2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern intake vents, creating a refined presence. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but somewhat cluttered, with a centre console filled with controls that could be overwhelming at first. The MDX was available in several trims, including the A-Spec and Platinum Elite, with the Type S Ultra offering top-tier features like a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats. The interior boasted ambient lighting, power-adjustable seats, and genuine leather upholstery, enhancing its luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna maintained the classic minivan silhouette but attempted to add style with upswept body lines and a trapezoidal grille. The rear end mirrored the front's design, and the Platinum package introduced new wheel designs. Despite these efforts, the Sienna still looked like a traditional minivan. The interior updates for 2025 included a new woodgrain finish, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. The Sienna offered practicality with seating for up to eight and a spacious interior, but its design remained utilitarian.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S Ultra variant came with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Power was managed through a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The MDX Type S Ultra offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes enhancing its driving dynamics. The SUV's towing capacity reached up to 2,268 kilograms.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was equipped with a hybrid powertrain featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a CVT, producing a net 245 horsepower. While not particularly powerful, the electric assist motor provided immediate torque, preventing the Sienna from feeling sluggish. The hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The Sienna offered a smooth ride with predictable handling, though it lacked the sporty feel of the MDX. Its towing capacity was 1,587 kilograms.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows providing comfort and support, while the third row was more suitable for children. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 2,690 litres available when the second and third rows were folded. The MDX featured a hands-free power liftgate and additional storage under the cargo floor. The centre console was spacious, though the control layout was somewhat cluttered, with a touchpad interface that took some getting used to.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, offering power-adjustable and heated front seats, with ventilated options in higher trims. The second-row captain’s chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were a hit, and the third row accommodated adults comfortably. Cargo space was ample, with 949 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,860 litres. However, the Sienna's design did not allow for the removal of second-row seats, limiting its maximum cargo capacity compared to rivals.

The 2024 Acura MDX was equipped with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad, which proved to be unintuitive. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The vehicle also featured multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless charging. However, the infotainment system's complexity detracted from the overall experience.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen for its Toyota Audio Multimedia system, with a digital instrumentation panel and a four-zone climate control system. The Limited trim included a head-up display and a digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered connected services with varying subscription periods, and the digital assistant was particularly effective. The Sienna also supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a JBL premium audio system enhancing the listening experience.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. It earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. However, the infotainment system's touchpad interface posed a distraction risk.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. While not the latest version, TSS 2.0 provided a more straightforward experience. The Sienna also included a new rear-seat reminder system. It received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though its frontal crash-test results were less impressive.