2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

Acura had nailed the aesthetic for the 2024 MDX. The large, shield-like grille was flanked by sleek headlights and accented below with a pair of intake vents, creating a modern, sophisticated front profile. Below the grille, the bumper area curved slightly, contributing to a refined and contemporary design. Inside, the MDX featured a high-tech interior, but its multitude of controls on the center console could prove overwhelming at first glance and even more cumbersome to operate.

The MDX was available in several trim levels—termed packages by Acura—including the Technology Package, A-Spec Package, and Advance Package. Additionally, there were the Type-S and Type-S Advance models, which were used for this review. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable and heated front seats.

Upgrading to the Technology Package added features such as ambient cabin lighting, navigation, a 12-speaker ELS premium stereo system, and genuine leather upholstery. The A-Spec trim had a sportier aesthetic, complete with a 16-speaker ELS audio system, perforated leather seats, and ventilated front seats, including an intercom system for easier communication with passengers in the third row. The Advance Package offered additional amenities such as a heated steering wheel, extra USB ports, remote start, and heated second-row seats.

The Type-S variant packed in features from both the Technology and A-Spec packages. The Type-S Advance model went a step further, with a top-end 26-speaker ELS sound system and luxurious massaging front seats, which provided firm yet refreshing massages suitable for long drives. While the Mercedes-Benz GLS's interior was often seen as superior, the MDX's massage function was unrivaled.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna was offered in multiple trim levels: LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum. Though Toyota no longer aired the "swagger wagon" commercials, the Sienna’s distinctive look remained. Competing with the Kia Carnival for style points, the Sienna's sleek front and rear fascias came in vibrant colors like deep blue, red, and green.

LED lighting was standard, with upper trims boasting Bi-LED projector headlamps. The XSE, considered the "sporty" trim, featured a black metallic mesh grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels, reinforcing its 'swagger wagon' persona.

The Woodland Edition, available in exclusive Cement or Midnight Black Metallic, had a slightly more rugged design. It included roof rails with crossbars, a tow hitch, and an extra half-inch of ground clearance, making it a bit more versatile for off-road adventurers.

The base model came with cloth seats, three-zone climate control, and room for eight passengers. The XSE trim with the optional Premium package raised the bar, swapping the second-row bench for two captain’s chairs, and adding leather-trimmed heated and cooled front seats. It also featured a leather-trimmed power steering wheel with handy ADAS controls.

The interior's horizontal design lines added a sense of spaciousness. The fixed center console, adorned with satin accents, provided easy access to cup holders and the shifter. While not quite luxurious, it was more than adequate for a family vehicle likely to see its share of cereal crumbs. Upper trims even included a built-in vacuum cleaner for ease of cleaning.

The standard engine for the MDX was a 3.5-liter V6, generating 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S variant upped the ante with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Power was channeled through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or the advanced Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System (AWD).

The Type-S Advance model was noted for its brisk acceleration, courtesy of the turbocharger, making it more than adequate for most driving situations, whether pulling away from a standstill, reaching highway speeds, or overtaking other vehicles. Power delivery was smooth and immediate, managed efficiently by the 10-speed transmission, while maintaining a comfortable ride over bumps.

Equipped with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension, the Type-S felt agile for an SUV of its size. The suspension could automatically level itself and lower the ride height when in Sport mode, part of the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS). The IDS, controlled by a large dial on the dash, featured additional modes like Sport+, Snow, Comfort, and Normal, plus an Individual mode for personalized settings, and a Lift mode for extra ground clearance.

The MDX excelled on highways and boulevards, providing a refined and comfortable ride, albeit a bit firm. This firmer suspension was expected from modern luxury SUVs aiming for a sportier feel. Despite its roughly 4,500-pound weight, the MDX Type-S could manage rapid cornering with its responsive, sedan-like steering and tight turning radius. Properly equipped, it had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while front-wheel-drive models were limited to 3,500 pounds.

All 2024 Toyota Siennas were hybrid minivans, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for front-wheel-drive models and an additional rear electric motor for all-wheel-drive versions. This setup produced a total of 245 horsepower.

Despite its hybrid setup, the Sienna fell short in performance compared to competitors with more robust engines. The sport-tuned suspension and Sport mode in our XSE tester couldn't fully compensate for a somewhat sluggish acceleration. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) offered smooth but slow acceleration, particularly noticeable when merging onto highways or climbing steep grades. The CVT could also be quite noisy.

Around town, the Sienna provided a generally pleasant driving experience, especially in Normal or Eco modes. An EV mode allowed for electric-only operation at low speeds, ideal for school pickups or parking lots. However, the brakes were somewhat too responsive, causing spills now and then, though the steering was light and precise with excellent visibility.

Those seeking a more spirited driving experience might consider alternatives like the Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, or Chrysler Pacifica, which offered more powerful V6 engines.

The Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows being particularly comfortable and supportive. However, the third row was less spacious, suitable for children rather than adults. The cargo area behind the rear seats measured 16.3 cubic feet, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded. Maximum cargo space with both the second and third rows folded was 71.4 cubic feet, complemented by additional storage under the load floor. It also came standard with a power liftgate, and the hands-free version was included with the Advance Package.

The Type-S Advance model featured a second-row bench with a fold-down center console equipped with integrated cupholders. Although second-row captain’s chairs weren't available, the fold-out armrest created a similar experience. A foldable center section allowed easier access to the third row.

There were ample cupholders throughout the cabin, and the center console offered substantial storage space. Yet, the center stack of controls was a bit cluttered. The unique button-style shifter required some acclimation and seemed to occupy as much space as a traditional shifter. The IDS (drive-mode selector) was a prominent dial in the center, potentially confusing given its near-daily usage by most drivers.

Toyota's Sienna excelled in functionality, though some seating features were tricky to master. Up front, a lower storage pass-through could accommodate bulkier items, accompanied by four cupholders and additional holders in the front doors. A shelf above the glovebox was perfect for smaller items and housed the wireless charging pad.

Both side doors were powered, with the second-row passengers able to close them using the interior handle or a button on the B-pillar. The second-row captain's chairs could glide back and forth by 25 inches, allowing up to 40 inches of legroom, comparable to the front seats. Upper trims included an ottoman for added comfort. However, the slide function was somewhat complicated, and the seats couldn't be removed, limiting maximum cargo capacity compared to other minivans.

The second row featured cup holders and a net pocket on the seat's aisle side, while window shades provided protection from the sun. Although adults could easily access the third row, with the second row moved forward, there was ample legroom. The third-row seats could tilt for increased comfort, featuring window shades and abundant cup holders.

Standard tri-zone climate control with physical HVAC buttons ensured comfortable temperatures, with an additional zone for the front passenger in the XSE trim.

The rear liftgate could be opened with a kick motion, revealing 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The third row could be stowed, albeit without locking in place, expanding cargo space to 75 cubic feet, and up to 101 cubic feet when both rows were folded.

The Achilles Heel of the Acura MDX was its infotainment system. Despite a list of commendable features, the interface was frustratingly clumsy. What appeared to be a 12.3-inch touchscreen atop the dash was not touch-sensitive. Instead, a touchpad below the shifter controlled the screen, and it was anything but intuitive.

Standard tech features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Multiple USB ports, a fully digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging were also standard.

The cleverly designed charging ports in the center console were a small win, hidden behind a retractable pad with a leather handrest for the touchpad, also hovering above the wireless charging pad. These thoughtful details starkly contrasted with the unintuitive infotainment system.

Compared to the far more user-friendly setup in the new Integra, it was hoped that Acura would soon overhaul this clumsy system in the MDX. Until then, its complex interface made it hard to recommend, especially against tech-savvy rivals like the Genesis GV80.

The Sienna still utilized Toyota’s older infotainment tech. It featured a nine-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Although the newer system was faster with better graphics and more features, this older version included physical buttons for common menus like audio, navigation, phone, and the home page, which provided usability benefits.

The back-up camera's view was notably grainy, subpar for a 2024 vehicle. Analog gauges accompanied a 7-inch digital display offering essential information like speed, fuel economy, and audio.

Standard tech features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an optional 12-speaker JBL stereo system. An available rear-camera mirror provided a wide-angle video feed to the rear-view mirror, though it remained to be seen if its resolution was better than the standard backup camera. Most trims included in-dash navigation, though many drivers would likely prefer using Google Maps.

USB ports were scattered throughout the cabin, including both -A and -C types. The test model also featured a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt outlet in the second row and rear cargo area. These outlets required activation via a button near the driver’s seat, a minor inconvenience for those needing quick charging.

Optional tech features included an 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment system and a 10-inch color head-up display.

The Acura MDX came equipped with an extensive suite of high-tech driver assistance features. This included standard automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-departure warning, driver attention monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology Package added front and rear parking sensors, reverse automatic emergency braking, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Advance Package further enhanced safety with a 360-degree parking camera system and a head-up display.

While the 2024 MDX hadn’t yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, previous model years' safety scores were carried over. The 2022 MDX earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Good rating in all IIHS tests, also earning a Top Safety Pick+ and a Superior rating for its crash-prevention tech.

Despite impressive safety features, the infotainment system still posed a distraction, as drivers needed to divert their attention too frequently towards the screen when using the touchpad.

Toyota's Safety Sense suite was standard across all Sienna models, featuring lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists, road sign recognition, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Standard features also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The adaptive cruise control effectively reduced stress in stop-and-go traffic, while the lane-keeping assist sometimes allowed minor side-to-side movements. Fortunately, the control button for this function was conveniently located on the steering wheel for easy access.

The Sienna boasted an abundance of airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows, ensuring comprehensive protection. Rear passengers were also reminded to fasten their seat belts, and drivers received reminders to check the back seats upon exiting the vehicle.

The 2024 Sienna received a four-star rating from NHTSA for frontal crash and rollover protection and five stars for side crash protection. The IIHS awarded the Sienna its top score of “Good” in most categories, although it rated “Average” in front crash prevention.