2023 Acura RDX vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

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 embraced a more SUV-like aesthetic, with a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a robust and assertive profile. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin, with ample storage solutions and seating configurations that catered to families, including available second-row captain’s chairs and a versatile third-row bench.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX was known for its sharp, angular styling, which, while distinctive, remained conventional enough to blend in with other small SUVs. The front featured Acura's signature grille, flanked by sleek headlights, while the side profile was marked by a dynamic character line. Inside, the RDX took a different approach with a vertical dashboard layout, emphasizing performance with its gear-selector buttons and drive-mode dial. Although the interior design was not as modern as some competitors, it offered a familiar feel for those who preferred traditional controls over the latest digital interfaces.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. This setup was available with either front-wheel drive or an all-wheel-drive system that added an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to its smooth power delivery and impressive fuel efficiency, achieving up to 36 mpg in both city and highway driving for FWD models. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system, providing a comfortable and stable ride.

The 2023 Acura RDX, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The RDX offered a standard front-wheel drive, with Acura's "super-handling all-wheel drive" (SH-AWD) available across all models. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, providing a sporty driving experience with responsive throttle and well-managed body roll. The advanced AWD system ensured excellent traction, while the suspension smoothed out road imperfections, making the RDX both sporty and comfortable.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second-row seats added flexibility for cargo loading, with 33.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 101 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Sienna also boasted a 3,500-pound towing capacity, power-operated sliding doors, and a tailgate with foot-motion triggers for added convenience.

The 2023 Acura RDX offered generous front seat space with additional adjustments in higher trims, ensuring comfort for long drives. The rear seats provided ample legroom, although taller passengers might find headroom limited. The RDX featured 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 79.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. A deep bin under the cargo floor added versatility, while the cabin offered various storage options for smaller items. However, the center stack's design was criticized for inefficient use of space.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. While it lacked wireless connectivity for these features, it offered a range of telematics services and a 12-speaker JBL audio system in higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available, along with a head-up display in Platinum models, enhancing the driving experience with essential information.

The 2023 Acura RDX's infotainment system was controlled via a touchpad, which proved challenging to use, especially while driving. However, the system's graphics and response times were commendable. The RDX included a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote monitoring through the Acuralink app, with a premium 16-speaker ELS audio system available in top trims. Despite its drawbacks, the system improved with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, thanks to its comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. It also featured 10 airbags and multiple LATCH connectors for child seats, ensuring family safety.

The 2023 Acura RDX also received high safety ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. It came standard with advanced safety features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology package added parking sensors, while the Advance package included a surround-view camera and head-up display.