2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Lexus RX

The 2020 Lexus RX received a significant refresh, enhancing its appeal both inside and out. These updates were not minor; they were designed to ensure the RX stood out in a competitive market. Despite its age, the RX maintained a stylish edge over its Toyota counterparts. The exterior boasted standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlamps. The grille was redesigned to align with the Lexus car lineup, and a new paint option, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, was introduced. The rear of the vehicle featured a new shape with dual exhausts, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, complemented by an available hands-free tailgate.

Inside, the RX continued to impress with its well-appointed cabin. Standard features included heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated exterior mirrors. The interior offered various colour and material combinations, with leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard. Wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim were available through equipment packages. The F Sport appearance packages added unique features like a distinctive steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels. The leather-wrapped surfaces exuded luxury, while the centre stack, though functional, appeared dated compared to industry trends.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays contributed to a modern look, while the redesigned sliding side doors added an assertive stance. The Sienna's exterior was characterized by superb Toyota quality, with alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the grade. The interior emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than sedans but not quite reaching the command seating of full-size SUVs. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls conveniently clustered below the infotainment screen. The centre console featured a gear selector lever, cupholders, and a spacious storage compartment, forming a bridge between the dash and storage area. The second and third-row seats provided comfort for adults, with the second row offering flexible configurations for maximum utility.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The three-row RX 350 L models had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h hybrid version combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h L shared the same setup, with a 165-horsepower electric motor and a 37-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The hybrid models featured an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered various drive modes, including EV mode for emissions-free driving. The RX 350 achieved a fuel efficiency of 10.8 L/100 km combined, while the RX 450h excelled with 7.9 L/100 km combined. The RX F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels for enhanced agility.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available. The AWD system utilized a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, providing 54 horsepower and 89 lb-ft of torque. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled CVT, which, while efficient, lacked the punch of a conventional transmission. The Sienna offered four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension improved handling, minimizing body roll. The Sienna Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km combined and AWD models rated at 6.7 L/100 km combined.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior, while not as minimalist as its German counterparts, provided ample comfort for four adults in the two-row configuration. The three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children or pets due to limited space. The cabin offered a wide and tall configuration, with comfortable front seats and decent visibility. However, the A-pillar could obstruct the driver's view of curbs and corners. The RX's cargo area was smaller than its rivals, with a high load floor limiting space. The RX 350 L and 450h L models also had less cargo space compared to competitors, with a hands-free liftgate available on select models.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored away. The second row slid up to 63.5 cm, providing flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The cabin featured ample storage cubbies, cupholders, and bottle holders, with a total of 16 cupholders. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements included 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family-friendly convenience.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system, though criticized, saw improvements in the 2020 model. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. Despite this, the system remained challenging to navigate, with limited customization options. However, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with Bluetooth, provided workarounds. The RX also offered Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and various app compatibilities. The centre console touchpad system improved in responsiveness, and the RX featured six USB ports. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna boasted a wealth of technology features, including a standard nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Sienna offered a year’s trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, along with Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming. Higher trims included Qi-compatible charging and a 1500-watt inverter. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display, remote, and wireless headphones. The driver enjoyed a colour multi-information display, with a digital rearview mirror available on select trims. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2020 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and a backup camera. The 2020 enhancements included daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also offered a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, and automatic high beams. The Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring were standard, along with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. A tire pressure monitoring system and inflator kit were standard, with a spare tire available on the LE grade. The Sienna received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.