2023 Acura RDX vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to rehabilitate the minivan’s image with its fresh design. The front end of the Sienna carried a resemblance to a sleek Japanese bullet train, adding an avant-garde touch to its look. The higher trims, specifically the front-wheel-drive XSE and Platinum models, featured 20-inch wheels, adding a sporty flair to its aesthetic compared to the standard 18-inch wheels. Toyota offered various trims to cater to different buyer preferences, from the base LE to the XLE, sporty XSE, luxurious Limited, and top-tier Platinum, along with a special 25th Anniversary Special Edition. The Sienna’s interior, especially in the high-end Platinum trim, boasted high-quality materials such as brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents on the center console, making it a joy to behold and sit in. The Sienna could seat seven or eight passengers, with options for LATCH anchors that supported three-across car seats.

Conversely, the 2023 Acura RDX presented a sharp, angular styling mixed with a more conventional vibe for a small SUV. The hallmark of its design was the signature Acura grille, which, despite its evolution, seemed a bit dated. The RDX's sleek wraparound headlights and deep bodywork creases imparted a sporty, aggressive front-end look. A distinct character line ran diagonally along its side, suggesting motion even when stationary. However, the rear design was quite traditional for its class. Inside, the RDX’s cockpit utilized a vertical layout, with controls descending from the center stack into the center console. The analog-digital instrument panel with white-faced gauges and red accents highlighted its sporty nature. Unlike the newer, high-tech interiors of its rivals, the RDX’s cabin had a somewhat updated retro feel, which might appeal to those who favored familiarity over novelty.

Toyota’s decision in 2020 to introduce a hybrid-only powertrain for the fourth-generation Sienna continued with the 2023 model. Equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two front-mounted electric motors, and a third electric motor for AWD trims, the Sienna delivered a combined 245 horsepower. While the power figures lagged behind competitors, the Sienna’s hybrid components provided prompt responsiveness and made it quite nimble for its size, particularly with an enjoyable light steering feel ideal for city driving. This nimbleness was somewhat countered by the CVT, which had a tendency to climb the rev band noisily and lacked the punch for enthusiastic acceleration. Drive modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, were available, but the Normal mode was recommended for a balanced driving experience while others had their own quirks.

The 2023 Acura RDX housed a robust 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, churning out 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the RDX offered a 6.7-second sprint to 60 mph, aligning with class norms. The turbo engine's response was crisp, with immediate throttle feedback and a deeper, sportier engine sound. Acura’s “super-handling all-wheel drive” added a layer of confidence, especially in corners, while maintaining a comfortable ride by absorbing road imperfections effortlessly. The RDX’s transmission was adept at selecting the right gear, and its braking system was firm and easy to modulate, ensuring a smooth driving experience.

The interior of the 2023 Toyota Sienna embodied practicality with a plethora of storage solutions. The expansive interior space included an open cubby below the center console for larger items and a long shelf suitable for phones, extending across the dash. The model also boasted numerous cupholders and smart storage bins, accommodating up to 33.5 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, extending to 75.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the Sienna fell short in total cargo space (101 cubic feet) compared to some competitors due to its non-removable second row. On the flip side, the minivan’s sliding middle-row seats with extending ottomans made the third row genuinely spacious for adults.

The 2023 Acura RDX interiors offered excellent front seat accommodations with options for extra power adjustments. The RDX’s rear seats comfortably fit average-sized adults, with taller occupants possibly finding headroom constricted. It claimed 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and expanded to a sizeable 79.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The underfloor cargo bin with a center drain plug and remote seatback levers were practical touches for ease of access and utility. Despite ample storage options, the center stack’s design with gear selector buttons was somewhat space-consuming, potentially restricting more functional storage uses.

The technology in the 2023 Toyota Sienna was a mixed bag. While boasting essential features such as SiriusXM, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports, the interface was older and clunky. Navigating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection, and accessing these systems wasn’t straightforward. Despite the 9-inch touchscreen seemingly unimpressive on paper, it proved sufficiently sized in person, and the 12-speaker JBL system delivered solid audio performance.

In the 2023 Acura RDX, the touchpad infotainment controller was a puzzling choice, reminiscent of Lexus’ poorly received system. Although Acura’s implementation was markedly better, it still required a steady hand and focus, particularly challenging when driving. The system's saving grace was its usability improvement when paired with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Standard technology included a Wi-Fi hotspot and the Acuralink smartphone app for remote monitoring. The A-Spec Advanced trim featured a 16-speaker ELS sound system that delivered robust bass and clear high notes. Despite the high-quality graphics and responsive menus, the touchpad’s overall design was a usability drawback.

Safety was a strong suit for the 2023 Toyota Sienna. Its suite of advanced driver assistance systems included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna achieved 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests and was expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, based on its 2022 evaluations.

The 2023 Acura RDX also excelled in safety, garnering a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features comprised forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. The Technology package added parking sensors, while the Advance package included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. These systems generally performed well, contributing to a secure driving experience.