2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in a market where minivans were becoming increasingly rare, as many manufacturers shifted focus to SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan segment, evolving the Sienna over several generations since its debut in 1998. The latest model, launched in 2021, embraced a more SUV-like aesthetic while retaining its minivan identity, evident in its sliding side doors. The Sienna featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed door hinges, contributing to its assertive profile. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin, with ample storage and seating options, including available second-row captain’s chairs and a versatile third-row bench that folded into the floor.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX presented itself as a luxury SUV with a focus on subtlety and sophistication. The MDX Type S, in particular, aimed to blend performance with elegance, featuring chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior boasted high-end materials like perforated Milano leather and open-pore wood, with a Sport Appearance package enhancing its sporty appeal. However, some design choices, such as the gloss black dashboard accents and electronic transmission switchgear, were less intuitive, occasionally detracting from the overall user experience. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S maintained a luxurious and comfortable environment, albeit with some ergonomic challenges.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. This setup, paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), offered smooth power delivery and impressive fuel efficiency. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available, adding a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, thanks to its Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform, which minimized body roll and provided a comfortable ride. The Sienna excelled in fuel economy, achieving 36 mpg in city, highway, and combined driving for FWD models, and slightly lower figures for AWD versions.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which enhanced cornering performance. The MDX Type S offered multiple driving modes, including a unique Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these performance enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was occasionally indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance, leading to a less predictable and less enjoyable drive. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the MDX Type S averaging 16.9 mpg, falling short of its EPA rating.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample cargo space and flexible seating arrangements. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, and the sliding second row allowed for versatile cargo loading. The Sienna provided 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. It also boasted a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Power-operated sliding doors and a tailgate added convenience, making it easy to access the interior even with hands full.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a luxurious interior with three rows of seating and a range of comfort features. The Type S Advance trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though the seats were firmer than expected. The MDX provided seven-passenger seating, with a removable second-row center section for easier access to the third row. However, the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. Cargo capacity was decent, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The MDX also featured a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function for added convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. While wireless connectivity for these features was absent, the Sienna included a range of telematics services and a Wi-Fi hotspot trial. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. A head-up display and digital rearview mirror were available on top trims, enhancing the driving experience with additional information and visibility.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen, which could be cumbersome to use. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, allowing for voice-activated commands. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread speed limits. The MDX's top-tier audio system, the Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D, delivered exceptional sound quality with 25 speakers throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning, and more. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2023 Acura MDX also received high safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Acura Watch, the MDX's suite of safety features, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. However, some issues with the collision warning system and lane-departure notifications were noted during testing.