VS
At a Glance
Power
355hp @ 5500
265hp @ 6000
Torque
354lb-ft @ 1400
310lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
19 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
5000lbs
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Acura Mdx and the Toyota Highlander is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Mdx delivers 355hp @ 5500 while the Toyota Highlander produces 265hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Mdx returns 19 mpg est. while the Highlander uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $73,800 for the Mdx and $45,570 for the Highlander. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Acura MdxType S SH-AWD w/Advance Package 2024 - From $73,800
Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD (Natl) 2026 - From $45,570
Performance
Power Output (hp)
355hp @ 5500
265hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
354lb-ft @ 1400
310lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
2.4 L/146ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
19 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
17mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
21mpg
28 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.4in
194.9in
Width (in)
78.7in
76in
Height (in)
67.1in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4788lbs
4376lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Highlander
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Mdx
Fuel Economy
Highlander
Value
Highlander
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Acura Mdx
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (19 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Toyota Highlander
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($45,570)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mdx or Highlander?
The Mdx gets 19 mpg est. and the Highlander gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Highlander is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Mdx or Highlander?
The Mdx produces 355hp @ 5500 and 354lb-ft @ 1400 of torque while the Highlander delivers 265hp @ 6000 and 310lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Mdx is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mdx and Highlander?
The Mdx starts from $73,800 and the Highlander from $45,570. The Highlander is cheaper by $28,230 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Mdx or Highlander?
The Mdx has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Highlander can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Mdx or the Highlander?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.