2025 Acura ADX vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$35,000 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2025 Acura ADX and the 2026 Toyota Highlander is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, with the Highlander commanding a $10,270 premium over the ADX's $35,000 entry point. Performance metrics strongly favor the Highlander, which offers 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the ADX's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft. Conversely, fuel economy is superior in the Acura, achieving 28 MPG combined versus the Highlander's 24 MPG combined, translating to approximately 4 MPG better efficiency for the ADX. Dimensionally, the Highlander is larger across the board, notably in height (68.1 inches vs 63.8 inches) and length (194.9 inches vs 185.8 inches), though this larger exterior results in smaller usable space, as the ADX offers 24.4 cu ft of cargo volume compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft. This comparison pits superior economy and space efficiency against raw power and size.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Acura ADX

The 2025 Acura ADX is the clear commuter winner due to its higher 28 MPG combined fuel economy and lower $35,000 MSRP.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is preferred for families due to its substantially greater height at 68.1 inches and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is the enthusiast's choice, delivering 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque versus the ADX's 190 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura ADX

The Acura ADX provides superior value by offering a 24.4 cu ft cargo capacity while costing $10,270 less than the Highlander.

Choose the Acura ADX if...

Your priority is maximizing fuel efficiency, as the ADX achieves 28 MPG combined.
You prioritize a lower initial investment, with an MSRP of $35,000.
You need more practical enclosed storage, as the ADX offers 24.4 cu ft of cargo space.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Maximum performance is required, featuring 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
All-Wheel Drive capability is necessary for varied road conditions.
You require a physically larger vehicle, measuring 194.9 inches in length and 76.0 inches in width.

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	2
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	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/31 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	364.0/434.0 mi.	375.9/501.2 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	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
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	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Toyota
Front Head Room	38.4 in.	39.6 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	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

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.	58.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R H	P235/65R V
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
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 2026 Toyota Highlander.

How does the difference in transmission type affect driving dynamics between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Acura ADX uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, which often prioritizes smooth, efficiency-focused acceleration. In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Highlander employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which enthusiasts often prefer for providing more distinct gear changes and driver engagement.

Which vehicle is more expensive to fuel, considering fuel type and MPG?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is more expensive to run; it requires regular unleaded but returns only 24 MPG combined. The Acura ADX, while recommending premium unleaded, offers 28 MPG combined, mitigating some of the higher fuel cost.

What is the practical difference in size given the exterior measurements?

The Highlander is significantly larger overall, being 9.1 inches longer and 3.5 inches wider than the ADX. However, the smaller ADX utilizes its space more effectively for cargo, boasting 24.4 cu ft versus the Highlander’s 16 cu ft.

Is the horsepower deficit in the Acura ADX noticeable in real-world driving?

The 75 hp difference between the Highlander’s 265 hp and the ADX’s 190 hp is substantial, especially when considering the Highlander also produces 310 lb-ft of torque. Commuters in the ADX will experience adequate power, but acceleration will be decidedly slower than in the Toyota.

Do both models come standard with their listed drive systems?

No, the specifications show the 2025 Acura ADX comes standard with front wheel drive. The 2026 Toyota Highlander includes All Wheel Drive as standard equipment in this comparison, which contributes to its higher baseline MSRP.

How does the MSRP discrepancy of $10,270 impact the overall value proposition?

The $10,270 cost difference is the largest factor in the value assessment, placing the ADX firmly in the budget-conscious segment. Buyers must decide if the Highlander’s added power and size justify spending nearly 30% more.