2021 Toyota Venza vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX was a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling did not break any new ground. It likely did not turn heads in a parking lot nor did it provide a standout presence at a country club gala. However, its practical and polished appearance ensured that drivers wouldn't feel out of place. Acura had been an early adopter of LED headlights, and the MDX’s Jewel Eye headlights contributed a touch of elegance and functionality. The front of the vehicle featured a trapezoidal grille anchored by a prominent Acura logo. Its sleek design, with chiseled details and a fast roofline, gave it a refined look.

Inside, the MDX presented a modern and minimalistic aesthetic. The twin infotainment screens—a high-mounted 8.0-inch LED navigation system and an On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen—along with a smartly arranged center console, added a touch of sophistication. High-quality materials, superior fit and finish, and a solid feel were some of the standout features of the MDX’s interior design.

The 2021 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, seemed to blur the lines between its own brand and Lexus. Critics even pointed out its resemblance to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept unveiled in 2018. Its elongated profile and well-sculpted design elements enhanced its premium look. The Venza was available in three trim levels—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered a selection of seven paint colors.

Standard equipment on the Venza included dual chrome-tipped exhaust, LED headlights and taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a suite of other features. Inside, it took a unique approach with capacitive buttons, premium appointments, and a sleek infotainment setup. The Limited trim offered even more luxury with a digital rearview mirror, illuminated footwells, and an optional Star Gaze panoramic roof that added a touch of tech-savvy elegance.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with two powertrain options. The base model featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive and the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) option. The MDX Sport Hybrid utilized a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine combined with three electric motors, delivering a total of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

In our test drive, the gasoline-only model with the SH-AWD system demonstrated impressive straight-line performance and nimble handling, particularly with its torque vectoring technology, which enhanced cornering and stability. The MDX was comfortable for long drives, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension that soaked up road imperfections.

The 2021 Toyota Venza, equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a hybrid system, generated a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain was paired with an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). While the Venza’s performance figures weren’t as high as some competitors, it offered smooth acceleration and adequate passing power. However, the engine was notably noisy during acceleration, though it quieted down once cruising.

The Venza excelled in handling with its AWD system, offering predictable and stable driving dynamics. It also stood out in fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA rating of 40 mpg on the highway, 37 mpg in the city, and 39 mpg combined. This was nearly double the efficiency of comparable models like the Murano, Passport, and Blazer.

The 2020 Acura MDX aimed to cater to families with features like sliding and reclining second-row seats for easier access to the third row. Headroom was ample across all three rows, and cargo space was generous, with 15.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 90.9 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat. Clever storage solutions, such as a recessed cubby hole and a covered underfloor storage space, added to its practicality. The cabin was also equipped with tri-zone climate control, ensuring comfort for all passengers.

The 2021 Toyota Venza, while not as spacious as some of its rivals, provided a comfortable and practical interior. The front seats were plush and accommodating, and the rear seats, though not as spacious as the MDX, were suitable for two adults on longer trips. The Venza offered 55.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded, which was less than the MDX but still adequate for everyday use. Quick-flip releases on the 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks made cargo arrangement easy. The Venza’s interior also featured a deep center console, resizable cup holders, and premium touches, especially in the higher trims.

The 2020 Acura MDX simplified its tech offerings with various packages. The base model was well-equipped with Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. Upgrading to the Technology Package added features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, navigation, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The Advance Package further enhanced the MDX with a surround-view camera system, heated and ventilated seats, and other premium features. The Entertainment Package, available with the higher trims, provided a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured the Entune infotainment system with an 8-inch screen in the lower trims and a 12.3-inch touchscreen in the Limited trim. While the system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, its usability was somewhat compromised by requiring multiple menu trips for certain functions. Standard features included a Wi-Fi hot spot, hands-free phone capability, and a six-speaker audio system. The Limited trim offered a nine-speaker JBL audio system and additional Toyota connected services, such as Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with the AcuraWatch suite, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features in higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, Head-Up Warning, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX had a robust body structure designed to absorb and redirect crash energy. Safety ratings were excellent, with the IIHS giving it top marks in most categories and the NHTSA awarding it a five-star overall rating.

The 2021 Toyota Venza also offered a comprehensive suite of safety features standard across all trims. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 provided pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, and road sign assist. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard, with additional braking functions available in the higher trims. The Venza featured eight airbags and two full sets of LATCH connectors for child car seats. The safety systems operated effectively and weren’t intrusive, though lane-keeping assist had a slight tendency to keep the vehicle further to the right.