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Acura MDX vs Toyota Highlander - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (355 HP vs 265 HP), trunk space and price (51,200 $ vs 39,300 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Acura MDX or Toyota Highlander?

Acura MDX vs Toyota Highlander: Key differences

Acura MDX

  • clearly more power

Toyota Highlander

  • clearly cheaper
  • clearly more efficient
  • marginally lighter

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

MDX

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Toyota Highlander is clearly cheaper – starting at 39,300 $ , while the Acura MDX costs 51,200 $ . That’s a price difference of around 11,930 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander performs clearly better – achieving 36 mpg, compared to 19 mpg for the Acura MDX. That’s a difference of about 17 mpg.

Highlander

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Acura MDX offers clearly more power – delivering 355 HP compared to 265 HP. That’s roughly 90 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Acura MDX delivers a bit more torque with 354 lb-ft compared to 310 lb-ft. That’s about 44 lb-ft more.

MDX

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Toyota Highlander offers more seats – 8 vs 7.

In terms of curb weight, Toyota Highlander is marginally lighter – 4,155 lbs compared to 4,268 lbs. The difference is around 113 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Toyota Highlander leads convincingly in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $39,300
Highlander

Toyota Highlander

  • Engine Type : Gasoline, Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 243 - 265 HP
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General
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Acura MDX

The Acura MDX blends upscale comfort with a surprisingly playful chassis, making school runs feel like detours you actually want to take. Tech and cabin quality punch above the badge, while the confident styling tells the neighbors you’ve graduated from minivan life without going full luxury-brand showoff.

details
01 2023 Acura MDX
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Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a trusty family hauler that blends calm road manners with a thoughtfully finished cabin and a bonus row for occasional adults. It won’t set your hair on fire, but with a refined hybrid option, easy-to-use tech, and resale strength that makes rivals sweat, it’s the sensible choice that still feels a bit special.

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Toyota Highlander

Costs and Consumption
Price
51,200 - 75,300 $
Price
39,300 - 53,400 $
FuelEconomy City
17 - 19 mpg
FuelEconomy City
21 - 36 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
21 - 26 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
28 - 35 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
18.5 gal
Fuel tank capacity
17.1 - 17.9 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SH-AWD, SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
7
Seats
7 - 8
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
4,268 - 4,776 lbs
Curb weight
4,155 - 4,595 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
198.4 in.
Length
194.9 - 197.4 in.
Width
78.7 in.
Width
76 in.
Height
67 in.
Height
68 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Gasoline, Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
All Wheel, Front Wheel
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Power HP
290 - 355 HP
Power HP
243 - 265 HP
Torque
267 - 354 lb-ft
Torque
175 - 310 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
3 - 3.5 L
Engine Displacement
2.4 - 2.5 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,024
Brand
Acura
Brand
Toyota
What is the starting MSRP for the Acura MDX?

Starting from 51,200 $.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.