2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, marked its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Despite maintaining the same overall length, it offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though still less than some competitors. The RX appeared smaller due to its reduced rear overhang and softer design lines, complemented by a floating roof effect created by the down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar. The front featured a signature spindle-style grille with a modern mesh texture, flowing into an elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's exterior styling was distinct yet familiar, ensuring it stood out from the previous generation and the smaller NX model.

Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. The Intelligent Assistant technology, available for three years on some models, enhanced user experience with natural voice recognition. High-quality materials were evident, with NuLuxe artificial leather as standard and genuine leather available. The RX 350, RX 350h, and RX 500h models offered various trim levels, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid was anticipated but not immediately available.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its traditional minivan image with a design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. It offered a range of trim levels, including the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition. The Sienna's interior was praised for its practicality, with ample storage solutions and a spacious cabin. It provided seating for seven or eight passengers, with the latter configuration supporting three-across car seats in the middle row. The Sienna's minivan platform allowed for impressive cargo space, though it fell short of some competitors due to the non-removable middle row seats. The second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, offering extending ottomans and sliding capabilities for added comfort.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. During testing, the RX 350 AWD demonstrated a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 7.3 seconds, with a combined fuel economy estimate of 9.9 L/100 km. The RX 350 Executive trim offered a smooth ride but exhibited occasional torque steer and body motion over uneven surfaces. In contrast, the RX 350 F Sport 3 trim, equipped with an adaptive damping suspension, provided a more secure and composed driving experience. Both models featured 21-inch wheels with 235/50 all-season tires, and the F Sport 3's upgraded brakes enhanced performance.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, delivered 245 net system horsepower. While the powertrain was less impressive than some competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering were commendable. The minivan offered a nimble driving experience, with light steering and a tidy turning radius. The Sienna's drive modes included EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, though Normal mode was recommended for optimal performance. Despite its size, the Sienna was easy to drive in urban settings and comfortable on highways.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 models provided comfortable seating, with the F Sport 3 package offering sport seat bolsters for added support. The RX 350 Executive trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The cabin was modern and sophisticated, with ample storage and improved cargo space compared to the previous generation. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space with the second row in place and 1,308 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins. It featured a large open cubby below the centre console and a long shelf across the dash. The Sienna's cargo space was impressive, with 949 litres behind the third row and 2,129 litres with the seat folded. Total cargo space reached 2,860 litres, though the non-removable middle row limited maximum capacity. The second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, with extending ottomans and sliding capabilities for added comfort.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface multimedia system, featuring a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Intelligent Assistant offered natural voice recognition, though some responses were occasionally inaccurate. The system allowed for user profiles and streaming through embedded apps. The RX also offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional digital rearview mirror and key technology.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna utilized Toyota's older infotainment interface, offering standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included physical buttons, which some users preferred for ease of use. However, the interface felt outdated and required wired connections for smartphone integration. The Sienna featured a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system, providing reliable but unremarkable technology.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Standard features included lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New additions included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also introduced semi-autonomous driving technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. However, some features, such as curve-speed reduction, were less effective.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, 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, the Sienna's safety package was comprehensive and reliable.