Toyota Sienna vs Lexus TX

The 2025 Toyota Sienna attempted to break away from the traditional minivan aesthetic with its trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines, yet it still retained the quintessential box-on-wheels design. Despite Toyota's efforts to add flair with features like hidden sliding door tracks and narrow taillights reminiscent of the Camry sedan, the Sienna remained unmistakably a minivan. The new flower-petal wheel designs in the Platinum package added a touch of elegance, but the overall look was still utilitarian. The Magnetic Grey paint colour on the Limited trim with the Platinum package was a fresh addition for 2025, but the Sienna's primary appeal lay in its practicality rather than its style.

Inside, Toyota updated the Sienna's interior with a new woodgrain finish in the Platinum package, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. While a teenager found the material "chopped," adult reviewers appreciated the improved look. The Sienna's interior was designed for functionality, with seating for up to eight and a focus on practicality. The Limited trim offered a more upscale experience with features like ventilated leather seats and a four-zone climate control system, but the Sienna's primary strength was its ability to accommodate families and cargo efficiently.

The 2026 Lexus TX, on the other hand, offered a more luxurious and versatile design. The TX 350 and 500h models came with various packages, including Luxury, Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport options, allowing buyers to tailor the vehicle to their preferences. The TX's exterior featured a large grille reminiscent of the older spindle design, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and a sleek rear LED lighting strip. The available 22-inch wheels added a bold touch, while roof rails provided additional utility for those needing extra storage.

Inside, the TX offered three interior colour options and ambient lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. While the material quality wasn't quite up to luxury standards, the TX provided a spacious and comfortable cabin. The redesigned door handles were a unique touch, though some might have preferred more attention to detail elsewhere. The TX's interior was designed with convenience in mind, featuring a one-touch button for easy third-row access and a range of seating configurations to accommodate passengers and cargo.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid system combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivering a net horsepower of 245. While this might not seem impressive for a vehicle seating up to eight and towing up to 1,587 kilograms, the electric motor's torque provided a responsive driving experience. The Sienna's powertrain was designed for fuel efficiency, achieving a combined rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in FWD models. However, during testing, the Sienna averaged 8.9 L/100 km, which was less than expected.

Handling was predictable and secure, though not particularly engaging. The Sienna's steering lacked precision, and the vehicle exhibited some body roll in curves. The brakes, while generally effective, showed signs of strain during a mountain descent. The Sienna XSE offered a sportier look and suspension, but the standard model prioritized comfort with a smooth, absorbent ride. Despite the CVT's occasional droning, the Sienna remained impressively quiet on the highway.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a more dynamic performance with its two powertrain options. The base TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The TX 500h hybrid model increased output to 366 hp and included a six-speed automatic transmission, which some drivers preferred over a CVT. Both models came with all-wheel drive, with the TX 500h utilizing Lexus's Direct4 AWD system for optimal torque distribution.

Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle response for a more engaging experience. While not a sports car, the TX provided a balanced ride, with the 500h offering adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling. The TX's performance was well-suited for those seeking a blend of power and efficiency.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, offering a range of seating and cargo solutions. The front seats were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated in the Limited trim, though they could become uncomfortable on long drives. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were a hit with passengers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna's sliding side doors and hands-free power liftgate made loading and unloading easy, even in tight spaces.

Cargo space was generous, with 949 litres available behind the third row and 2,129 litres with the third row stowed. However, the Sienna's maximum cargo capacity of 2,860 litres was less than its rivals due to the non-removable second-row seats. While this design choice simplified seat adjustments, it limited the Sienna's ability to maximize cargo space for larger loads.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a spacious and versatile interior, with three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats as standard. The third row was notably roomy, with a recline function and ample headroom for adults. Each seat featured its own cupholder and USB-C port, ensuring passenger comfort and convenience.

Access to the third row was facilitated by a one-touch button on the second-row seat, though folding the second row flat required flipping several levers in a specific order. The front seats were roomy but could benefit from more thigh support. The TX's cargo space was impressive, with 572 litres available behind the third row and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. The TX's towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms made it a practical choice for those needing to haul larger loads.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna offered a robust suite of technology features, particularly in higher trims. The Limited with Platinum package included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) infotainment system. The system supported various connected services, with the digital assistant providing accurate responses to voice commands. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though some features required active subscriptions.

The Sienna's infotainment system was complemented by a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system, though sound quality could be improved. The four-zone climate control system was appreciated by passengers, and the digital rearview camera offered useful zoom capabilities. The head-up display (HUD) provided additional information, though it lacked blind-spot warnings.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch colour touchscreen that was user-friendly and responsive. However, some features, like manually inputting satellite radio stations, were missing. The steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were not labeled, requiring drivers to rely on digital displays for guidance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose.

The TX offered a range of subscription-based features, including in-dash navigation and a voice assistant. The back-up camera provided a clear view, and the Advanced Park system could handle parking duties in both parallel and perpendicular spaces. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, the TX ensured devices remained charged, while the available rear-camera mirror provided an unobstructed view.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While not the latest version, TSS 2.0 provided a reliable set of safety features without overly intrusive interventions. The Sienna also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The new rear-seat reminder system was a thoughtful addition for families, though the Sienna's crash-test ratings were mixed. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, but its frontal crash-test result was less impressive.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. These included forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist, though the latter could be overly sensitive. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, and the TX's crash-test ratings were strong. The NHTSA awarded both the TX 350 and TX 500h five stars, while the IIHS gave it a mix of "Acceptable" and "Good" scores.