Acura MDX Vs. Toyota Highlander: Specs, Size, MPG, Hybrid
Both models in the Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander comparison speak for themselves. The Acura MDX is a sporty car that was fed a diet of luxury features and styling, then stretched to become a three-row SUV. While the Toyota Highlander is a three-row SUV, if you care about how your car drives and demand something with soul and luxury spirit, the MDX is the better choice.
Its thrilling drive and luxurious interior don't require much compromise on MPGs or any compromise on reliability. This isn't just our opinion. See the details below as we compare the Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander, then come see the winner at Muller Acura of Merrillville.
Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander: Comparison at a Glance
- The MDX is built for drivers who care about driving and demand luxury
- The Highlander sacrifices fun and luxury for a small MPG advantage
- The MDX is larger, with more cargo room and third-row space
- Reliability ratings are equal between these models
Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander Performance Specs & Handling
If performance is on your mind, the 2025 Acura MDX vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander comparison will be a quick battle. Although both of these models are three-row SUVs with standard FWD and available AWD, their spec-based similarities end there. The MDX has a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 290 horsepower, whereas the Highlander boasts a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower.
The Toyota Highlander vs. Acura MDX 0-60 mph showdown is, as you'd expect from these specs, overwhelmingly won by the MDX. The Acura model, with its standard engine, leaps from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds,1 whereas the standard-engine Highlander takes 7.2 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph.2
For handling, Car and Driver praised the MDX, saying its "agile handling makes it more fun to drive than many luxury crossovers."1 Meanwhile, they lamented that the Toyota Highlander is not as thrilling, ultimately describing time behind the wheel as a "mundane driving experience."2
So, when comparing the 2025 Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander, keep in mind that the Acura MDX is made for drivers who care about both luxury and performance thrills, while the Highlander is, arguably, made for those who see their SUV as just an appliance to get them to their destination. This is especially true when considering their upgraded specs.
The Acura MDX has the available Type S trim, which installs a 355-horsepower 3.0-liter turbo V-6 and thorough drivetrain enhancements to achieve a 5.5-second 0-60 mph time1 and even sharper handling. The Highlander, meanwhile, has an available hybrid powertrain that drops power to a paltry 243 horsepower, running a 7.3-second 0-60 mph time.2
To round off the Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander specs showdown, both the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander are capable of towing a maximum of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander Fuel Efficiency
The Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander comparison is clear: The MDX is a luxury SUV that refuses to compromise on driving thrills. It's the ultimate model for those who need a three-row SUV but still crave the driving dynamics of the sports cars they blasted around in as bachelors.
The Highlander, meanwhile, is the SUV that those drivers dread. While it is somewhat more fuel efficient, that MPG advantage comes at the cost of boredom: In Car and Driver's words, the Toyota Highlander offers "yawn-inducing driving dynamics."2
With AWD and standard engines, the MDX delivers an EPA-estimated 19 MPG (City),3 while the Highlander has an EPA-estimated 21 MPG (City).4 We don't think that's enough to compensate for how much faster and better handling an Acura MDX for sale can be.
Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander Size, Space & Cargo Room
Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander dimensions are fairly even, but the Acura MDX is a bit bigger than the Toyota Highlander. Specifically, the MDX is 198.4 inches long, 78.7 inches wide, and 67.9 inches tall. The Highlander, meanwhile, is 194.9 inches long, 76 inches wide, and 68.1 inches tall. The Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander comparison continues inside each SUV.
The Acura MDX has a standard seven-seat layout, providing two second-row captain's chairs that maximize comfort. The Highlander requires an upgrade to get captain's chairs. It crams everyone into a standard bench seat with less shoulder room.
As the Acura MDX has a standard moonroof, we'll use the Toyota Highlander interior dimensions that account for its available moonroof. With that in mind, the Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander dimensions involve the Highlander offering 0.4 cubic feet of extra passenger volume, while the Acura MDX has 2.1 more cubic feet of maximum cargo space behind its third-row seats.
For overall maximum cargo room when the rear seats are lowered, the Acura MDX has 95 cubic feet while the Toyota Highlander has 84.3 cubic feet.
Comparing Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander third-row space, we see that the MDX has 36.2 inches of headroom and 29.1 inches of legroom, while the Highlander provides 36.1 inches of headroom and 28 inches of legroom.
Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander Reliability
Some people still believe that you need to sacrifice reliability to get a luxury SUV. With the MDX and all new Acura inventory, that just isn't the case. Both models earned a RepairPal.com reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.5, 6 So, with equal reliability but far higher luxury and performance in the MDX, we think the choice is obvious.
If, though, you're still looking for more information on how this SUV stacks against other competition, check out our Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot comparison.
You can also take a look at how the Acura MDX fares against a luxury rival in our Acura MDX vs. Lexus TX comparison, and visit Muller Acura of Merrillville to test-drive the new MDX.
| 2025 Acura MDX | 2025 Toyota Highlander LE | |
| Engine: | 3.5L V-6 | 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl |
| Horsepower: | 290 | 265 |
| Transmission: | 10-speed automatic w/ sequential SportShift paddle shifters | 8-speed automatic |
| 0-60 mph time: | 6.4 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Maximum towing capacity: | 5,000 lbs7 | 5,000 lbs8 |
| Dimensions (length / width / height): | 198.4 / 78.7 / 67.9 in | 194.9 / 76 / 68.1 in |
| Passenger volume (w/ moonroof): | 139.1 cu ft | N / A |
| Cargo volume (behind third row / maximum): | 16.3 / 95 cu ft | 16.0 / 84.3 cu ft |
| Third-row legroom: | 29.1 in | 28 in |
| Third-row headroom: | 36.2 in | 36.1 in |
| Third-row headroom: | 4.0 out of 5.05 | 4.0 out of 5.06 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MDX bigger than the Highlander?
The Acura MDX is slightly bigger than the Toyota Highlander. To start, it is 198.4 inches long, 78.7 inches wide, and 67.9 inches tall, while the Highlander is 194.9 inches long, 76 inches wide, and 68.1 inches tall. The MDX, as you'd expect from these dimensions, has more cargo room and third-row legroom and headroom.
Is an Acura MDX comparable to a Toyota Highlander?
The Acura MDX is only comparable to a Toyota Highlander in the sense that they're both reliable three-row SUVs. Everything else about the Acura MDX goes well beyond what the Highlander can offer. The MDX is a luxury SUV, and one that prioritizes high-performance driving thrills. The Highlander, meanwhile, is not a luxury model and instead treats driving as a chore.
Which has better MPG: the Acura MDX or Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander has slightly better MPG ratings than the Acura MDX but has far less performance on tap. For example, with standard engines and AWD, the MDX has an EPA-estimated 19 MPG (City)3 and a 6.4-second 0-60 mph time,1 while the Highlander has an EPA-estimated 21 MPG (City)4 and a 7.2-second 0-60 mph time.2
1This 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
2This 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
3Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.
4Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/cars/acura/mdx/2025
6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2025
7Towing 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.
8Before 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.