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 cluttered, with a busy center console that could be overwhelming. The MDX offered various trims, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, each adding unique features like ambient lighting, upgraded audio systems, and leather upholstery. The Type-S Advance package, which was reviewed, included a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, providing a luxurious experience despite the busy interior.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna maintained a traditional minivan appearance, with a trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines. The Platinum trim featured new flower-petal wheel designs and a Magnetic Gray paint color. The Sienna's interior updates included a woodgrain finish, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. The Platinum model offered a range of features, including a digital rearview mirror and extended connected services. Despite its minivan look, the Sienna provided practicality with seating for up to eight and easy access through sliding doors.

The 2024 Acura MDX was powered by a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower, while the Type-S variant featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 horsepower. The MDX Type-S Advance offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed for various driving modes, including Sport and Comfort, enhancing the driving experience. The MDX's towing capacity reached up to 5,000 pounds with AWD, making it versatile for different needs.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, utilized a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT, delivering a net horsepower of 245. While not exceptionally powerful, the Sienna's electric assist motor provided immediate torque, preventing it from feeling sluggish. The hybrid system prioritized fuel economy, achieving an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving. The Sienna's handling was secure but not particularly engaging, with a smooth ride and quiet highway performance. However, the CVT's noise during hard acceleration was noticeable.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive, while the third row was more suitable for children. Cargo space was flexible, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The MDX featured a power liftgate and optional hands-free operation. The center console provided ample storage, though the control layout was somewhat cluttered, with a touchpad interface that required adjustment.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular among passengers, and the third row accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna's cargo space was generous, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 101 cubic feet. However, the second-row seats couldn't be removed, limiting maximum cargo capacity compared to rivals. The Sienna's interior featured practical storage solutions, though some areas lacked secure placement for larger items.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a clumsy touchpad interface controlling the 12.3-inch display. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console cleverly integrated charging ports, but the overall system was unintuitive compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, along with a digital instrumentation panel. The Platinum model included a four-zone climate control system, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered various connected services, with a digital assistant responding to voice commands. The JBL premium audio system provided decent sound quality, though bass-heavy settings required adjustment. The Sienna's infotainment system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as alternatives.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera system. The MDX earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, though the infotainment system's distraction potential was a concern.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured TSS 2.0, offering forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While not the latest version, TSS 2.0 provided a more straightforward experience. The Sienna also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the Sienna's frontal crash-test result was four stars, with a three-star rating for driver protection in a frontal impact. The new rear-seat reminder technology was a thoughtful addition for families.