2022 Acura MDX vs 2021 Toyota Highlander
Overview | |
MSRP$35,085 | MSRP$48,000 |
Listings1547 | Listings649 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2021 Toyota Highlander Reviews SummaryToyota hardly needs any help selling three-row Highlanders. It already sits close to the top of the sales charts for its segment, and few vehicles carry the name recognition as the Highlander, which enters into its 20th year of production. But the three-row marketplace is a competitive one, and even after a 2020 redesign, Toyota would be foolish to rest on its laurels. As such, the Highlander enters this year with additional safety-feature technology listed as standard equipment. | |
2022 Acura MDX Reviews SummarySkipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 295 hp V6 | Engine3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower295 hp @ 6600 rpm | Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway26 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 295 hp V6 | Engine Name3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Torque263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower295 hp @ 6600 rpm | Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway26 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.0 cu ft | Cargo Space16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight4145 lbs | Curb Weight4271 lbs |
Height68.1 in | Height67.1 in |
Length194.9 in | Length198.4 in |
Width76.0 in | Width78.7 in |
Wheelbase112.2 in | Wheelbase113.8 in |
Maximum Payload1685 lbs | Maximum Payload1173 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $35,085 | $48,000 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Toyota hardly needs any help selling three-row Highlanders. It already sits close to the top of the sales charts for its segment, and few vehicles carry the name recognition as the Highlander, which enters into its 20th year of production. But the three-row marketplace is a competitive one, and even after a 2020 redesign, Toyota would be foolish to rest on its laurels. As such, the Highlander enters this year with additional safety-feature technology listed as standard equipment. | Skipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 295 hp V6 | 3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
Horsepower | 295 hp @ 6600 rpm | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 26 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 295 hp V6 | 3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Torque | 263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | 295 hp @ 6600 rpm | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 26 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.0 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4145 lbs | 4271 lbs |
Height | 68.1 in | 67.1 in |
Length | 194.9 in | 198.4 in |
Width | 76.0 in | 78.7 in |
Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 113.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1685 lbs | 1173 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | 3500 lbs |
Look and feel
The 2021 Toyota Highlander continues to dominate the three-row SUV segment with its 20th production year milestone. Known for its reliability and now boasting additional standard safety features, the Highlander aims to maintain its stronghold in a fiercely competitive market.
The 2022 Acura MDX, skipping a year to make a grand entrance, has been completely overhauled. With a new platform, design, and a promise to retain its essence while enhancing every aspect, the MDX embarks on its fourth generation, aiming to impress its loyal followers and attract new admirers.
Performance
The Highlander's 3.5-liter V6, with 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, provides a smooth and reliable ride, even if it's not the most exhilarating. Its XSE trim introduces slight performance enhancements, but the focus remains on comfort over speed.
Conversely, the MDX's also 3.5-liter V6 engine offers 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new 10-speed transmission and optional SH-AWD. It promises and delivers a more dynamic driving experience, with improvements in handling, suspension, and overall vehicle stiffness, making it a standout in performance dynamics.
Form and function
CarGurus rates the Highlander a 7 out of 10 and the MDX an 8 out of 10 for functionality.
The Highlander maximizes its interior with smart storage solutions and ample room for passengers, though the third-row seating and cargo space may feel tight compared to rivals. It offers a respectable luggage capacity, providing up to 84.3 cubic feet of space with all rear seats folded, which includes 16 cubic feet behind the third row, accommodating the family's luggage needs for road trips or grocery hauls.
The MDX, on the other hand, excels in its use of space with flexible seating configurations, including a removable second-row center section for easier access and additional legroom. It boasts a generous cargo capacity that ranges up to 95 cubic feet with both rear rows down, starting with a practical 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, making it more adept at hauling luggage, shopping, and gear for all passengers. Its thoughtful design considerations extend to features like "Grab 'N Go" and customizable interior lighting, enhancing both utility and ambiance for every journey.
Technology
The Highlander provides a user-friendly experience with options for an 8-inch or a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, standard Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. However, its navigation system and some aspects of the infotainment experience leave room for improvement.
The MDX excels with its tech offerings, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a digital instrument panel. It also boasts wireless connectivity features, a sophisticated interior PA system, and a suite of standard tech that enhances both convenience and enjoyment.
Safety
The Highlander's safety is top-notch, with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ bringing a comprehensive suite of driver aids, earning it high ratings from safety organizations.
The MDX also aims for superior safety with its structure and AcuraWatch technologies. Both its advanced safety features and its engineering suggest a strong commitment to passenger protection.
CarGurus highlights
CarGurus experts evaluated the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2022 Acura MDX in the context of their own classes. The 2021 Highlander averaged 7.5 points out of 10, while the 2022 MDX averaged 8. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Acura MDX is the recommended choice for those seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology in their family SUV.
Choose the 2022 Acura MDX if:
- You value a more engaging and dynamic driving experience.
- Advanced technology and luxury interior features are important to you.
- You desire a spacious, flexible interior with premium materials and innovative design elements.
643 results
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Choose the 2021 Toyota Highlander if:
- You prioritize Toyota's reliability and resale value.
- Safety features and ratings are top considerations for your family vehicle.
- You seek a balance between luxury and practicality at a competitive price.
1559 results
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CarGurus highlights
CarGurus experts evaluated the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2022 Acura MDX in the context of their own classes. The 2021 Highlander averaged 7.5 points out of 10, while the 2022 MDX averaged 8. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Acura MDX is the recommended choice for those seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology in their family SUV.
Choose the 2022 Acura MDX if:
Shop Now- You value a more engaging and dynamic driving experience.
- Advanced technology and luxury interior features are important to you.
- You desire a spacious, flexible interior with premium materials and innovative design elements.
643 results
Choose the 2021 Toyota Highlander if:
Shop Now- You prioritize Toyota's reliability and resale value.
- Safety features and ratings are top considerations for your family vehicle.
- You seek a balance between luxury and practicality at a competitive price.
1559 results
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
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