Acura MDX Vs. Toyota Highlander: Midsize SUV Comparison
Drivers considering a reliable new midsize SUV should compare the Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander. Both of these well-known SUVs are three-row machines that combine style, safety, space, and premium features to great effect. However, one is known to surpass the other where it counts: the Acura MDX.
Get a taste of the new Acura MDX with our Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander comparison guide below. When you know the Acura MDX is right for you, visit Muller's Woodfield Acura to take a test drive and find our lease deals.
Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander: Engine & Performance Specs
Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander performance specs are hardly a comparison. With a 2023 Toyota Highlander, you'll have either a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 265 horsepower or a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid with 243 horsepower.
Meanwhile, the Acura MDX obliterates the Toyota Highlander specs with a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 290 horsepower and uses i-VTEC for efficient and smooth driving when things are calm and thrilling performance when you jolt the gas pedal.
The gap between Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander performance widens when you consider the 2024 Acura MDX Type S, which gets going with a 355-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine. The Toyota Highlander uses a gearless CVT or eight-speed automatic transmission, while every Acura MDX optimizes performance, smoothness, and fun with a 10-speed automatic transmission featuring Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters.
Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander towing is a tie since both models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.1, 2 When you compare 0 to 60 mph times, however, the Acura MDX specs leave the Highlander behind.
The automotive experts at Car and Driver found that the Acura MDX accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds3 with its standard engine and 5.5 seconds3 when outfitted as the Acura MDX Type S. In comparison, Car and Driver tests revealed that the Toyota Highlander was capable of running a 7.2-second4 0 to 60 mph time with the 2.4-liter engine or 7.3 seconds4 with its 2.5-liter hybrid engine.
| Specifications | 2024 Acura MDX | 2023 Toyota Highlander |
| Engines | - Standard 3.5L V-6 - Available 3.0L V-6 (Type S) |
- Standard 2.4L Turbo Four-Cylinder - Available 2.5L Hybrid Four-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | - 290 (Standard Engine) - 355 (Type S Engine) |
- 265 (Turbo Engine) - 243 (Hybrid Engine) |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic w/ Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters | - Eight-Speed Automatic (Turbo Engine) - CVT (Hybrid Engine) |
| Maximum Torque | 354 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs2 |
| 0-60 MPH (Car and Driver Results) | - 6.4 seconds3 (Standard Engine) - 5.5 seconds3 (Type S Engine) |
- 7.2 seconds4 (Turbo Engine) - 7.3 seconds4 (Hybrid Engine) |
| Dimensions (Length/Width/Height) | 198.4/78.4/67.1 in | 194.9/76.0/68.1 in |
| Maximum Cargo Room (Behind First/Second/Third-Row Seats) | 95/48.4/18.1 cu ft5 | 84.3/48.4/16 cu ft |
| Third-Row Space (Headroom/Legroom) | 36.2/29.1 in | 36.1/28 in |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Lane-Keeping System | Standard | Standard |
| Blind-Spot Monitoring | Standard | Standard |
| Front-Seat Massage Function | Available | Not Available |
| Maximum Front-Seat Adjustability | 16-Way Driver and Passenger | 10-Way Driver/8-Way Passenger |
| Available Sound System | ELS STUDIO 3D Signature Edition w/ 25 Speakers | JBL Premium Audio w/ 11 Speakers |
| Wireless Smartphone Charger | Standard | Available |
| Panoramic Moonroof | Standard | Available |
| 12.3-Inch Digital Gauge Cluster | Standard | Available |
| 12.3-Inch Center Infotainment Display | Standard | Available |
Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander: Interior & Technology Features
Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander interiors are a world apart. The Toyota Highlander interior is filled with practical cargo solutions, durable materials, and convenient features that make use of the latest technology. The same can also be said about the Acura MDX interior, but rather than stopping at all that, it continues on to line every inch of the cabin with exquisite luxury and high-class features.
For example, the highest-end seats in the new Toyota Highlander are trimmed in leather and offer 10-way power adjustments for the driver, eight-way power adjustments for the front passenger, front-seat power lumbar support, and memory.
In contrast, a new Acura MDX for sale can have seats trimmed in perforated Milano premium leather with contrast stitching and piping, featuring 16-way power adjustment, power lumbar support, and a nine-way massage function for the front seats. Power lumbar is the only seat-related available feature that a Toyota Highlander can measure up to – the rest can only be found in the MDX.
That's true of many other Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander interior features as well. The following luxury and technology features can be found in an Acura MDX and cannot be equaled by the Highlander:
- GPS-Linked Climate Control (there is no equivalent in the Highlander)
- Iconic Drive Ambient LED Cabin Lighting w/ 27 Color Themes (the Highlander only has a single-color interior lighting system)
- Authentic Open-Pore Wood Trim (you'll only find imitation wood in the Highlander)
- ELS STUDIO 3D Signature Edition Premium Audio System with 25 Speakers (the Highlander only has an available 11-Speaker JBL Premium Audio)
- Standard 12.3-inch Center Infotainment Display (the Highlander has a standard 8-inch display here)
- Standard 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster Display (the Highlander has a standard 7-inch display here)
- Standard Wireless Smartphone Charger (this is an available upgrade for the Highlander)
- Standard Panoramic Moonroof with Tilt and Slide Function (this is an available upgrade for the Highlander)
- Standard Road Departure Mitigation System (not offered in the Highlander)
Many Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander safety features result in a tie. Both models offer standard blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with low-speed capabilities, lane-keeping systems, and pre-collision assist systems. However, with more luxuries to enjoy as you drive in confidence, the Acura MDX can make your drive safe while enhancing your on-road enjoyment.
Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander: Dimensions & Size
The Acura MDX trim levels are all very similar in size to the Toyota Highlander dimensions. For example, the MDX measures 198.4 inches long (3.5 inches longer than the Highlander), 78.4 inches wide (2.4 inches wider than the Highlander), and 67.1 inches tall (one inch shorter than the Highlander).
Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander dimensions show how similar these three-row SUVs are on the outside, but on the inside, the Acura MDX dimensions bring more room in the third row and cargo area. Specifically, the Acura MDX has a maximum cargo capacity of 95 cubic feet,5 while the Toyota Highlander offers up to 84.3 cubic feet.
Discover the 2024 Acura MDX Today at Muller's Woodfield Acura
Thanks to its power, plush seats, and plenty of room inside for your family, among other things, the Acura MDX is a better choice than the Toyota Highlander or the rest of the three-row SUV crowd. To explore the many other reasons why you deserve one in your driveway, compare the Acura MDX vs. Acura Integra and take a test drive at our Acura dealership today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander?
The main differences between the Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander include more power, performance, luxury features, technology, and cargo space in the Acura MDX. Both models are three-row SUVs, but the Acura MDX is a high-performance luxury SUV, while the Toyota Highlander is more of a versatile, value-oriented vehicle. Visit us to test-drive the 2024 Acura MDX and learn more.
Which one has better performance: the Acura MDX or the Toyota Highlander?
The Acura MDX leaves the Toyota Highlander far behind when their performance specs clash. The Toyota Highlander is less powerful than the Acura MDX in every configuration: The MDX makes 290 or 355 horsepower, while the Highlander makes either 265 or 243 horsepower. The Acura MDX gets to 60 mph far faster3, 4 and is also a more agile machine because of its exclusive handling enhancements.
Which one has more cargo space: the Acura MDX or the Toyota Highlander?
The Acura MDX offers you up to 95 cubic feet5 of maximum cargo space, while the Toyota Highlander maxes out at 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Both models can tow up to 5,000 pounds,1, 2 but the enhanced cargo room, extra third-row space, and more powerful ride of the Acura MDX make it a great choice over the Highlander.
1Towing requires the addition of the Acura accessory trailer hitch and hitch ball. Please see your Acura dealer for details. Added cargo weight in the vehicle may reduce max towing capacity, see Owners Guide for details.
2Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.
3This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/acura/mdx
4This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/highlander-2023
5Based on SAE J1100 cargo volume measurement standard plus floor space between first and second seats and front seats moved forward. This figure compares more accurately with most competitive measurements.