2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX presented a modern and sporty design, continuing the aesthetic updates from its 2020 facelift. Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the RX 350 offered seating for five, while the RX 450h hybrid model provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. The RX's exterior was characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, creating an aggressive yet restrained design. The F Sport models added a performance-oriented look with 20-inch wheels, black-housing mirrors, and unique front fascia. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury appeal with soft-touch surfaces and high-quality materials, though the centre stack felt dated. The F Sport models featured sporty elements like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. However, comfort was compromised by less-than-pleasant NuLuxe seats and limited lumbar support, making it challenging to find an ideal driving position.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its minivan image with a design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. Despite its size, the Sienna was easy to drive, offering nimble handling and a sound chassis. The interior was spacious, with clever storage solutions like a large cubby below the centre console and a long shelf across the dash. The Sienna's three-row seating accommodated up to eight passengers, with the second-row captain's chairs providing comfort and functionality. The minivan's cargo space was impressive, offering 949 litres behind the third row and up to 2,860 litres total. However, the middle row couldn't be removed or folded into the floor, limiting maximum cargo capacity compared to competitors. The Sienna's interior featured high-quality materials, with heated and ventilated seats available on higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450h hybrid model combined a V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 hp. All 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 lacklustre engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and a Sport+ drive mode, but the driving dynamics remained largely unchanged. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing road imperfections and providing a serene driving experience. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid offered improved efficiency at 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors, delivering 245 net system horsepower. While the power output was less impressive than competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering provided a surprisingly enjoyable driving experience. The minivan's light steering and tidy turning radius made it easy to manoeuvre in the city, and it cruised comfortably on the highway. The Sienna offered multiple drive modes, but Normal mode was the most practical choice. The hybrid powertrain's fuel efficiency was a highlight, with the Sienna achieving impressive mileage for a vehicle of its size.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 2,826 litres of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models provided a 2/3/2 seating arrangement, but space was limited for anything beyond groceries. Cargo capacity in the standard RX was 453 litres behind the second row, expanding to 923 litres with the seats folded. The three-row version offered 210 litres with all seats upright, increasing to 1,657 litres with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net, though the high load-in height could be inconvenient.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions, with a large cubby below the centre console and a long shelf across the dash. The minivan's three-row seating accommodated up to eight passengers, with the second-row captain's chairs offering comfort and functionality. The Sienna's cargo space was impressive, with 949 litres behind the third row and up to 2,860 litres total. However, the middle row couldn't be removed or folded into the floor, limiting maximum cargo capacity compared to competitors. The Sienna's interior featured high-quality materials, with heated and ventilated seats available on higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available on higher trims. The infotainment system, though responsive, was ergonomically unfriendly due to its positioning. The touchpad interface was hypersensitive and unintuitive, leading to frustration. Despite these issues, 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 Lexus App provided additional connectivity options, such as remote engine start and vehicle settings.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured an older infotainment interface with core features like SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included physical buttons, which were functional but contributed to the interface's dated appearance. The 9-inch touchscreen was adequate, and the 12-speaker JBL premium audio system provided good sound quality. However, the Sienna's technology felt outdated compared to newer models, with wired connections required for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included 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. It scored four stars overall from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna boasted an impressive array of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While competitors offered additional features like intercom systems and rear-seat cameras, the Sienna focused on essential safety technology.