Comparing The Acura MDX Vs. Toyota Highlander
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 also a three-row SUV, if you care about how your car drives and want something with more soul and luxury spirit, the MDX is easily the better choice.
Its thrilling drive and luxurious interior don't require much sacrifice in fuel economy or any trade-off in reliability. This isn't just our opinion – it's what many drivers in Merrillville, IN, think, too. See the details below as we compare the Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander, then visit Muller Acura of Merrillville to experience the winner.
Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander: Comparison at a Glance
- The MDX is built for drivers who care about driving and value luxury.
- The Highlander trades fun and luxury for a slight MPG advantage.
- The MDX is larger, with more cargo room and third-row space.
- Reliability ratings are equal between these models.
How Do the Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander Performance Specs & Handling Compare?
The Acura MDX performance specifications and handling outpace the Toyota Highlander by a significant margin. In fact, the 2026 Acura MDX vs. 2026 Toyota Highlander comparison will be a quick battle. Although both of these models are three-row SUVs, their spec-based similarities end there. The MDX has a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 290 horsepower, whereas the Highlander has a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 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.2
For handling, Car and Driver praised the MDX for its "fun-to-drive nature."1 Meanwhile, they noted that the Toyota Highlander is not as thrilling, ultimately describing time behind the wheel as "unremarkable."2
So, when comparing the 2026 Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander, keep in mind that the Acura MDX is built 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 looking at their upgraded specs.
The Acura MDX has the available Type S Advance trim, which features a 355-horsepower 3.0-liter turbo V-6 and comprehensive drivetrain enhancements to deliver a 5.5-second 0-60 mph time1 and even sharper handling. The Highlander, meanwhile, offers a hybrid powertrain that reduces output to 243 horsepower and a 7.2-second 0-60 mph time.3
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.
2026 Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander Highlights
| 2026 Acura MDX | 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE | |
| Engine: | 3.5L V-6 | 2.4L 4-cyl |
| Horsepower: | 290 | 265 |
| Transmission: | 10-speed auto | 8-speed auto |
| 0-60 mph time: | 6.4 sec1 | 7.2 sec2 |
| Max towing capacity: | 5,000 lbs4 | 5,000 lbs5 |
| Dimensions (length / width / height): | 198.4 / 78.7 / 67.9 in | 194.9 / 76 / 68.1 in |
| Passenger volume: | 139.1 cu ft | 139.5 cu ft |
| Cargo volume (3rd / 2nd / max): | 18.1 / 48.4 / 95 cu ft | 16 / 48.4 / 84.3 cu ft |
| Third-row legroom: | 29.1 in | 28 in |
| Third-row headroom: | 36.2 in | 36.1 in |
| Third-row shoulder room: | 55.2 in | 55 in |
What Are the Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander Fuel Efficiency Ratings?
When comparing standard configurations, the MDX delivers an EPA-estimated 19/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),6 while the Highlander has an EPA-estimated 21/28/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).7 That small difference isn't enough to outweigh how much quicker and more responsive an Acura MDX for sale can be.
The reason for this difference is that the Acura MDX is a luxury SUV designed to deliver driving excitement without compromise. It's ideal for those who need a three-row vehicle but still appreciate engaging performance and more modern creature comforts.
The Highlander, meanwhile, focuses more on practicality. While it is somewhat more fuel-efficient, that MPG advantage comes at the cost of a less spirited drive.
What Are the Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander Size, Space & Cargo Room Values?
The Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander dimensions are fairly even, but the Acura MDX is slightly larger. Specifically, the MDX is 198.4 inches long, 78.7 inches wide, and 67.9 inches tall, whereas the Highlander is 194.9 inches long, 76 inches wide, and 68.1 inches tall.
Both the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander have a standard seven-seat layout, providing two second-row captain's chairs that maximize comfort.
The Acura MDX includes a standard panoramic moonroof, a feature that doesn't become standard on the Toyota Highlander until the range-topping Platinum trim. That's a point in favor of the new Acura MDX, but for consistency, we'll use interior dimensions for the Toyota Highlander Platinum, which is equipped with the available panoramic moonroof.
With that in mind, the 2026 Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander dimensions show that the MDX offers 2.8 cubic feet more passenger volume and 10.7 cubic feet more maximum cargo space than the Highlander.
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.
What Are the Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander Reliability Scores?
Some people still believe you need to sacrifice reliability to get a luxury SUV. With the MDX and the rest of our all-new Acura inventory, that simply isn't the case. Each model earned an "Excellent" RepairPal.com reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.8, 9 So, with equal reliability but far higher luxury and performance in the MDX, we think the choice is clear for drivers in Merrillville, IN.
If you want another look at how this SUV stacks against other competition, check out our Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot comparison.
You can also find out how the Acura MDX fares against a luxury rival in our Acura MDX vs. Lexus TX comparison before you visit Muller Acura of Merrillville to test-drive the new MDX.
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 more 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 that prioritizes high-performance driving thrills. The Highlander, meanwhile, is not a luxury model and focuses more on practicality and everyday usability.
Which has better MPG: the Acura MDX or Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander has slightly better MPG ratings than the Acura MDX but far less performance on tap. For example, with standard engines and configurations, the MDX has an EPA-estimated 19/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)6 and a 6.4-second 0-60 mph time,1 while the Highlander has an EPA-estimated 21/28/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)7 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-2026
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-2026
3This 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-hybrid-2026
4Towing 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.
5Before 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.
6Based on 2026 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.
7Use 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.
8Reference 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/2026
9Reference 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/toyota/highlander