Acura MDX vs Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was available in two trim levels, the base model 1958 and the more upscale Land Cruiser. The 1958 trim, named after the year the model first sold in the US, featured a retro design with round headlights and basic equipment, priced at $58,195. The Land Cruiser trim, priced at $62,965, offered a modern look with more color options, a refined interior, and advanced off-roading capabilities. The Premium Package added leather, larger screens, and a roof rack, bringing the price to $71,004. Despite its utilitarian design, the Land Cruiser's interior was more sophisticated than the 1958, with dual 12.3-inch screens and intuitive controls, making it a worthy investment for those seeking a blend of tradition and technology.

The 2026 Acura MDX, particularly in the A-Spec Advance trim, presented a stylish and sporty appearance with blacked-out wheels and bold interior treatments. Priced at $70,850 with Performance Red paint, it offered a blend of leather and artificial suede, standard AWD, and a powerful turbocharged engine in the Type S variant. The MDX's interior was car-like, with a low dashboard and high-quality materials, available in bold colors like Red and Orchid. While the design emphasized aesthetics, it sometimes compromised functionality, such as limited storage space due to the transmission controls. However, the MDX's steering wheel and console controls were appreciated for their simplicity and ease of use.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This setup, paired with a full-time 4WD system, allowed for a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, real-world tests showed a disappointing 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, but struggled with handling on twisty roads due to its suspension tuning. Its high driving position offered excellent visibility, making it easy to maneuver both in urban settings and on trails.

The 2026 Acura MDX featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Type S variant offered a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 355 horsepower. The MDX's SH-AWD system enhanced handling and increased towing capacity to 5,000 pounds. Despite a curb weight of 4,544 pounds, the MDX provided a comfortable and responsive driving experience, with a commendable ride on various surfaces. However, its 7.3 inches of ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. The MDX's fuel economy was below expectations, with observed figures of 17.9 mpg compared to the EPA estimate of 21 mpg combined.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a utilitarian interior with SofTex artificial leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added real leather and a sunroof. While the front seats were comfortable, the second-row seats lacked support, and the high load floor made loading heavy items challenging. The Land Cruiser provided 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Acura MDX impressed with its 16-way power-adjustable front seats, offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row seats were comfortable, with a removable center section for added versatility. The third row was suitable for short trips, primarily for children. The MDX offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second row folded, providing practical storage solutions.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Premium Package added a JBL sound system, wireless charging, and a head-up display. The voice recognition system was notably effective, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2026 Acura MDX boasted a 12.3-inch digital display and touchscreen infotainment system, with Amazon Alexa and Google Built-in. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year Google services subscription. The Bang & Olufsen sound system was a highlight, and the head-up display provided comprehensive information. Despite lacking SiriusXM, the MDX's tech offerings were robust and user-friendly.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2026 Acura MDX included AcuraWatch, offering forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The system was refined and operated smoothly, with minimal irritation. The MDX received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA for FWD models, while IIHS ratings were pending.