2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX was available in standard and Type S versions, with various trim packages enhancing its equipment levels. In Canada, the standard MDX came with base, Tech, A-Spec, and Platinum Elite packages, while the Type S offered a standard spec or an Ultra package. Prices ranged from $59,300 to $84,400, excluding a $2,375 destination charge. The Type S Ultra trim, priced at $84,400, aimed to deliver luxury and driving dynamism but fell short in some areas. The MDX Type S featured subtle design elements, including chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic moonroof. Inside, it boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. Despite its appeal, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic and electronic transmission switchgear, were less user-friendly.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its minivan image with a design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. It offered various trims, including the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, and Limited, with a 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim available. The Sienna's interior was praised for its high-quality materials, such as brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents. It accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the latter option supporting three-across car seats in the middle row. The Sienna's design focused on practicality, with features like power-sliding doors and a power liftgate, making it a smart choice for families.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed 130 kilograms more. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S offered various driving modes, including Sport+ and an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the performance upgrades didn't create a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brakes were inconsistent. Fuel economy was also disappointing, with the Type S averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors, producing 245 net system horsepower. While this was less powerful than some competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering were praised for their nimbleness. The Sienna was easy to drive in the city and cruised comfortably on the highway. It offered drive modes like EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, but Normal mode was recommended for the best balance. The Sienna's light steering and tidy turning radius made it a practical choice for urban driving, although its acceleration was less impressive compared to rivals.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with options for two or three second-row seating positions. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and didn't provide the expected support during spirited driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, and the interior design prioritized style over storage space. The cargo area provided 461 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage solutions, with ample space for bags and a long shelf for small items. It offered three-zone climate control as standard, with four-zone available on higher trims. The Sienna's minivan platform made excellent use of space, providing 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row and up to 2,860 litres in total. The second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with extending ottomans for added support. The Sienna's third row accommodated adults with genuine legroom, a rarity in three-row crossovers.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. However, the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen, which was less intuitive. The TTI design also limited storage space on the centre console. The MDX offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system delivered impressive sound quality. A 10.5-inch head-up display was available on higher trims, but the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna used an older infotainment interface with a 9-inch touchscreen. It included SiriusXM, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, but required a wired connection for the latter two. The interface felt outdated and had some quirks, but it was reliable. The Sienna's 12-speaker JBL audio system sounded good, and the physical buttons were appreciated for their functionality.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with a range of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. It also included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, although it earned four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While it lacked some of the more gimmicky features found in competitors, the Sienna prioritized essential safety features for family use.