Toyota Sienna vs Lexus TX

The 2025 Toyota Sienna attempted to break away from the traditional minivan mold with its distinctive design elements. Despite its trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines, the Sienna still retained the quintessential minivan appearance. The Platinum trim, with its new flower-petal wheel designs and Magnetic Gray paint, added a touch of elegance to the lineup. Inside, Toyota updated the interior with a new woodgrain finish, although opinions on its aesthetic appeal varied. While the Sienna's interior improvements were noted, it still faced challenges in shaking off its minivan roots.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a more refined and luxurious appearance. The TX maintained its large grille, reminiscent of the older spindle design, but it was complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and a sleek rear LED lighting setup. The addition of a panoramic glass roof and the striking Matador Red Mica paint option enhanced its visual appeal. Inside, the TX provided a spacious and comfortable cabin with ambient lighting and suede trim, although some materials fell short of luxury standards. The redesigned door handles were a unique touch, but the focus on interior quality could have been improved.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivering a net horsepower of 245. While this might not seem impressive for a vehicle seating up to eight and towing 3,500 pounds, the electric motor's torque provided a responsive feel. The Sienna excelled in city driving with its quiet operation, but the CVT's noise became apparent during hard acceleration. The hybrid system prioritized fuel economy, achieving an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving, although real-world results varied. Handling was predictable but not particularly engaging, with a smooth ride and minimal body roll.

The 2026 Lexus TX, particularly the 550h+ plug-in hybrid, offered a more powerful performance with 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The TX provided multiple driving modes, including electric-only and hybrid options, catering to various driving preferences. The ride was smooth and quiet, with the suspension effectively absorbing road imperfections. The AWD system allowed for power distribution between the front and rear wheels, enhancing traction. While the TX wasn't designed for sporty driving, it offered a comfortable and capable experience, making it suitable for long road trips.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna prioritized practicality with its minivan design, offering power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. However, the cushions felt firm during extended drives. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular among passengers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna provided ample storage space, although finding secure spots for large water bottles was challenging. Cargo capacity was generous, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 101 cubic feet. However, the lack of removable second-row seats limited its versatility compared to rivals.

The 2026 Lexus TX excelled in interior space and comfort, with multi-zone climate control and heated and cooled front seats. The third row offered ample headroom and a recline function, making it suitable for adults. The second-row captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, although folding them flat required some effort. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX boasted excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 97 cubic feet. The power-folding third row and available kick sensor in the liftgate added convenience.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) system. The Platinum trim included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display (HUD), and a digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered various connected services plans, with a digital assistant that responded well to commands. However, the JBL premium audio system's excessive bass affected sound quality. The Sienna's infotainment system provided wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but some features required active subscriptions.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with a 14-inch color touchscreen, offering quick responses but lacking some user-friendly features. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions, but their multi-functional nature and lack of labels made them confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but connectivity issues occasionally arose. The TX offered a clear backup camera with a bird’s-eye view and an available Advanced Park system. The rear-camera mirror provided an unobstructed view, and the TX featured multiple USB ports and wireless charging for device connectivity.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While TSS 2.0 lacked some of the newer features found in TSS 3.0, it provided a more straightforward driving experience. The Sienna's safety systems generally performed well, although adaptive cruise control required vigilance in urban areas. The Sienna received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but its frontal crash-test results were less favorable, with a three-star rating for driver protection.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured Safety System+ 3.0, offering forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane centering, and traffic sign recognition. Proactive Driving Assist provided additional support, although it could be intrusive. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, but the steering wheel controls were confusing. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the TX earned an "Acceptable" rating in the IIHS small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side and a "Good" rating for the passenger’s side.