2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Toyota Highlander had a distinct modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design. Its flared fender arches and the slight kick-up in the third-row window helped create an illusion of compactness despite the vehicle's spacious interior. The Highlander's cabin offered substantial space adorned with clever storage solutions apt for family use. The XSE trim, in particular, showcased unique features like bold red leather upholstery, usually seen in luxury sports SUVs, adding a punchy contrast to a typically subdued navy-blue exterior. This trim also boasted distinctive exterior styling, ambient interior lighting, and a sport-tuned suspension.

The Highlander trim lineup included the L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum options. The base L trim featured 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, proximity/remote keyless entry, and three-zone climate control. As one progressed through the higher-end trims, additional features such as synthetic and genuine leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, a power liftgate, and advanced infotainment systems were added. The top-tier Platinum trim came with luxurious amenities like adaptive headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree parking camera.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX sported a subtler yet sophisticated appearance. Its lineup offered both standard and Type S versions, each coming with trim packages such as Technology, A-Spec, and Advance. The Type S model distinguished itself with more aggressive design cues, 21-inch wheels, and a quad exhaust setup. A luxurious touch was evident with features like a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting themes, and premium materials like perforated Milano leather and aluminum interior trim. The Type S Advance package further enhanced the elegance with open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard.

Despite the sleek design, the MDX had some less favorable elements. The body’s tapering at the doors could give an appearance of a dent, and black gloss dashboard decorations sometimes complicated control use. The electronic transmission switchgear was also critiqued for its occasional confusion among users.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander packed a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle offered both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) options. With drive modes including Sport, Normal, and Eco, and additional AWD settings like Mud/Sand and Rock, the Highlander provided versatile driving capabilities. Though not the liveliest off the line, it excelled on highways, providing ample overtaking power and a pleasing exhaust note. The Highlander showcased good handling, with the sport-tuned suspension of the XSE trim reducing body roll while maintaining comfort over bumps. Additionally, the Highlander could tow up to 5,000 pounds, a respectable figure for its class.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was known for its unique turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, significantly more than the standard 3.5-liter V6. Despite its heavier build, the MDX Type S utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), providing adept handling and power distribution in various driving conditions. The MDX offered a range of driving modes from Snow to Sport+, adapting to different driving preferences and terrains.

However, the performance enhancements in the MDX Type S came with some drawbacks. The vehicle's transmission occasionally showed indecisiveness, and the ride quality lacked the expected compliance. Issues like squealing tires and inconsistent brake pedal modulation marred the driving experience. Moreover, the fuel economy was noticeably poor, averaging only 16.9 mpg during tests, considerably below the EPA rating.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander excelled in cargo versatility. With the second- and third-row seats folded, it offered up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space. With the second-row seats deployed, the capacity was 48.4 cubic feet, and even with all seats in use, a decent 16 cubic feet was available behind the third row. The quick-release latches and pull-straps made adjusting the seats convenient. Above the base L trim, power liftgates were standard, with hands-free options available in higher trims.

Interior functionality was another strong suit for the Highlander. The eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat in itself demonstrated a focus on comfort, complemented by ample storage solutions in the cabin. The XSE trim's second-row captain’s chairs enhanced convenience, providing an aisle to the third row and sufficient space between second-row occupants. Despite the third row being tight for adults, it was adequate for short trips.

The 2023 Acura MDX also boasted impressive functionality. With configurations for either two or three second-row seats, it offered flexibility in passenger and cargo arrangements. The cargo space was practical, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The power liftgate and underfloor storage bin added to the MDX's practicality.

In terms of seating, the MDX provided 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions in the Type S Advance trim. However, the seats were criticized for not providing sufficient lateral support during spirited driving. The second and third rows were spacious enough for children but less accommodating for adults. Acura’s interior design prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the center console due to the integration of technology controls.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a WiFi hotspot, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The infotainment system's user-friendly layout was complemented by hard buttons for easy operation. Higher trims offered a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Acura MDX showcased Acura's Digital Precision Cockpit, consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) located on the center console. This setup was criticized for its learning curve and taking up valuable console space. Nevertheless, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa for easier connectivity. The ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers in the test model provided exceptional sound quality. Additionally, the MDX's technology included a head-up display (HUD) and various AcuraLink connected services.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of driver-assistance features including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and adaptive headlights. The lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist were quite active, sometimes to the point of intrusiveness on certain roads.

The 2023 Acura MDX's Acura Watch suite similarly provided a range of safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and more. The safety systems were generally accurate but not without flaws, such as issuing false lane-departure notifications and a delay in adaptive cruise control response. Additionally, the vehicle experienced a rare issue where an overhead exit sign was mistaken for an obstacle, prompting a sudden brake application.

The MDX scored well in crash tests, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, albeit with four stars for driver and front passenger frontal-impact protection.