2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Acura RDX presented a striking visual appeal, closely resembling its 2019 counterpart. This wasn't a drawback, as the RDX was considered one of the best-looking vehicles in its class. It abandoned the outdated "beak" grille design in favor of a more robust and imposing grille flanked by sharp, rakish headlights. Interestingly, the large Acura logo embedded within the grille was humorously noticeable for its size. However, it fit well within the overall design. The exterior design included notable features like an upper character line that curved from the windshield to the rear hatch and a secondary line that intersected with it, giving the RDX a dynamic, spoiler-like appearance.

Inside, the RDX's cabin echoed its sharp exterior styling. The test model's red leather upholstery immediately grabbed attention, creating a striking red-and-black contrast, much like the trend seen in BMW's M vehicles. The interior was well-equipped, offering standard features like synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats with 12-way power adjustability, a power moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The Technology Package added upgraded Milano leather seating, 19-inch wheels, and additional driver-assistance features. The A-Spec version, driven for this review, included unique visual upgrades like 20-inch wheels, sport pedals, and ventilated front seats. The range-topping Advance Package brought in luxury features such as rain-sensing wipers, heated rear seats, and ambient cabin lighting.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with an SUV-like appearance. The wide grille emphasized the vehicle's width, while LED headlamp arrays added a sleek, modern touch. The redesigned sliding doors featured a sculpted body line that enhanced the minivan's assertive stance, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches depending on the trim. At the rear, the Sienna sported a large window, maintaining a wide and low look, a rare achievement for minivans.

Inside, the Sienna focused on creating a spacious and practical environment with horizontal lines emphasizing width. While it didn't fully emulate an SUV's feel, it certainly didn't make passengers feel like they were in a school bus. The dashboard had a straightforward design, with controls centered on the upper part of the dash. The center console, housing the gear selector and essential controls, provided a mix of convenience and practicality, including a large storage compartment and space for a handbag. The second and third-row seats offered plenty of comfort and flexibility, with the third row featuring a 60/40-split design that folded away conveniently. The second row could slide up to 25 inches, making it easy to access the third row. All rows had ample storage space, cupholders, and bottle holders.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This impressive power output resulted in strong acceleration, making the RDX quick off the line and capable of overtaking vehicles on the highway with ease. The engine note was also a noteworthy feature, adding to the driving enjoyment. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel-drive or Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system. The transmission contributed to both fuel efficiency and performance driving, with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual control or automatic settings via the Integrated Dynamics System.

The drive-mode dial allowed drivers to switch between Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus modes, adjusting throttle response, shift patterns, and steering feel. The RDX also featured Honda/Acura's proprietary shifter design, despite taking up considerable dash space. Fuel economy for the A-Spec model with SH-AWD was EPA-estimated at 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined, with observed fuel economy around 22.2 mpg. The RDX's performance extended beyond acceleration, offering fantastic handling and comfort, making it a well-rounded luxury SUV.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid introduced Toyota's first hybrid minivan. It combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 243 horsepower. The standard front-wheel-drive setup could be upgraded to all-wheel drive, achieved through a rear electric motor delivering 54 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque. The Sienna utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritized fuel efficiency but lacked the spirited throttle response found in conventional transmissions. While the CVT's smooth power delivery suited a hybrid minivan, it didn't offer the same driving excitement as the RDX.

Handling was significantly improved over the previous model, thanks to new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The Sienna minimized body roll and provided a comfortable ride, especially appreciated on long journeys. The standout feature was its impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, and AWD models rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2020 Acura RDX excelled in pushing the boundaries of being a "compact" SUV, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin. The front seats provided excellent support, and it was easy to find a suitable driving position with ample head and legroom. The second row also offered generous headroom and decent legroom, ensuring a comfortable ride for passengers. Practical storage included large door pockets and a retractable-panel-covered center console in the front, along with additional storage beneath the shifter console and a USB port. The second row featured a fold-down center console with cupholders and in-door cupholders.

In terms of cargo space, the RDX had 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This made it competitive within its class, offering convenient access and a load floor at a practical height. Extra storage included a helpful cubby and a hidden cargo area beneath a liftable panel in the load floor.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, however, redefined practicality and cargo space. Minivans are often judged on their convenience and functionality, and the Sienna did not disappoint. It featured a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that folded easily into the floor and a second row that could slide up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin was equipped with numerous storage cubbies, cupholders, and bottle holders, boasting an impressive total of 16 cupholders.

Cargo handling was another strength of the Sienna, capable of carrying a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. With the rear seats folded, cargo measurements were 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna's flexible cargo space could be further adjusted thanks to the sliding second row, enhancing its utility. The 288-volt Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack was cleverly integrated beneath the front seats, ensuring no loss of cargo space and covered by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty. The family-friendly features included power-operated sliding doors and a tailgate responsive to kick motions, perfect for busy parents.

In the 2020 Acura RDX, the technology suite had its highs and lows. The standard 10.2-inch widescreen infotainment system seemed promising but was hampered by the True Touchpad Interface. Unlike competitor systems, this touchpad required precise gestures that often caused distraction, as drivers had to ensure they selected the correct icons on the screen without a scrolling function. The additional vertical scroller on the touchpad added unnecessary complexity. Furthermore, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, they were optimized for touchscreens, making the touchpad less intuitive.

Still, other tech features were more promising. Standard technologies encompassed Bluetooth, two USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, a 9-speaker audio system, and satellite radio. The Technology Package introduced two extra rear USB ports, navigation with live traffic updates, and the excellent ELS premium audio system. The A-Spec upped the ante with the ELS Studio 3D premium sound system with 16 speakers. The range-topping Advance Package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, offering valuable driving information.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid impressed with its standard and available technology features, starting with a nine-inch touchscreen across all trims. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and included one USB media port and six USB charging ports. Connectivity was further enhanced by trials of Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and AT&T WiFi Connect.

Audio and multimedia options diverged by trim level, ranging from a six-speaker setup in the LE to a Premium Audio + JBL system in the Limited and Platinum trims, boasting 12 speakers and Dynamic Navigation. An optional rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch screen, remote control, and two wireless headphones added value for rear passengers.

For drivers, essential tech included a multi-information display showing vital stats such as odometer and trip info, upgraded to a larger display in higher trims. The Platinum trim featured a 10-inch Head-Up Display, a first in its class. Limited and Platinum trims could also opt for a digital rearview mirror, providing a clear view even with full passenger capacity. Standard remote keyless entry and push-button start were found across all trims, with Smart Key System enhancements for higher trims.

The 2020 Acura RDX came equipped with an extensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, LATCH child-seat mounting systems, a tire pressure monitoring system, and hill-start assist. It also offered a rear-view camera for added convenience. The driver-assistance features were comprehensive, including lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, road-departure mitigation, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow.

The Technology Package added to this suite with front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. The Advance Package expanded it further with a 10.5-inch head-up display, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and even a rear-view camera washer nozzle. The 2019 RDX, mechanically identical to the 2020 model, earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

In comparison, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. These were standard across all trims. The Star Safety System included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology.

The Sienna was also fitted with 10 airbags and multiple LATCH connectors, making it easy to secure child seats. A rear-seat reminder system was particularly useful for families with multiple children. The standard tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and inflator kit provided additional peace of mind, with an optional spare tire. The new location for the spare tire in the cargo wall, instead of underneath the vehicle, improved roadside safety and convenience.

While 2021 crash-test ratings were not yet available, the 2020 Sienna had fared well with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and “Good” ratings in several categories from IIHS, though some areas were rated “Adequate” or “Marginal.”