2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
Acura RDX explodes onto the scene, promising turbocharged agility and premium Japanese engineering, while the Toyota Grand Highlander dials in superior practicality and sheer acreage for hauling life's necessities. RDX demands a $44,700 starting outlay for its sharper reflexes, boasting 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque channeled through an engaging 10-speed automatic and standard AWD. Conversely, the Grand Highlander anchors itself with a more accessible $40,860 MSRP, utilizing its FWD setup to slightly edge out the Acura in efficiency, achieving 28 highway MPG versus the RDX's 27. Though shorter by 14 inches (187.4 vs 201.4 inches), the RDX sacrifices overall hauling volume; the Grand Highlander offers significantly more utility, even if its base engine produces 265 horsepower. This comparison pits spirited driving dynamics against expansive utility and a $3,840 price advantage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander wins on base price and slightly better highway MPG (28 vs 27), making the daily grind gentler on the wallet.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
With a significantly larger overall footprint (201.4 inches long) and more height (70.1 inches), the Grand Highlander promises superior space for passengers and gear.
2025 Acura RDX
The 2025 Acura RDX provides higher peak output with 272 horsepower and torque figures tailored toward a sportier, all-wheel-drive experience.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander saves buyers $3,840 upfront and runs on less expensive regular unleaded fuel while still delivering 265 horsepower.
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- Driving engagement and sharp handling are prioritized over maximum interior volume.
- Premium cabin appointments and a more performance-tuned transmission (10-speed) are essential.
- Standard all-wheel drive for confident foul-weather driving is a must-have feature.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Need for maximum interior length and height (201.4 inches long, 70.1 inches tall) is critical for occupants.
- Sticking to regular unleaded fuel is a non-negotiable aspect of ownership.
- The budget must remain closer to the $40,860 starting point, maximizing savings.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura RDX | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.4" | 201.4" |
| Width | 74.8" | 78.3" |
| Height | 65.7" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 108.3" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 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 | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.1/461.7 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 gal. | 17.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.2 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 9 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.0 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.0 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.0 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
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 RDX and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander.
How does the difference in drive type affect handling between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Acura RDX comes standard with all-wheel drive, suggesting better balanced grip during spirited driving, whereas the Toyota Grand Highlander uses front-wheel drive, prioritizing efficiency for daily use.
Is the Acura RDX’s premium fuel requirement a significant long-term cost?
Yes, as the Acura recommends premium unleaded while the Grand Highlander accepts regular unleaded, creating a noticeable difference in operational expenses over time.
Which vehicle offers substantially more cargo room?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander offers much more utility, providing 29.5 cu ft to the RDX’s notably smaller 20.6 cu ft measurement behind the second row.
Does the RDX's higher horsepower translate to superior acceleration?
While the RDX has more horsepower (272 vs 265), the Grand Highlander produces more low-end pull with 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the RDX's 280 lb-ft.
How much longer is the Toyota Grand Highlander than the Acura RDX?
The Grand Highlander is 14 inches longer, measuring 201.4 inches overall, contributing to its greater size advantages over the RDX's 187.4-inch length.
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