2024 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX made a bold statement with its massive spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance, standing tall at 1,885 millimetres. Its front end appeared ready to conquer the road, with large headlights framing its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with new paint options, including Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs, making it easier to navigate technical driving situations. However, the interior's plastic materials were a letdown, though it still offered luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna offered a distinctive look with sleek front and rear fascias, available in vibrant colours like deep blue, red, or bronze. The XSE trim, known for its sporty appearance, featured a black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels. The Sienna's interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering cloth seats, three-zone climate control, and room for eight passengers. The XSE trim replaced the second-row bench with captain's chairs and added leatherette-trimmed sport seats. The interior's horizontal design lines created a sense of spaciousness, and the fixed centre console with satin accents added a touch of style. While not luxurious, the Sienna's interior was well-suited for family use.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't excel on paper compared to newer engines, the GX's V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery. Its towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was respectable, but its fuel economy, estimated at 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, was less appealing. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable handling, and its Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhanced its off-road capabilities. Despite its age, the GX's driving dynamics remained solid, with strong brakes and a communicative road feel.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 245 horsepower. While not known for its performance, the Sienna offered a smooth ride with its sport-tuned suspension and Sport mode. However, it felt sluggish off the line, and the CVT transmission could be noisy. Around town, the Sienna provided a pleasant driving experience, with light and accurate steering and excellent visibility. The brakes were a bit grabby, but the Sienna's hybrid system offered an Eco mode for improved efficiency.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, relying on older USB-A ports. The GX's physical controls were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders, while the third row was tight for regular use. The side-hinged trunk door posed challenges, and the cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats and 1,832 litres with both rows folded.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space, with a lower storage pass-through for bulkier items and multiple cupholders. The second-row captain's chairs could slide fore and aft, providing up to 101.5 centimetres of legroom. However, the slide function was complex, and the seats couldn't be removed, limiting cargo space. The third row offered ample legroom, and the seats could tilt for added comfort. The Sienna's rear liftgate, activated with a kick motion, revealed 949 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,860 litres with the second row folded.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard integrations like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. However, the system felt dated compared to newer Lexus models, with lagging graphics. The GX's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a multi-terrain monitor. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced both on-road and off-road driving.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, unfortunately, retained Toyota's older infotainment technology, with a nine-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The backup camera's grainy view was disappointing for a 2024 model. However, the Sienna offered available SiriusXM and a 12-speaker JBL stereo system. USB ports were plentiful, and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt outlet was available for the second row and rear cargo area.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured the Lexus Safety System+ with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, road sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a four-star rating from NHTSA for frontal crash and rollover protection and a five-star rating for side crash protection. IIHS rated it "Good" in crashworthiness but "Average" in front crash prevention.