2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the aesthetic standards for minivans within its genre. Toyota's designers worked hard to present it with a more SUV-like appearance at first glance. The wide grille emphasized the vehicle’s width, and the horizontally arranged LED headlamp arrays gave it a sleek look. The headlamps were integrated into a panel that also housed a prominent Toyota logo. From the side, the Sienna exhibited an assertive stance. The sliding side doors were re-engineered and sculpted with a body line swooping up from the rocker panels, bulging over the rear wheels. This design required rethinking the hinges and slides to deliver a tucked-in and aesthetically pleasing look. The alloy wheel sizes varied according to the trim—17-inch for LE and XLE, 18-inch for Limited, XSE AWD, and Platinum AWD, and 20-inch for XSE FWD and Platinum FWD. These wheels filled the arches nicely and came in bright, metallic, and dark finishes depending on the grade. The rear of the Sienna featured a large rear window, managing to look wide and low for a minivan. The exterior fit and finish were reflective of Toyota’s exceptional quality.

Inside, the Sienna emphasized horizontal lines to create a sense of width. Though it didn’t quite capture an SUV feel, it didn’t feel reminiscent of a school bus either. The seating position was higher than a sedan but not quite reaching the command height of a full-size SUV, striking a balance for a comfortable ride. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls clustered on the upper part of the center stack, just below the infotainment screen. The center console, acting as a bridge to the storage compartment, housed the gear selector, cupholders, and a large storage compartment. The tray beneath was spacious enough for a handbag—a smart touch. The leather-wrapped steering wheel was satisfyingly beefy, while the materials and surfaces throughout the cabin had a high-quality feel.

The second and third rows provided ample comfort for adults. The second row, available as either a pair of captain’s chairs in the seven-passenger version or a bench seat in the eight-passenger variant, could slide fore and aft to maximize utility and comfort.

Contrasting with the Sienna, the 2022 Acura MDX was a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, blending compact exterior dimensions with spacious interiors. The new MDX moved away from sharing a platform with the Honda Pilot, embracing a dedicated platform tailored to enhance its luxurious appeal. The vehicle’s proportions were tweaked with a longer wheelbase, overall length, wider body, and track. The crucial dash-to-axle distance was increased by over four inches, enhancing its elegant look. Acura utilized standard Jewel Eye LED headlights, underlined with linear LED daytime running lights, creating a modern, sporty, and assertive exterior. Wheel sizes grew as well—19 x 8.5 inches on the base MDX, and 20 x 9 inches on Tech and above.

Inside, the MDX was modernized with a layered dashboard that highlighted the cabin’s width. The dashboard sat lower and further away, creating a spacious feel. Authentic materials like natural wood, aluminum, and leather were combined with high-quality plastics, delivering a rich interior feel. The center console and stack housed multiple controls, including a unique gear selection module reminiscent of fighter jet controls. The gear selector array, a mix of rectangular push-buttons, a lever, and a button encased in aluminum, offered PRNDL function. A square touchpad for infotainment control sat below with a handrest above, and a volume knob adjacent. The rotary dial for drive mode selection and HVAC controls were neatly arranged above the gear selector.

The front seats in the MDX were comfortable and adjustable, topped with a beefy steering wheel featuring redundant controls and paddle shifters. The MDX’s exterior was offered in a range of colors (eight in total: two standard and six premium), and the interior could be customized with six thematic color schemes.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota’s first foray into hybrid minivans. The powertrain was a proven combination similar to what was available in the Highlander Hybrid. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a total of 243 horsepower. The standard drivetrain was front-wheel drive (FWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) offered across all trims. The AWD system utilized a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, providing 54 horsepower and 89 lb-ft of torque, eliminating mechanical complexity.

The Sienna’s electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) prioritized fuel efficiency, although it somewhat dulled throttle response, preferring a gradual increase in speed over a swift leap. The four selectable drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport) allowed drivers to choose the driving style, with “Sport” mode offering slightly livelier performance. The revamped TNGA front suspension and steering, along with the independent rear trailing-arm suspension, significantly improved the handling of the Sienna, ensuring minimal body roll and smooth, comfortable rides.

Fuel economy was a standout feature for the Sienna Hybrid, with EPA predictions listing 36 mpg city, highway, and combined for FWD models, and 35/36/35 mpg for AWD models.

The 2022 Acura MDX, at its launch, came with a single engine choice—a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, generating 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The power was managed by a new 10-speed automatic transmission, offering either front-wheel drive in base MDX and Tech trims, or the advanced Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system for all other models. The SH-AWD system, with torque vectoring, could direct up to 70% of torque to the rear wheels, with complete control of distributing torque to either side during cornering, enhancing handling and control.

The MDX’s double-wishbone front suspension and revised rear multi-link suspension supported its sporty handling characteristics. Variable gear ratio steering improved maneuverability at various speeds, and bigger disc brakes ensured powerful braking. Overall chassis stiffness and rigidity were improved, eliminating body flex and supporting a solid, rattle-free ride feel. The MDX's new 10-speed automatic transmission synergized seamlessly with the engine, enabling smooth power delivery and dynamic driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, each adjusting multiple vehicle parameters for tailored performance.

During test drives, particularly in comparison drives around Chelsea, Michigan with competitors like the Lexus RX L, Volvo XC90, and Audi Q7, the new MDX distinguished itself with better handling and highway cruising comfort, standing out even against the benchmark competitors.

In the functionality department, the 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled as a family-oriented minivan. The third-row seats were standard across all grades, capable of a 60/40 split and easy stowage into the floor. The second row slid up to 25 inches, simplifying third-row access. Each row boasted storage cubbies, cupholders, and side door bottle holders, totaling 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option).

Cargo capacity was one of Sienna’s strong suits—capable of carrying a full sheet of plywood with the tailgate fully closed. The flexible second row facilitated various cargo configurations, offering 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. Towing capacity stood at 3,500 pounds. The hybrid system's battery was cleverly placed under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The power-operated sliding side doors and tailgate (responsive to kick motions) were popular family-friendly features.

The 2022 Acura MDX, though geared toward luxury, didn’t sacrifice utility. It provided ample comfort for the first two rows, with dual bucket sport seats in the front and a versatile second row featuring a removable center section. The second row’s sliding and reclining (up to 12 degrees) ensured balanced legroom and access to the third row. The third row, reserved for shorter passengers (or pre-teens), could handle carpooling with ease, by providing USB ports in all three rows.

Cargo capacity in the MDX varied with seat configurations: 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 to 95 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. An underfloor compartment added 1.8 cubic feet of hidden storage. The standard power tailgate featured the clever “Grab ‘N Go” and Hands-Free Access functions, simplifying cargo handling. The MDX's Iconic Drive Lighting offered customizable interior lighting themes, complementing the cabin's ambiance.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna showcased a suite of technological features, starting with a standard nine-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM (with a trial period). Connectivity was available through Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect services. Qi-compatible wireless charging was standard on higher trims and an option on others. Audio systems ranged from a basic six-speaker setup in the LE to a 12-speaker JBL Premium Audio package in top trims. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available on XLE and above models. Higher trims featured a color multi-information display and a class-first 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD). The digital rearview mirror improved visibility in specific scenarios, and remote keyless entry with push-button start upgraded to the Smart Key System in higher trims.

In the 2022 Acura MDX, tech highlights included the advanced ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, boasting 16 speakers, 710 watts of amplification, and Acoustic Motion Control. The base MDX featured a nine-speaker system, while Tech trims had a 12-speaker ELS Studio system. Navigation was standard on higher trims. All MDX models came with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and the Acura Precision Cockpit 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, configurable for various displays. Integrated Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Qi-compatible wireless charging were standard. Upper trims included a CabinTalk system and a 10.5-inch head-up display. An HD rearview camera, upgradeable to surround-view on higher trims, also featured a camera washer.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System added enhanced stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The Sienna had ten airbags and LATCH connectors, along with a rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring. Crash-test ratings for 2021 hadn’t been released, but the 2020 model had solid ratings from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Acura MDX, although unrated at launch, aimed for top safety ratings, bolstered by its high-strength steel structure and advanced safety design. The AcuraWatch suite included collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and more. The MDX featured pedestrian safety enhancements, low-speed braking control, and collision mitigation throttle control. The redesigned front end and stiffened structure enhanced both safety and performance.