2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX continued to offer a modern and sporty design, maintaining the aggressive exterior styling that set it apart in the midsize luxury crossover segment. Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the RX 350 provided seating for five, while the RX 450h hybrid model offered a three-row, 7-passenger option. The F Sport trims added a performance-oriented aesthetic with features like 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia, enhancing the vehicle's athletic appearance. Inside, the RX's cabin exuded luxury, with F Sport models incorporating sporty elements such as Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. However, the interior design felt somewhat dated, and the comfort of the NuLuxe seats left much to be desired, with limited lumbar support and challenging driving position adjustments.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues, such as a macho front end and re-engineered sliding doors. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, offered a spacious and versatile interior, with clever storage solutions and comfortable seating for passengers in all three rows. The second-row captain’s chairs with ottomans and a 60/40-split third-row bench that stored away into the floor added to its practicality. The Sienna's design focused on family-friendly features, including power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, making it convenient for loading and unloading. The interior avoided the typical minivan feel, providing a more refined and uncluttered cabin experience.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450h hybrid model combined a V6 with two electric motors for a total output of 308 hp. All RX models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of engine growl and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and additional drive modes, but the differences in driving dynamics were minimal. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, providing a smooth ride and isolating road noise effectively. Fuel efficiency varied, with the RX 350 consuming 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved a combined rating of 7.9 L/100 km.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The Sienna utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), offering smooth power delivery and maximizing fuel efficiency. The TNGA platform contributed to better-than-expected handling for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable highway ride. The Sienna's fuel consumption was impressive, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models consumed slightly more. The hybrid system's battery pack was strategically placed under the front seats, and Toyota offered a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty for added peace of mind.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered a passenger volume of 2,826 litres in its two-row configuration, comfortably accommodating four adults. The three-row L models, however, provided limited space for passengers and cargo, with only 210 litres available behind the third row. Cargo capacity increased to 1,657 litres with both back rows folded, but the seats did not fold completely flat. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, but the high load-in height of the cargo area could be inconvenient.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements were generous, with 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's 3,500-pound towing capacity added to its practicality. The 60/40-split third-row bench easily stored away, and the power-operated sliding doors and liftgate enhanced convenience. The Sienna's interior was designed with family needs in mind, offering ample storage cubbies and cupholders throughout.

The 2022 Lexus RX came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available on higher trims. Despite the 2020 refresh, the touchscreen's positioning remained ergonomically unfriendly, and the touchpad control was frustrating to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The available Mark Levinson premium audio system and Lexus App added to the vehicle's connectivity and personalization options.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While wireless smartphone integration was absent, the Sienna offered a range of telematics services, Bluetooth, and optional Qi wireless charging. Audio systems varied by trim, with a 12-speaker JBL system available on higher trims. The rear-seat entertainment system included an 11.6-inch display, remote, and wireless headphones. The Sienna's digital rearview mirror and Smart Key System enhanced convenience and safety.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, but only with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The NHTSA awarded the RX four stars overall, with five stars in side crash tests.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire for added safety.