2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

$44,700 · Crossover

$44,210 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura RDX enters the crossover fray with a distinct sporting swagger, boasting 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque channeled through a crisp 10-speed automatic. It’s tuned for driver engagement, though its 23 MPG combined efficiency reflects that focus. Conversely, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid champions long-haul practicality and relentless efficiency. While down on power with 245 horsepower, its hybrid synergy yields an outstanding 36 MPG combined—a massive 13 MPG advantage over the Acura. The Toyota also dwarfs the RDX in size; measuring 201.4 inches long compared to the RDX's 187.4 inches, suggesting superior passenger or cargo volume, even though the RDX technically offers more readily available cargo space at 29.5 cu ft versus the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cu ft (in the configuration listed). The RDX feels taut and premium; the Grand Highlander aims squarely at maximizing utility for its $44,210 entry price.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

Its exceptional 36 MPG combined fuel economy makes daily driving significantly cheaper and less frequent at the pump.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

Its substantially larger exterior dimensions (201.4 inches long) strongly imply superior passenger space and overall road presence for hauling families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura RDX

With 272 horsepower and a performance-oriented 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, the RDX prioritizes spirited driving dynamics.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

Achieving 13 MPG better efficiency while carrying a slightly lower MSRP of $44,210 provides superior long-term operating value.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Driver involvement and spirited acceleration are prioritized over ultimate fuel economy.
A more compact exterior footprint (187.4 inches long) is necessary for tight city parking.
Premium gasoline is acceptable in exchange for 272 horsepower.

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...

Maximizing miles between fill-ups is critical, leveraging the 36 MPG combined rating.
Owners require the absolute maximum room suggested by its 201.4-inch length and 72.1-inch height.
Operating solely on regular unleaded fuel is a necessity for lower running costs.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Length	187.4"	201.4"
Width	74.8"	78.3"
Height	65.7"	72.1"
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	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	245 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 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	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	37/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	636.4/584.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	17.2 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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.

How significant is the real-world difference between the RDX's power and the Grand Highlander Hybrid's efficiency?

The 2025 Acura RDX offers 27 more horsepower (272 hp vs 245 hp) for quicker acceleration, but the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid recovers this ground through sheer fuel savings, netting 13 MPG more combined efficiency (36 MPG vs 23 MPG).

Despite the Acura RDX having lower cargo capacity specs listed, how do their physical sizes compare?

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is physically much larger, measuring 201.4 inches in length compared to the RDX's 187.4 inches. This suggests a bigger cabin envelope, even if the stated cargo volumes vary.

Do both crossovers utilize performance-focused transmissions?

No, the Acura RDX uses a performance-oriented 10-speed shiftable automatic, suggesting more distinct gear changes. The Grand Highlander Hybrid employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), optimized for smooth, efficient operation.

What is the fuel recommendation difference between these two AWD vehicles?

The 2025 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded fuel to achieve its performance metrics. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid runs efficiently on regular unleaded, further lowering running expenses.

How much more does the Grand Highlander Hybrid cost to purchase initially?

The difference is minimal, favoring the Toyota: the Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at $44,210, only $490 less than the 2025 Acura RDX's starting MSRP of $44,700.