2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in the minivan segment, a category that had seen a decline with the rise of SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan market, evolving its models over the years. The Sienna, with its fourth-generation debut in 2021, embraced a design that blended SUV-like aesthetics with traditional minivan functionality. Its exterior featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin, with ample storage solutions and seating configurations that catered to family needs. The interior design was uncluttered, providing a comfortable and functional environment for both drivers and passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX presented a compact SUV with subtle styling updates inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. The RDX's design changes included a refreshed grille and bumper styling, along with new wheel designs and paint colours. The PMC Edition, with its exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint, added a touch of exclusivity. Inside, the RDX emphasized a sporty driving position and featured a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. While the interior offered high-quality materials and a quieter cabin, the back seat lacked the comfort found in the front, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor. The RDX's design focused on delivering a stylish and engaging driving experience, appealing to those seeking a compact luxury SUV.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued to impress with its hybrid powertrain, a feature that set it apart in the minivan segment. Utilizing a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, the Sienna delivered a combined output of 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The AWD system added an electric motor to drive the rear wheels, enhancing traction without complicating the drivetrain. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to its smooth power delivery and impressive fuel efficiency. Natural Resources Canada rated the FWD Sienna Hybrid at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, 6.5 on the highway, and 6.6 combined, while AWD models achieved slightly higher figures. The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride, thanks to its advanced suspension system.

The 2022 Acura RDX, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered a dynamic driving experience. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system was standard in Canada, providing excellent traction and torque vectoring capabilities. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) allowed drivers to choose between different driving modes, enhancing the SUV's adaptability. Despite its sporty performance, the RDX's fuel consumption was higher than the Sienna's, with an average of 11.4 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The RDX excelled in driving dynamics, offering a comfortable and engaging ride, but it fell short of delivering the thrill associated with Acura's Type S performance badge.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, offering a spacious interior capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's maximum towing capacity was 1,585 kilograms. The interior featured a 60/40-split third-row bench that easily stored away, along with ample storage cubbies and cupholders throughout. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for families on the go.

The 2022 Acura RDX, while a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, enhanced by a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position, with a unique control layout that included the True Touchpad Interface. The RDX's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation and heating. However, the back seat lacked comfort, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded. A power liftgate with hands-free operation added convenience, while hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor offered additional space.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna offered a range of telematics services, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional Qi wireless phone charging. Audio systems varied by trim, with a 12-speaker JBL system available on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was also offered. The Sienna's digital rearview mirror provided a clear view of the road behind, even with a full load of passengers.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, paired with a 10.2-inch display screen. While the TTI offered a unique control method, it required acclimation. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available wireless charging pad. Standard features included satellite radio and AcuraLink connected services. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system available on higher trims. A 10.5-inch head-up display was included with the A-Spec Platinum Elite package.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire.

The 2022 Acura RDX also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Acura made structural upgrades to improve side-impact safety and added a rear seatbelt reminder system. The standard AcuraWatch suite included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems were mostly accurate, though not as refined as some competitors.