2024 Lexus TX vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, was designed to stand out as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, distinct from the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model featured striking 22-inch silver-finished wheels, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly enhanced its visual appeal. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative look that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's design. The TX was available in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, including destination charges and dealer fees. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna was available in LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited trims, offering a distinctive look with sleek front and rear fascias. It came in vibrant colours like deep blue, red, or bronze, and featured standard LED lighting, with upper trims boasting Bi-LED projector headlamps. The XSE trim, considered sporty, included a black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels. The Sienna's interior was practical, with cloth seats, three-zone climate control, and room for eight. The XSE trim replaced the second-row bench with captain's chairs and added leatherette-trimmed sport seats. The interior design featured horizontal lines for a spacious feel, and the fixed centre console had satin accents. While not luxurious, the Sienna's interior was functional and family-friendly.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial concerns about its suitability for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, the engine performed adequately in typical driving situations with up to four passengers. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, a slight improvement over the previous RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension, accurate steering, and a quiet interior on the highway. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, a hybrid minivan, combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 245 horsepower. While not designed for high-performance driving, the Sienna offered a smooth but somewhat sluggish ride, especially when merging on highways or climbing hills. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to the slow acceleration and could be noisy. Around town, the Sienna provided a pleasant driving experience, with Normal or Eco mode being the most suitable. The brakes were a bit grabby, but the steering was light and accurate, and visibility was excellent. The Sienna's hybrid system offered an EV mode for low-speed areas, enhancing its efficiency. However, for those seeking more driving excitement, alternatives like the Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, or Chrysler Pacifica with V6 engines might be more appealing.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The second-row bench seat was standard, but captain's chairs were available with the Executive 6-Passenger package. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they were comfortable and easy to adjust. The second-row seat, though not as welcoming, offered triple-zone climate control, USB charging ports, and manual side window shades. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with enough leg support and large side windows. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third-row seats folded and 2,746 litres with the second-row seats down. However, the second-row legroom was limited, and storage slots lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and functionality. The front featured a lower storage pass-through for bulkier items, four cupholders, and a shelf above the glovebox with a wireless charging pad. The second-row captain's chairs could slide fore and aft 63.5 centimetres, offering up to 101.5 centimetres of legroom. However, the slide function was complicated, and the seats couldn't be removed, limiting maximum cargo space. The third-row seats were easy to access, with ample legroom when the second row was adjusted. The Sienna offered tri-zone climate control, with an additional zone for the front passenger in the XSE trim. The rear liftgate revealed 949 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,129 litres with the third row stowed and 2,860 litres with the second row folded. However, the third-row seats didn't lock into place when flush with the floor.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options like a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist system in the Executive packages. The head-up display, however, had unmarked steering wheel controls that required referencing the display, which was problematic for those wearing polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a three-year Remote Connect subscription. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna retained Toyota's older infotainment technology, featuring a nine-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the newer system offered better graphics and features, the Sienna's setup included physical buttons for common menus. The backup camera had a grainy view, and the gauges were analog with a 7-inch digital display for essential information. The Sienna offered available SiriusXM satellite radio, a 12-speaker JBL stereo system, and an optional rear-camera mirror. USB ports were plentiful, and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt outlet was available for the second row and rear cargo area. However, the outlets required activation via a button near the driver's seat.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was also part of LSS+ 3.0, offering braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't entirely transparent in operation. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways, but no higher-speed hands-free system was available.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna included the Toyota Safety Sense suite as standard, featuring lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, road sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The adaptive cruise control worked well in stop-and-go traffic, though the lane-keeping assist caused some side-to-side movement. The Sienna had numerous airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows, and reminders for rear passengers and cargo. The NHTSA rated the Sienna with four out of five stars for frontal crash and rollover protection and five stars for side crash protection. The IIHS gave it a "Good" rating for crashworthiness and seat belt systems, but an "Average" rating for front crash prevention.