2021 Lexus NX Hybrid vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received updates in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated. The vehicle occasionally offered an upscale feel, but elements like the hollow "thud" of the doors and the outdated instrument panel revealed its age. However, the simplicity of the controls made them user-friendly. The Sienna was available in various trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, each offering a range of features like power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and a premium audio system.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the Lexus UX and RX, featured sharp edges and a streamlined profile. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX's design had remained largely unchanged over the years. The NX shared its platform with the older Toyota RAV4, which made it feel a step behind in engineering. The F Sport Black Line model added unique styling elements like a larger mesh grille and dark-finish wheels. Inside, the NX's design was once radical but had become familiar, with a stepped center console and a lack of traditional luxury materials. The Black Line treatment added sporty touches, but the overall material quality felt more mainstream than luxurious.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered stout acceleration and a Sport mode for enhanced throttle response. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base contributing to its stability. However, its steering was twitchy at higher speeds, requiring constant attention. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter available only in a 7-passenger configuration. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX Hybrid was more focused on fuel efficiency than performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension in the Black Line model improved handling, but the steering felt numb. The NX offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, though they made little difference in performance. The hybrid system struggled with power delivery, making it challenging to exploit gaps in traffic.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was awkward. Toyota also offered mobility access features, making it easier for those needing special accommodations.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment and available heated and ventilated options. The sloping roofline and thick rear pillars hindered rear visibility. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth connectivity. It included five USB ports and a WiFi hotspot. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without raising their voice.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system felt dated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. It earned five stars from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS, with a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids. The NX was praised for its safety features, though it lacked a 360-degree camera system.