Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander Comparison

There are different approaches in the 3-row midsize SUV segment with the 2020 Acura MDX and 2020 Toyota Highlander as two examples. Let’s take a closer look at how they compare.

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2020 Acura MDX

2020 Acura MDX Starting Price: $45,395 | Price Yours or View listings near you 

Above Average: Advanced all-wheel drive system; available hybrid model; roomier third row; known for reliability and solid resale.

Below Average: Interior design needs updating; complicated split-level screens; lacks the panache of European luxury brands.

Consensus: The 2020 Acura MDX won KBB’s 5-year Cost to Own Award in 2019 for its reliability, resale, and reputation.

2020 Toyota Highlander

2020 Toyota Highlander Starting Price: $35,720 | Price Yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Standard V6 engine; available hybrid; brimming with safety features; known for exceptional reliability; good resale value.

Below Average: Higher starting price than most rivals; third row is snug for adults.

Consensus: The 2020 Toyota Highlander is a practical 3-row midsize SUV with a standard suite of safety features, a hybrid option, and excellent reliability and resale values.

MDX vs. Highlander: Two modes of reliability

Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX is a roomy and comfortable luxury SUV that comes equipped with a suite of safety and technology. The MDX is offered with one of two powertrains, a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 290 horsepower and is mated to a 9-speed automatic, or in the MDX Sport Hybrid which uses a 3.0-liter V6 combined with an electric motor and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Acura’s Super-Handling all-wheel-drive (SH-AWD) is optional on all versions of the MDX, and while it not only improves handling in all kinds of weather, it’s one of our favorite features on the SUV. It is not available on the hybrid version, however. One quibble we have about the MDX is the perplexing dual-screen system that adds unnecessary confusion.

Toyota Highlander

The all-new Toyota Highlander, now in its fourth generation, has more technology, new amenities, and is slightly larger for 2020. Powered by a standard V6 engine that puts out 295-horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, the Highlander is also offered with a hybrid powertrain that returns up to 36 mpg. With three rows of seating, the Highlander can be equipped for seven or eight passengers, but the third row is better suited for children than full-size adults. The cargo area in the Highlander is spacious with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seat, stretching to 84 cubic feet with second and third rows folded. The interior is comfortable and rivals luxury SUVs, especially with the leather offered in the Platinum trim. The climate, navigation, and audio controls are straightforward and easy to use. The Toyota Highlander comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.

Similarities

Seating for seven; powerful V6; optional hybrid; small third row.

Acura MDX Advantages

Sporty handling; reliability; resale; and reputation.

Toyota Highlander Advantages

Lower price; hybrid version rated up to 36 mpg; two AWD versions; great resale and reliability.

Final Recommendation

The Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander both have reliability, positive resale value, and reputation in common. Both have hybrid options and offer a suite of safety and technology features. While the MDX has more luxurious details, the Highlander has a hybrid powertrain with better fuel economy and is a better value with a lower starting price.

Ready to buy an Acura MDX or Toyota Highlander?  Shop now for one on sale near you.