2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received an update in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches overshadowed by its overall aged design. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when closed, a detail that many automakers typically refine. The instrument panel appeared to be from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, with features like a power rear liftgate, leather upholstery, and a JBL premium audio system. The Nightshade Edition added a touch of style with dark accents and wheels, appealing to those who wanted a minivan with a bit of flair.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, presented a sporty and stylish appearance without excessive performance cues. It avoided off-road styling elements, focusing instead on a design meant for daily driving and road trips. The RDX A-Spec sat in the middle of the trim hierarchy, with prices starting at $38,200 and rising with additional packages. The A-Spec Package added sporty interior features like simulated suede inserts and red ambient lighting. While the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were hard to read, the overall interior delivered a sporty feel. The RDX's design and features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and sporty compact SUV.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for those who wanted more control, though it was rarely used. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive configuration provided the best fuel economy, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive option, available on all trims except the base L, offered slightly lower figures. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its steering response was twitchy at higher speeds, requiring constant attention.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with the option of the SH-AWD system for improved handling. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between different driving modes, affecting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec models had exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, enhancing handling. While the RDX A-Spec lacked adaptive dampers, it offered a rewarding driving experience with precise steering and fade-resistant brakes. The RDX's performance was further enhanced by its broad torque curve and engaging driving modes.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, 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 folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging due to the awkward folding mechanism of the second-row seats. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing such capabilities.

The 2021 Acura RDX, while a compact SUV, provided remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, with heating and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by the need for a low and flat cargo floor, resulting in a lack of leg support. The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats increased cargo capacity to 58.9 cubic feet, with a maximum of 79.8 cubic feet when measured with the front seats moved forward. Despite its modest official measurements, the RDX's cargo area was practical for most needs.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. It included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Sienna also featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without raising their voice.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. While it aimed to improve upon Lexus's similar system, it still required drivers to look at the screen to confirm actions, potentially causing distraction. The RDX included smartphone projection, voice assistant technology, and a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system in the A-Spec trim. Despite its innovative approach, the TTI system was not ideal for minimizing driver distraction.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, which included lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims but standard on the XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA and a top rating of Superior from the IIHS for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.