2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, featuring a bold grille and sleek headlights that made it one of the most attractive vehicles in its segment. The large Acura logo on the grille, although oversized, complemented the overall design. The RDX's exterior was characterized by sharp lines, including an upper character line that swooped from the windshield to the rear hatch, creating a sporty appearance. Inside, the RDX boasted a stylish cabin with red leather upholstery that contrasted well with the black interior, offering a luxurious feel. The vehicle came well-equipped with features like synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, among others. The A-Spec trim added unique visual elements and sportier interior features, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec offered additional luxury touches.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with its SUV-like styling. It featured a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that gave it a modern look. The redesigned sliding side doors and assertive stance added to its appeal. The Sienna's interior emphasized width and comfort, with a higher seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed with ample storage and cupholders, enhancing convenience. The second and third-row seats provided comfort for adults, with the second row offering flexible legroom. The Sienna's fit and finish were of high quality, reflecting Toyota's reputation for superb craftsmanship.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering an impressive 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided strong acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The RDX featured a 10-speed automatic transmission paired with a Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency. The vehicle offered multiple drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Despite its sporty nature, the RDX maintained good fuel efficiency, with an observed consumption of 10.6 L/100 km. The vehicle's handling was exceptional, offering a balance between comfort and performance.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 243 horsepower. The hybrid system, similar to the Highlander Hybrid, offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritized smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency. While the CVT blunted throttle response, the Sienna excelled in comfort and ease of driving. The vehicle's fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, providing a comfortable ride with minimal body roll.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, providing ample head- and legroom. The second row also offered good headroom and decent legroom. The RDX featured practical storage solutions, including large water bottle holders and a pass-through cargo tray with a USB port. The vehicle provided 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,668 litres with the seats folded down, and up to 2,260 litres of maximum capacity. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a liftable panel revealing a hidden storage compartment.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily. The second row offered flexible legroom, sliding up to 63.5 centimetres, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin featured numerous storage cubbies and cupholders, with a total of 16 cupholders available. The Sienna's cargo handling capabilities were impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The vehicle offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, operated via a touchpad that lacked intuitive functionality. Despite the vivid widescreen display, the True Touchpad Interface was cumbersome to use. Standard tech features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The Tech grade added navigation and an ELS premium audio system, while the A-Spec featured an ELS Studio 3D sound system. The Platinum Elite A-Spec included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered a wealth of technology features, with a standard nine-inch touchscreen providing access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The vehicle included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, with Qi-compatible charging available on higher trims. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display. The driver benefited from a multi-information display and a digital rearview mirror on higher trims.

The 2020 Acura RDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, LATCH systems, and a rear-view camera. Driver-assistance features included lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tech grade added parking sensors, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec featured a 360-degree surround-view camera. The RDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. The Star Safety System included enhanced vehicle stability control and traction control. The Sienna was equipped with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.