2025 Toyota Sienna vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model, featuring Luxury trim, boasted striking 22-inch silver wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. The TX's design was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative look that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's styling. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, though the TX 550h+ was not yet available. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and options for FWD or AWD. The test vehicle, priced at $67,869, featured FWD, Luxury trim, and various packages, providing a luxurious interior with premium materials, though the dark color scheme felt somewhat oppressive.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, while still a minivan, attempted to add style to its practical design. Its trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines gave it a distinctive look, though it retained the boxy shape typical of minivans. The Platinum trim introduced new flower-petal wheel designs, adding a touch of elegance. Despite these efforts, the Sienna remained unmistakably a minivan, prioritizing practicality over style. The test vehicle, a Platinum model in Magnetic Gray, was equipped with various features, including an extended connected services subscription and a digital rearview mirror, bringing the MSRP to $58,634. The Sienna's interior received updates for 2025, with a new woodgrain finish that received mixed reviews. While the interior was generally improved, some elements, like the fading woodgrain, were not well-received by all passengers.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds with FWD and 7.8 seconds with AWD. The engine's performance was adequate for typical driving, though the engine note and torque steer with FWD could be irritating. The TX 350 FWD had an EPA rating of 23 mpg in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, costing an additional $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's suspension provided a balance between firmness and comfort, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the test vehicle.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT, delivering a net horsepower of 245. While not particularly powerful, the electric assist motor provided immediate torque, preventing the Sienna from feeling sluggish. The FWD model had an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 26.3 mpg. The Sienna's handling was predictable and secure, though not particularly engaging. The steering lacked precision, and the brakes experienced fade during a mountain descent. The Sienna XSE offered a sport-tuned suspension for a slightly more dynamic driving experience. The standard suspension provided a smooth, absorbent ride, and the interior was impressively quiet on the highway.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a luxurious interior with premium materials, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain's chairs as an option. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, a significant improvement over the RX L and GX models. However, sliding the second-row seat forward to accommodate third-row passengers compromised second-row comfort. The TX provided 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with the second row down. Storage options were plentiful, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna offered practical seating and cargo solutions. The front seats were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, though they felt hard after extended driving. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular with teenagers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults. The Sienna's sliding side doors and second-row seats made loading and unloading easy. Storage space was generous, though finding secure spots for large water bottles was challenging. The Sienna provided 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row stowed and 101 cubic feet with the second row slid forward. However, it lacked the ability to remove the second-row seats, limiting maximum cargo capacity compared to rivals.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, and a semi-autonomous parking assist system. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues were frustrating. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered a cloud-based navigation system and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, and the TX provided free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) system. The Platinum model included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered five connected services plans, with varying complimentary subscription periods. The digital assistant, part of the Drive Connect plan, responded accurately to commands. The Sienna Platinum's 12-speaker JBL premium audio system produced excessive bass, and the four-zone climate control system was appreciated. The digital rearview camera and surround-view camera were helpful, though the HUD lacked blind-spot warnings.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, provided braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't always transparent. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included parking sensors with automatic braking and traffic jam assist. LSS+ 3.0 generally performed well, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. TSS 2.0 provided a more straightforward experience compared to TSS 3.0, which was appreciated. The Sienna's lane-centering assist performed well, though it required human intervention during sudden traffic braking events. The 2025 model added a rear-seat reminder system, alerting the owner if movement was detected in the cabin. The Sienna received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scored lower in frontal crash tests.