2023 Acura MDX vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Acura MDX offered buyers a choice between its standard version and the Type S, each with several trim packages. The standard MDX was available with base, Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the Type S came in regular and Advance variations. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, excluding a destination charge of $1,195. Our test vehicle, dressed in Type S Advance trim, had an additional cost for Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid (white) interior, bringing its MSRP to $74,995. This high price tag created expectations for superior quality, luxury, and driving experience, only partially met.

The fourth-generation MDX was the premier Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge. Its subtle design was especially praiseworthy. Like other MDX models, it featured distinctive LED running lights and taillights, and LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The Type S had minor front styling tweaks, subtle badging, and 21-inch wheels, contributing to a balanced stance. Quad exhaust outlets flanked a rear diffuser panel, adding a sporty flair.

Standard on all MDX models was a panoramic sunroof and Iconic Drive ambient lighting themes, inspired by famous racetracks and drives worldwide. The Type S stood out with perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package, including a black headliner and stainless steel pedal covers. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard.

Yet, the design had its flaws. The body’s tapering at the doors sometimes made it look like the MDX had a massive dent. Inside, the gloss black plastic on the dashboard complicated locating and using some controls. Acura's electronic transmission switchgear was also problematic, confusing even longtime users.

Conversely, the 2024 Toyota Sienna was distinctive, available in LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum trims. Toyota’s marketing for the Sienna as the "swagger wagon" lived on through its sharp front and rear fascias and various appealing colors, such as deep blue, red, and green.

LED lighting was standard, with upper trims getting Bi-LED projector headlamps. Our XSE tester, the “sporty” trim, had a black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels, maintaining a "swagger wagon" vibe. The Woodland Edition, with exclusive Cement or Midnight Black Metallic colors, was more off-road-ready with roof rails, crossbars, a tow hitch, and slightly increased ground clearance to 6.9 inches.

The Sienna offered excellent interior functionality. Standard were cloth seats, three-zone climate control, and room for eight. Our XSE trim with the Premium package upgraded to captain’s chairs in the second row and leather-trimmed heated and cooled front seats. This trim also featured a leather-trimmed power steering wheel with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) controls, and a consistent horizontal design theme, adding a sense of spaciousness. The fixed center console with satin trim and accessible cup holders and shifter were notable. The interior invited comfort and practicality, aligning well with a family’s needs, accentuated by a built-in vacuum cleaner in upper trims.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S distinguished itself with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, pushing out 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the standard 3.5-liter V6, this was a significant bump in power. However, the Type S added 285 pounds, affecting its weight. The power was channeled through a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters to all four wheels courtesy of Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. This system could direct up to 70% of the engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing handling, especially during hard acceleration out of corners.

Various driving modes like Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ were provided by the Integrated Dynamics System. An exclusive Lift mode increased ground clearance from 7.3 inches to 9.4 inches. Despite the performance-centric features, the MDX Type S struggled to offer a cohesive driving experience. Issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation made the vehicle feel less like an extension of the driver.

Fuel economy was another downside. The MDX Type S achieved only 16.9 mpg on a mixed route, falling short of the 19 mpg EPA rating. In city driving, it returned 17 mpg, but spirited driving in Sport+ mode saw fuel efficiency drop to just 14.1 mpg. Additionally, handling left something to be desired. Over speed bumps, the MDX Type S felt structurally solid but transmitted more suspension noise into the cabin than anticipated.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna had a hybrid setup, coupling a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for front-wheel-drive models and an extra electric motor for AWD configurations. This setup produced 245 horsepower. However, the Sienna’s performance felt sluggish, particularly with its CVT, which, while providing smooth acceleration, felt slow and got noisy during highway merging or climbing inclines.

Optimal modes for town driving were Normal and Eco, while the EV mode suited slow-speed areas like parking lots. Brake sensitivity resulted in a few spilled drinks, but the steering was light and accurate, and visibility was excellent. For more driving enjoyment, alternatives like the Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, or Chrysler Pacifica offered stronger V6 powerplants.

Acura packed significant functionality into the 2023 MDX, which offered three rows of seats and plenty of cargo space. Our Type S Advance trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with ambient heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. The MDX was comfortable but fell short on supportive seating for spirited driving.

Seven-passenger seating was standard. The second row could switch between three seats or two with a removable middle section. The second row was comfortable and supportive, with heating in the outboard positions in the Advance trim. The third row, though, was tight for adults and best suited for children.

In terms of storage, the MDX had a decent cargo area with hooks for grocery bags, a sizable well under the load floor, and a power liftgate for easy access. Realistic cargo measurements were 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows flat.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage and ease of use. Up front, the lower storage pass-through could accommodate bulky items, while additional storage included four cupholders and a shelf above the glovebox housing the wireless charging pad. Powered side doors and pinched second-row seats offered 25-inch sliding adjustment, providing up to 40 inches of legroom.

Adults could access the third row easily, which offered adjustable seats and nearly parallel legroom measurement when the second row was pushed forward. Rear climate control with physical buttons ensured comfort, and the rear liftgate revealed 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space. With the third row stowed, the space expanded to 75 cubic feet, and with the second row folded, it maxed out to 101 cubic feet.

The 2023 Acura MDX sported a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a matching 12.3-inch infotainment display, controlled through Acura's True Touchpad Interface (TTI). This interface faced criticism for being less intuitive than touchscreens and for occupying potential storage space. Voice recognition, accessible via Amazon Alexa Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, was a saving grace, but the system still left much to be desired.

Our Type S Advance trim boasted a top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, providing clear and distortion-free sound. A 10.5-inch head-up display was also included for navigation and vehicle info, although some inaccuracies in the traffic sign recognition system were noted.

Conversely, the 2024 Toyota Sienna used an older nine-inch touchscreen system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite the dated setup, the inclusion of physical buttons for common functions was a plus. However, the backup camera provided a grainy image, detracting from the overall tech experience. A 7-inch digital display was nestled in the gauge cluster, displaying speed, fuel economy, and audio info.

The Sienna did offer modern amenities like a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, a 12-speaker JBL stereo system, and a rear-camera mirror that could stream wide-angle video directly. Plenty of USB ports and a 1500-watt inverter with 120-volt outlets were available, but failed to impress considerably when compared to more advanced systems.

The 2023 Acura MDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a comprehensive suite of driving assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control with low-speed following, Traffic Jam Assist, and more. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts, with some trims adding parking sensors and a surround-view camera. However, the system occasionally issued false alerts, and adaptive cruise control was slow to resume speed.

Acura's safety features earned the MDX solid ratings from reputable entities. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+, while the NHTSA awarded it a five-star rating overall.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, road sign recognition, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The suite also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While adaptive cruise control performed well, lane-keeping assist was less reliable.

The Sienna featured airbags for all three rows, a rear seat belt reminder, and alerts to check rear seats when turning off the vehicle. Safety ratings were respectable, with NHTSA awarding four out of five stars for frontal crash and rollover protection, and five stars for side crash. The IIHS rated it 'Good' for crashworthiness and child restraint systems, but 'Average' for front crash prevention.