Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander Hybrid contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Acura MDX and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
When comparing the Acura MDX's and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Acura MDX has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars and base engine power. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Acura MDX's and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a better car than the Acura MDX.
Pricing: A used 2020 Acura MDX ranges from $26,531 to $41,012 while a used 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is priced between $29,967 to $42,996.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Acura MDX loses 55.6 percent of its value and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid loses 38.3 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander Hybrid retains 17.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Acura MDX.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Acura MDX is 8.8 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's quality rating is 9.2 out of 10. This results in the Acura MDX being ranked 1 out of 7 Best Hybrid Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid being ranked 1 out of 32 Best Hybrid SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Acura MDX is 9.4 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander Hybrid the reliability rating is 9.5 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander Hybrid a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Acura MDX.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Acura MDX’s base engine makes 321 horsepower, and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid base engine makes 243 horsepower. The MDX is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 524 miles. The Highlander Hybrid is rated to deliver an average of 36 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 599 miles. This gives the Toyota Highlander Hybrid the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Acura MDX. The MDX uses premium unleaded, and the Highlander Hybrid uses regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are hybrid SUVs, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Acura MDX has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Acura MDX and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$53,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
$62,082
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
$46,800 - $81,100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$38,200
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
$39,408
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
$38,200 - $40,615
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$35,136
Price Range:
$26,531 - $41,012
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
$48,348
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
$35,136 - $72,514
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
734
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
49,980
# Good or Great Deals:
292
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$36,491
Price Range:
$29,967 - $42,996
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
$33,671
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
$30,850 - $36,491
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
64
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
67,760
# Good or Great Deals:
13
Acura MDX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
9.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.2 / 10
Reliability:
9.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Acura MDX
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
9.7
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
9.7 - 9.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
86.6%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
10.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
6.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
1 - 23.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.8 - 5.3
Acura MDX Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 11Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 11Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
8 out of / 27Ranking
8 out of / 11Ranking
8 out of / 11Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 11Ranking
10 out of / 11Ranking
11 out of / 11Ranking
13 out of / 27Ranking
15 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
21 out of / 29Ranking
21 out of / 27Ranking
23 out of / 29Ranking
23 out of / 27Ranking
25 out of / 29Toyota Highlander Hybrid Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
4 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
8 out of / 12Ranking
8 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 12Ranking
11 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 27Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 27Ranking
17 out of / 26Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
Acura MDX Trim Levels
SH-AWD Sport Hybrid w/Advance, SH-AWD Sport Hybrid w/Tech
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Trim Levels
LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
321 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque:
289 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.072 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
243 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 27 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
504 / 524 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
36 / 35 / 36
Range (city/hwy):
616 / 599 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Cargo Space:
15 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
68.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
146.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
157.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4471 lbs
Width:
77.7 inches
Height:
67.4 inches
Length:
196.2 inches
Wheelbase:
111 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4330 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/50R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Majestic Black Pearl
Blue
Fathom Blue Pearl
Brown
Canyon Bronze Metallic
Gray
Gunmetal Metallic / Modern Steel Metallic
Red
Performance Red Pearl
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint
Brown
Opulent Amber
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic / Moondust
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Blizzard Pearl
Interior Colors
Beige
Parchment
Black
Ebony
Brown
Espresso
Gray
Graystone
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
Brown
Not available
Gray
Graphite
