VS
At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
265hp @ 6000
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
310lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
1500lbs
5000lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Acura Rdx and the Toyota Highlander is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Rdx delivers 272hp @ 6500 while the Toyota Highlander produces 265hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Rdx returns 24 mpg est. while the Highlander uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $54,850 for the Rdx 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 RdxSH-AWD w/A-Spec Advance Package 2026 - From $54,850
Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD (Natl) 2026 - From $45,570
Performance
Power Output (hp)
272hp @ 6500
265hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
310lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
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.)
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26mpg
28 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.1gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
187.4in
194.9in
Width (in)
74.8in
76in
Height (in)
65.7in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
108.3in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4058lbs
4376lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
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
Rdx
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Highlander
Practicality
Highlander
Pros & Cons
Acura Rdx
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Toyota Highlander
Lower starting price ($45,570)
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rdx or Highlander?
The Rdx gets 24 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 Rdx or Highlander?
The Rdx produces 272hp @ 6500 and 280lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the Highlander delivers 265hp @ 6000 and 310lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Rdx and Highlander?
The Rdx starts from $54,850 and the Highlander from $45,570. The Highlander is cheaper by $9,280 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Rdx or Highlander?
The Rdx has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the Highlander can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Rdx 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.