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Toyota Highlander Vs. Acura Rdx: Which One Is The Better Suv For You?

What To Know

  • In this blog post, we’ll compare the Toyota Highlander and the Acura RDX in terms of their key features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
  • The Highlander earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, while the RDX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.
  • The Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the V6 model and 36 mpg city/35 mpg highway for the hybrid model, while the RDX gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway.

When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, two models that often come to mind are the Toyota Highlander and the Acura RDX. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, plenty of features, and strong performance. But which one is the better choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Toyota Highlander and the Acura RDX in terms of their key features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Power

The Toyota Highlander offers two engine options: a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total output of 243 horsepower. The RDX, on the other hand, is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of acceleration, the RDX has a slight edge over the Highlander. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, while the Highlander takes 7.3 seconds with the V6 engine and 8.1 seconds with the hybrid powertrain. However, the Highlander offers better fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the V6 model and 36 mpg city/35 mpg highway for the hybrid model. The RDX, on the other hand, gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway.

Interior and Features

Both the Highlander and the RDX offer spacious interiors with seating for up to eight passengers. However, the Highlander has a slight advantage in terms of cargo space, with 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, compared to 15.8 cubic feet in the RDX.

When it comes to features, both vehicles offer a wide range of amenities, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and a suite of safety features. However, the RDX has a few more standard features than the Highlander, such as a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and a wireless charging pad.

Safety

Both the Highlander and the RDX have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Highlander earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, while the RDX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.

Price

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,855, while the Acura RDX starts at $40,800. However, the Highlander offers more standard features than the RDX, so the price difference is somewhat justified.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious SUV with good fuel efficiency and a comfortable ride, the Toyota Highlander is a great option. However, if you’re looking for a more powerful SUV with a more luxurious interior and more standard features, the Acura RDX is a better choice.

Alternatives to Consider

In addition to the Toyota Highlander and the Acura RDX, there are a few other midsize SUVs that you might want to consider. These include the Honda Pilot, the Kia Sorento, and the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Wrapping Up: Choosing the Right SUV for You

Choosing the right SUV can be a difficult decision, but by carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can find the perfect vehicle for you. Whether you choose the Toyota Highlander, the Acura RDX, or another SUV, you’re sure to find a vehicle that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Frequently Discussed Topics

1. Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander or the Acura RDX?

The Toyota Highlander offers better fuel efficiency than the Acura RDX. The Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the V6 model and 36 mpg city/35 mpg highway for the hybrid model, while the RDX gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway.

2. Which SUV has a more spacious interior, the Toyota Highlander or the Acura RDX?

The Toyota Highlander has a more spacious interior than the Acura RDX. The Highlander has 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, compared to 15.8 cubic feet in the RDX.

3. Which SUV has a more powerful engine, the Toyota Highlander or the Acura RDX?

The Acura RDX has a more powerful engine than the Toyota Highlander. The RDX is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, while the Highlander offers two engine options: a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total output of 243 horsepower.

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