2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in the minivan segment, a category that had seen a decline with the rise of SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan market, with the Sienna evolving over the years since its debut in 1998. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced a more SUV-like style while retaining its minivan identity, evident from its sliding side doors. The Sienna featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed door hinges, giving it a sleek profile. It offered a range of wheel sizes, from 17-inch on base models to 20-inch on higher trims. Inside, the Sienna provided a spacious and practical cabin with ample storage, comfortable seating, and a third-row bench that folded into the floor, making it a versatile family vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX presented subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. The RDX featured updated grille surrounds, bumper designs, and new wheel options. The limited-production PMC Edition returned with exclusive paint and interior options. The RDX lineup included various packages, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300. The A-Spec Advance package, tested at $53,645, showcased high-quality materials and a quieter interior. While some design elements, like the vertical air inlets, were polarizing, the RDX maintained a stylish edge over many competitors. Its driving dynamics, comfortable seats, and advanced features made it an appealing choice for those seeking a compact luxury SUV.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued with its hybrid powertrain, a feature introduced in the previous model year. It combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The AWD system used an additional electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), offering smooth power delivery and improved fuel efficiency. It featured four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system. The hybrid model boasted impressive fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD versions. The Sienna's battery pack was strategically placed under the front seats, backed by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a spirited driving experience, though fuel economy fell short of its EPA rating, averaging 20.6 mpg during testing. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, offering smooth shifts. The RDX came with front-wheel drive on base models, while the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages featured Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. This torque-vectoring AWD system enhanced cornering performance. The RDX's adaptive-damping suspension, revised for 2022, offered a comfortable ride in Comfort mode and improved responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX excelled in driving dynamics, with a quiet cabin and engaging handling, though it didn't quite match the performance of some German rivals.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled as a family workhorse, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading, with measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also boasted a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The third-row bench easily folded into the floor, and the power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, with foot-motion triggers, added convenience for busy families.

The 2022 Acura RDX, a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, enhanced by a standard panoramic sunroof. Its interior design emphasized a sporty driving position, with a unique control layout. The RDX featured comfortable 12-way power-adjustable front seats, available with ventilation, and a new flat-bottom steering wheel. Dual-zone automatic climate control and Iconic Drive ambient lighting were standard. However, the rear seat lacked comfort, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor. The RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. It included a range of telematics services, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional Qi wireless charging. Audio systems varied by trim, with a 12-speaker JBL system available on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was also offered. The Sienna featured a color multi-information display and an optional head-up display on Platinum models, enhancing driver convenience.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, paired with a 10.2-inch display. While the TTI required acclimation, the RDX offered Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad and satellite radio were standard, with navigation available on higher trims. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system available on higher packages. A 10.5-inch head-up display was included with the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also had 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire.

The 2022 Acura RDX underwent structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety. It featured the AcuraWatch suite, including pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RDX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover ratings. While AcuraWatch's systems were generally accurate, they occasionally issued false warnings in challenging conditions.