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Unveiling The Winner: Toyota Highlander Vs. Acura Mdx – A Comparative Analysis

What To Know

  • When it comes to choosing a three-row SUV, the Toyota Highlander and Acura MDX are two of the most popular options on the market.
  • The Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive.
  • And the Hyundai Palisade is a luxurious three-row SUV that offers a wide range of features and a comfortable ride.

When it comes to choosing a three-row SUV, the Toyota Highlander and Acura MDX are two of the most popular options on the market. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, plenty of features, and a comfortable ride. But which one is the right choice for you? Let’s take a closer look at the Toyota Highlander vs Acura MDX to help you decide.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

The Toyota Highlander comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option. The Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, the fuel economy drops to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

The Acura MDX comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option. The MDX gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, the fuel economy drops to 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Cargo Space

The Toyota Highlander has a spacious interior with seating for up to eight passengers. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and the second row offers plenty of legroom and headroom. The third row is a bit tight, but it’s still usable for kids or adults on short trips. The Highlander has 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

The Acura MDX has a slightly smaller interior than the Highlander, but it still offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and the second row offers plenty of legroom and headroom. The third row is a bit tighter than the Highlander’s, but it’s still usable for kids or adults on short trips. The MDX has 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 90.1 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

Features and Technology

The Toyota Highlander comes standard with a variety of features, including a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Available features include a larger 8-inch touchscreen display, a premium audio system, a navigation system, and a sunroof.

The Acura MDX comes standard with a variety of features, including a 10.2-inch touchscreen display, a nine-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Available features include a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display, a premium audio system, a navigation system, and a sunroof.

Safety

The Toyota Highlander has received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The MDX has also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Both vehicles come standard with a variety of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.

Price

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $34,810. The Acura MDX has a starting price of $46,900.

Which One is Right for You?

The Toyota Highlander and Acura MDX are both great three-row SUVs. The Highlander is a more affordable option with a more spacious interior and better fuel economy. The MDX is a more luxurious option with a more powerful engine and more advanced features. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re looking for a three-row SUV, there are a few other options you might want to consider. The Honda Pilot is a popular choice that offers a spacious interior, plenty of features, and a comfortable ride. The Kia Telluride is another great option that offers a lot of value for the money. And the Hyundai Palisade is a luxurious three-row SUV that offers a wide range of features and a comfortable ride.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander or the Acura MDX?

A: The Toyota Highlander has better fuel economy than the Acura MDX. The Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. The MDX gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive.

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior, the Toyota Highlander or the Acura MDX?

A: The Toyota Highlander has a more spacious interior than the Acura MDX. The Highlander has 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows folded down. The MDX has 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 90.1 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

Q: Which SUV has more features, the Toyota Highlander or the Acura MDX?

A: The Acura MDX has more features than the Toyota Highlander. The MDX comes standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen display, a nine-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Available features include a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display, a premium audio system, a navigation system, and a sunroof. The Highlander comes standard with a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Available features include a larger 8-inch touchscreen display, a premium audio system, a navigation system, and a sunroof.

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