2025 Acura ADX vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Acura ADX and the 2025 Toyota Highlander resides in power output, with the Highlander delivering 75 additional horsepower (265 hp versus 190 hp). This power deficit in the ADX is offset by a $5,320 lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $35,000 compared to the Highlander's $40,320. Fuel efficiency favors the Acura, achieving 28 combined MPG, while the Highlander registers 25 combined MPG. Furthermore, the ADX offers substantially more vertical storage capacity at 24.4 cubic feet versus the Highlander's 16 cubic feet, although the Highlander possesses superior exterior dimensions, measuring 18.1 inches longer (194.9 inches vs. 185.8 inches). Both vehicles utilize front-wheel drive in their base configurations, but the Acura recommends premium unleaded fuel, contrasting with the Highlander’s use of regular unleaded.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Acura ADX
The ADX's higher combined MPG of 28 and lower initial MSRP provide tangible cost-of-ownership benefits for daily driving.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander's larger exterior footprint (194.9 inches long and 76.0 inches wide) suggests greater passenger volume, despite lower stated cargo capacity.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander’s 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque significantly outperform the ADX's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft.
2025 Acura ADX
The ADX achieves superior fuel economy and offers 8.4 cubic feet more cargo space while demanding a $5,320 initial price reduction.
Choose the Acura ADX if...
- Budget consciousness is paramount, given the $5,320 MSRP difference.
- Maximizing overall cargo volume (24.4 cu ft) is a primary purchasing criterion.
- Operating efficiency is prioritized, as evidenced by the 28 combined MPG rating.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Maximum engine output (265 hp) and torque (310 lb-ft) are non-negotiable.
- A larger exterior presence and greater overall height (68.1 inches) are desired.
- The vehicle transmission must utilize a conventional 8-speed automatic rather than a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura ADX | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 194.9" |
| Width | 72.5" | 76.0" |
| Height | 63.8" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 104.5" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/31 MPG | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 364.0/434.0 mi. | 393.8/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.4 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.6 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 57.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.7 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 58.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.4 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R H | P235/65R V |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura ADX and 2025 Toyota Highlander.
How does the fuel type requirement affect long-term operating costs between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Acura ADX requires premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 2025 Toyota Highlander uses regular unleaded. This difference in fuel grade will contribute to the Highlander having potentially lower per-fill-up costs, despite its lower 25 combined MPG.
Which vehicle provides a more robust power delivery for acceleration?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander offers substantially more motive force with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the ADX's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft.
What is the cargo capacity difference when comparing the two FWD crossovers?
The Acura ADX provides 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space, creating an advantage of 8.4 cubic feet over the Toyota Highlander's stated capacity of 16 cubic feet.
Comparing the transmissions, what is the key mechanical difference?
The Acura ADX utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), while the Toyota Highlander is equipped with a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
How significant is the size difference between the two models?
The Toyota Highlander is notably larger, measuring 18.1 inches longer and 3.5 inches wider than the Acura ADX, suggesting a physically bigger cabin and road presence.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool