VS
At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
243hp @ 6000
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
175lb-ft @ 4300
Fuel
24 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Towing
—
3500lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Acura Rdx and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Rdx delivers 272hp @ 6500 while the Toyota Highlander Hybrid produces 243hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Rdx returns 24 mpg est. while the Highlander Hybrid uses 34 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $48,200 for the Rdx and $48,020 for the Highlander Hybrid. 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/Advance Package 2021 - From $48,200
Toyota Highlander HybridHybrid Limited AWD (Natl) 2026 - From $48,020
Performance
Power Output (hp)
272hp @ 6500
243hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
175lb-ft @ 4300
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
35 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27mpg
34 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.1gal
17.1gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
186.7in
194.9in
Width (in)
74.8in
76in
Height (in)
65.7in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
108.3in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4068lbs
4595lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
3500lbs
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
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Rdx
Fuel Economy
Highlander Hybrid
Value
Tied
Practicality
Highlander Hybrid
Pros & Cons
Acura Rdx
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Better fuel economy (34 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($48,020)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rdx or Highlander Hybrid?
The Rdx gets 24 mpg est. and the Highlander Hybrid gets 34 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Highlander Hybrid 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 Hybrid?
The Rdx produces 272hp @ 6500 and 280lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the Highlander Hybrid delivers 243hp @ 6000 and 175lb-ft @ 4300 of torque. The Rdx is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Rdx and Highlander Hybrid?
The Rdx starts from $48,200 and the Highlander Hybrid from $48,020, a difference of just $180, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Rdx or Highlander Hybrid?
The Rdx has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Highlander Hybrid can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Rdx or the Highlander Hybrid?
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.