahead, frustrating following drivers.

Similarly, the 2024 Toyota Sienna included the Toyota Safety Sense suite as standard, featuring lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, road sign recognition, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard.

Most systems worked well, with adaptive cruise control easing the stress of stop-and-go traffic. However, the lane-keeping assist caused some side-to-side movement, making it easy to deactivate if needed.

The Sienna also had side curtain airbags for all three rows and a rear seat belt reminder, ensuring even backseat passengers were secure. The 2024 Sienna received a four-star rating from NHTSA for frontal crash and rollover protection and a five-star rating for side crash protection. IIHS awarded it top scores for crashworthiness but rated it "Average" in front crash prevention.