2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's image, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays gave it a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors and various alloy wheel options added to its assertive stance. The rear design managed to look wide and low, maintaining Toyota's high standards of fit and finish. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was practical, featuring a bridge design that provided additional storage space. The second and third rows were spacious and comfortable, with the second row offering flexible seating configurations.

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, was a stylish SUV that conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. It avoided off-roading design cues, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping. The A-Spec trim added subtle yet effective styling changes, including front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient cabin lighting. The interior materials were of high quality, and the thick-rimmed steering wheel added to the sporty feel. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were hard to read, except at night.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that produced a combined 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which prioritized fuel efficiency over throttle response. The new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension improved handling, making the Sienna Hybrid comfortable for long drives. The big news was its impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with the option of Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The SH-AWD system significantly improved handling, making the RDX fun to drive. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim added 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, enhancing its sporty feel. However, the lack of adaptive dampers and rev-matching in Sport+ mode were minor drawbacks.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, essential for a minivan. It featured a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily and a second row that slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The cabin offered ample storage, including 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all four side doors. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, thanks to its flexible cargo space. It provided 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, responsive to kick motions, added to its family-friendly features.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, the rear seats lacked leg support and had too much recline angle, making them less comfortable. Storage space was limited, with a large but not easily accessible tray under the center console. The cargo area measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats provided 58.9 cubic feet of cargo space, competitive but not class-leading. Acura also quoted a maximum cargo volume of 79.8 cubic feet, though this measurement was based on moving the front seats all the way forward.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology features. A nine-inch touchscreen was standard, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. It came with a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered Qi-compatible charging, a 1500-watt inverter, and a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available on higher trims. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display available on Platinum models. Limited and Platinum trims could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry with push-button start was standard.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. While it mirrored the screen's layout, making it easier to use than Lexus's similar system, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX offered physical knobs and buttons for stereo and climate controls, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which delivered excellent sound quality. However, the TTI system remained a point of contention, as it was not as intuitive as a traditional touchscreen.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included 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. The Star Safety System, with enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology, was also standard. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors for child seats. A rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring system were standard, with an inflator kit included. The 2020 Sienna received high safety ratings, and the 2021 model was expected to perform similarly.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX's AcuraWatch systems were refined and user-friendly, encouraging drivers to use them. The RDX earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.