2020 Acura MDX vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received updates in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when closed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel appeared to be from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered various trims, including CE, LE, SE, and XLE, each with distinct features. The base CE trim was well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. The LE trim added family-friendly features like sliding dual power side doors and heated front seats. The SE trim included a power liftgate and leather upholstery, while the XLE added luxury touches like a power moonroof and woodgrain accents. The XLE Limited offered premium leather seats, a JBL audio system, and HID headlights. For those prioritizing style, the Nightshade Edition added dark accents and 19-inch wheels.

The 2020 Acura MDX was a stylish crossover SUV, though its design was not groundbreaking. It featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, enhancing both function and appearance. The MDX had a sleek, low-slung profile with chiseled details and flawless paint and chrome. Inside, the MDX boasted a modern and simple design, with a centre stack featuring twin infotainment screens. The high-quality materials and superior fit and finish gave the MDX a solid and well-built feel. The MDX's controls were intuitive, with knobs and switches that actuated with authority. The interior was designed for functionality, with ample storage options and a flexible centre console. The MDX offered a comfortable and stylish alternative for those seeking minivan functionality without the stigma of sliding side doors.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for towing up to 1,587 kilograms. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims, providing a unique selling point in the minivan segment. The Sienna's fuel efficiency varied, with the FWD model achieving 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway, while AWD versions returned 13.4 L/100 km city and 9.6 highway. The Sienna's low centre of gravity and broad base contributed to decent handling dynamics, though its steering response was twitchy at higher speeds, requiring constant attention.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrains: a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, and a Sport Hybrid with a 3.0-litre V6 and three electric motors, producing 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The gasoline-only model featured Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, providing good straight-line performance and nimble handling. The SH-AWD system incorporated torque-vectoring technology, enhancing cornering and handling by directing power to the outside wheel during turns. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension absorbed road bumps, ensuring a comfortable ride. The transmission was well-behaved, with paddle shifters for sequential shifting, though the drive modes provided optimal shifts.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 4,247 litres, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome with the bench option. The third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, but accessing the backseat was challenging due to the awkward folding of the second-row seat cushion. Toyota offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2020 Acura MDX provided a versatile interior with sliding and reclining second-row seats, facilitating access to the third row and allowing for adjustable legroom. The MDX offered 447 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,229 litres with the third row folded, and 2,574 litres with the second row down. The interior featured ample storage options, including a recessed cubby hole, underfloor storage, and a flexible centre console. The MDX's tri-zone climate control allowed for separate heating and cooling options, enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base CE trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and five USB ports. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a JBL 10-speaker audio system. The XLE Limited trim included Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver's voice to the rear speakers, aiding communication with rear passengers.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard tech features like Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, parking sensors, and a premium audio system. The A-Spec Package included LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, and 20-inch wheels. The Technology Plus package offered heated rear seats and an upgraded audio system, while the Elite Package featured an Active Damper System, surround-view camera, and a rear entertainment screen.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), which included lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on SE models and above. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS in various crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX's body structure was designed to absorb crash impact, enhancing occupant safety. The MDX received a "Good" rating from the IIHS in crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.