2019 Acura MDX vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2019 Acura MDX had long been a dominant force in the midsize, 3-row crossover segment, thanks to its continuous improvements and lack of strong competition. By 2019, the MDX had received a facelift, upgraded infotainment system, and new trim levels like the A-Spec Package, which added sporty visual elements and improved interior materials. The A-Spec trim featured a unique front bumper, Shark Gray 20-inch wheels, and a mix of dark chrome and gloss black trim elements, giving it a more aggressive look. Inside, the A-Spec boasted heated and ventilated front seats upholstered in red leather and black Alcantara suede, along with a sporty steering wheel and metallic trim.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Highlander had a more conservative exterior design, with subtle updates like slanted tailgate glass and exaggerated body panel creases. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout and the slimmer headlights. Higher trims like the Limited and Platinum featured projector-beam LED headlights, fog lights, and big 20-inch wheels. The Highlander's interior was where it truly shined, with quality fit and finish, pleasing color palettes, and a multi-layered dash. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with padded surfaces and rich textures, making it one of the nicest interiors in its class.

The 2019 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The optional SH-AWD system, which cost an additional $2,000, provided torque-vectoring AWD and improved weight distribution, making it a must-have for driving enthusiasts. The MDX Sport Hybrid model, with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors, delivered 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, offering better city fuel economy and a more engaging driving experience. The MDX A-Spec trim, with its sporty suspension and transmission improvements, provided a quick and enjoyable ride, though the brakes could heat up during spirited driving.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, available in both FWD and AWD configurations. This engine, shared with the Lexus RX, produced 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the Highlander's V6 offered smooth and brisk acceleration, its steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a floaty ride. The Highlander excelled in providing a calm and isolating driving experience, especially on long road trips. The AWD models included torque vectoring and selectable driving modes, but the Highlander's handling remained uninspiring. Fuel economy was commendable, with the FWD model achieving 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, while the AWD model managed 20/27/23 mpg.

The 2019 Acura MDX offered a comfortable and practical interior, with fantastic front seats and a GPS-linked triple-zone climate control system. The second-row seats were spacious and versatile, especially with the Advance Package's captain's chairs. However, the third-row seats were cramped and best suited for occasional use. With the third-row seats folded, the MDX provided 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 68.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. When all seats were in use, cargo space was limited to 15 cubic feet.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander could seat eight or seven with the second-row captain's chairs, standard on Limited and Platinum trims. The second-row seats offered generous legroom and easy access to the third row, though the third row was best for shorter passengers. The Highlander's cargo space was impressive, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Highlander also featured eight cupholders, four bottle holders, and two shelves integrated into the dash for added convenience.

The 2019 Acura MDX's infotainment system featured a dual-screen setup, with the top screen used for navigation and smartphone projection, and the bottom touchscreen for radio and secondary climate controls. While the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, its small screens and poor voice-recognition system were drawbacks. The MDX's primary climate controls were separate from the screen, but heated and ventilated seat controls required using the touchscreen. Acura's True Touchpad Interface, found in the 2019 RDX, was expected to replace the dual-screen setup in future MDX models.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system, despite being new, felt outdated. The maps lacked detail, and the screen and 360-degree cameras were low-resolution. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum, couldn't fully utilize its size due to constant display of climate and fuel economy information. However, the Highlander included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The large 10-inch head-up display and 7-inch instrument cluster display provided useful information. The semi-automated driving system, adaptive cruise control, and other safety features were commendable, though the infotainment interface needed improvement.

The 2019 Acura MDX boasted impressive crash-test ratings and came standard with the AcuraWatch suite of safety systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its headlight performance and child safety seat anchor accessibility were rated as Acceptable. The MDX's Jewel Eye LED headlights were highly effective, but the adaptive cruise control system lacked refinement.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear emergency braking. The Highlander also featured a driver's knee airbag and a special cushion airbag for the front passenger. The IIHS awarded the Highlander a 2020 Top Safety Pick rating for its top scores in crash tests, optional headlights, and emergency braking performance.