2024 Lexus GX vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the GX 460, with a bold new design that embraced geometric styling. The signature spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights that sat at the squared-off upper edge of the front fascia. The front end stood more vertically, giving the SUV a more aggressive look, while the flat hood featured humps above each front wheel to aid off-road driving. The side profile of the GX appeared as if carved from a solid block of metal, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline to enhance visibility. The rear design continued the horizontal theme, with standard running boards completing the look. The GX was offered in a single trim level in Canada, with five packages available, each catering to different preferences, from luxury to off-roading.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna retained its minivan identity but attempted to add style with upswept body lines, hidden sliding door tracks, and swollen rear fenders. The trapezoidal grille, however, reinforced the "Dustbuster" metaphor. The rear end mimicked the front's cinched-in-the-middle look, with narrow taillights adding a touch of sharpness. The Platinum package introduced new flower-petal wheel designs. Despite these efforts, the Sienna remained unmistakably a minivan, prioritizing practicality over style. The top-of-the-line Limited trim with the Platinum package featured a new Magnetic Grey paint colour and capped a lineup that included LE, XLE, and XSE trims. Prices ranged from $51,219 to $73,753, including destination charges and fees.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided more power than its predecessor, with torque available low in the rev range for off-road capability. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for stability on and off-road. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time four-wheel drive, and a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced off-road performance. The GX demonstrated impressive acceleration and braking, with a weight of 2,570 kilograms. Despite its size, it handled well on-road, with minimal body roll.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It offered 245 horsepower, which was modest for a vehicle seating up to eight and towing up to 1,587 kilograms. However, the electric assist motor provided immediate torque, preventing sluggishness. The Sienna excelled in fuel economy, with an official rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Handling was predictable but not particularly engaging, with squishy steering in curves. The Sienna XSE offered a sport-tuned suspension for a slightly more dynamic drive. The ride was smooth and quiet, with excellent impact isolation, though the CVT could be noisy under hard acceleration.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was a departure from its predecessor, with a minimalist and sophisticated design. It retained essential physical buttons, with rotary knobs for climate control and off-roading features. The first and second rows offered ample space for six-foot-tall adults, with 1,047 millimetres of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row, available in certain packages, was tight for adults, with 810 mm of legroom. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded, and a total of 2,178 litres. Overtrail models provided even more cargo capacity.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna prioritized form and function, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular with passengers, and the third row accommodated adults. The Sienna offered generous storage space, though finding secure spots for large water bottles was challenging. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 949 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,129 litres with it stowed, and a maximum of 2,860 litres. However, the Sienna's second-row seats couldn't be removed, limiting maximum load space compared to rivals.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Drive Connect subscription service included an intelligent voice assistant, while Remote Connect provided remote locking, unlocking, and diagnostics. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the interface was user-friendly, subscription costs for certain features were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) system. The Limited trim included a four-zone climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered connected services with varying subscription periods, including a digital assistant for voice commands. The Sienna's infotainment system was capable, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as alternatives. The Limited trim featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system, though sound quality could be improved.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. The proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway turns. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems instilled confidence in the GX's safety.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, which included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna's TSS 2.0 provided a more straightforward approach to driver assistance, without the intrusive features of TSS 3.0. The Sienna added a rear-seat reminder system for 2025, enhancing safety for families. The NHTSA awarded the Sienna a five-star overall rating, though it scored lower in frontal crash tests.