Spacious showstoppers: toyota highlander vs acura rdx – the ultimate 3-row suv comparison
What To Know
- The Highlander is a more affordable and fuel-efficient choice, while the RDX offers a more luxurious and performance-oriented experience.
- The Toyota Highlander hybrid is more fuel-efficient than the Acura RDX, with a combined fuel economy rating of up to 36 mpg compared to 28 mpg for the RDX.
When it comes to midsize SUVs, the Toyota Highlander and Acura RDX stand out as two of the most popular choices. Both offer a spacious interior, impressive performance, and advanced safety features. But which one is the better choice for you? To help you decide, we’ve put together this comprehensive comparison guide that pits the Toyota Highlander against the Acura RDX.
Exterior Design
The Toyota Highlander boasts a rugged and muscular exterior, with a bold grille and sharp lines. The Acura RDX, on the other hand, exudes a more refined and sophisticated look, with its sleek curves and elegant details. Both SUVs offer a variety of exterior colors and trim levels, allowing you to customize your vehicle to match your personal style.
Interior Comfort and Space
Inside, the Toyota Highlander offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, and the dashboard layout is intuitive and easy to use. The Acura RDX also offers a spacious interior, but it feels more luxurious and upscale. The materials used are of higher quality, and the overall fit and finish is more refined.
Performance and Handling
The Toyota Highlander offers a choice of two engines: a 3.5-liter V6 or a 2.4-liter hybrid. The V6 engine produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid system generates a combined 243 horsepower. The Acura RDX comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both SUVs offer a smooth and comfortable ride, but the RDX handles more confidently and provides a more engaging driving experience.
Fuel Efficiency
The Toyota Highlander hybrid offers superior fuel efficiency compared to the Acura RDX. The hybrid model can achieve up to 36 mpg in combined city/highway driving, while the V6 engine gets up to 23 mpg combined. The RDX, with its turbocharged engine, gets up to 28 mpg combined.
Safety Features
Both the Toyota Highlander and Acura RDX come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Highlander also offers a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert as standard, while these features are optional on the RDX.
Technology and Connectivity
The Toyota Highlander and Acura RDX offer a wide range of technology and connectivity features. The Highlander comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the RDX offers an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Both SUVs also offer a variety of optional features, such as navigation, a premium audio system, and a head-up display.
Price and Value
The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,850, while the Acura RDX starts at $40,800. The Highlander offers a more affordable entry point, but the RDX provides more standard features and a more luxurious experience.
Which One is Right for You?
The Toyota Highlander and Acura RDX are both excellent midsize SUVs that offer a lot of value for your money. The Highlander is a more affordable and fuel-efficient choice, while the RDX offers a more luxurious and performance-oriented experience. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
The Verdict: A Close Call
After comparing the Toyota Highlander and Acura RDX side-by-side, it’s clear that both SUVs have their strengths and weaknesses. The Highlander is a more affordable and fuel-efficient choice, while the RDX offers a more luxurious and performance-oriented experience.
If you’re looking for a spacious and practical SUV that’s easy on the budget, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice. If you’re willing to pay a bit more for a more upscale and engaging driving experience, the Acura RDX is worth considering.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers more cargo space than the Acura RDX, but the RDX has a slightly more spacious passenger cabin.
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Toyota Highlander hybrid is more fuel-efficient than the Acura RDX, with a combined fuel economy rating of up to 36 mpg compared to 28 mpg for the RDX.
Q: Which SUV has more advanced safety features?
A: Both the Toyota Highlander and Acura RDX come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, but the Highlander offers blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard, while these features are optional on the RDX.
