2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in a market where minivans were becoming increasingly rare, as many manufacturers shifted focus to SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan segment, evolving the Sienna over several generations since its debut in 1998. The latest iteration of the Sienna embraced a more SUV-like aesthetic, with a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a robust and assertive profile. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin, with ample storage solutions and comfortable seating for families, including available second-row captain’s chairs and a versatile third-row bench that folded into the floor.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid maintained a sleek and modern design, though it was not considered particularly striking. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models shared a similar appearance to their non-hybrid counterparts, with subtle distinctions like the blacked-out grille and matte-black wheels on the F Sport Performance. Inside, the RX featured a minimalist design with high-quality materials, such as Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim in the RX 350h Luxury model. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered a sportier interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum trim. The cabin was equipped with advanced technology, including a new infotainment system and ambient lighting, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, with the latter adding a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and improved fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride, thanks to its advanced suspension system. Fuel consumption was impressive, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, while AWD models recorded 6.7 L/100 km.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid models: the RX 350h and the RX 500h F Sport Performance. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, producing 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque. It was expected to achieve 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving, though real-world tests showed an average of 7.4 L/100 km. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, generating 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It offered a more dynamic driving experience, with a six-speed automatic transmission and an advanced AWD system. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 11.3 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, offering a spacious interior capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row provided flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also had a towing capacity of 1,585 kilograms. The power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate added convenience, especially when carrying groceries or children.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid prioritized comfort and luxury, with the RX 350h Luxury model featuring ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and a three-zone automatic climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The battery placement under the rear seat provided excellent leg support, though rear headroom was slightly compromised. Cargo space was improved over the previous model, with 838 litres available behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the back seat folded down.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for these features. The Sienna included a range of telematics services, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional features like Qi wireless charging and a rear-seat entertainment system. Higher trim levels offered upgraded audio systems and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring activation of connected services plans for full functionality. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a cloud-based navigation system and digital voice assistant. While the system generally performed well, it had some limitations, such as the inability to view multiple screen menus simultaneously and issues with screen reflections. The available head-up display and touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel added convenience, though they posed challenges for users wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, pre-collision system, and blind spot monitoring. The Sienna also had 10 airbags, LATCH connectors for child seats, and a rear-seat reminder system.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driver assistance features like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also included Proactive Driving Assist, which helped maintain safe distances and speeds. While the safety systems generally performed well, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had room for improvement. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park technologies.