2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 Toyota Highlander

$44,700 · Crossover

$40,320 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura RDX pulses with an enthusiast spirit, boasting 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, making spirited driving a priority even with a slightly lower 23 combined MPG. Its tighter dimensions—187.4 inches long—suggest a nimbler footprint on twisting roads. Contrasting this, the 2025 Toyota Highlander leans into rugged utility, offering a lower entry price of $40,320 compared to the RDX's $44,700, and slightly better efficiency at 25 MPG combined. While the Highlander provides a stout 310 lb-ft of torque from its 265 hp engine, its larger size (194.9 inches long) and FWD bias appeal to different priorities. The RDX charges ahead with a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system, appealing to drivers who value dynamic connection over sheer cargo volume; the Highlander offers a generous 16 cu ft of cargo space versus the RDX’s 29.5 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Acura RDX if...

A premium, performance-focused driving dynamic is essential, supported by 272 horsepower.
All-wheel drive confidence in various conditions outweighs maximum cargo hauling capacity.
Desiring the sharper, slightly smaller dimensions of 187.4 inches for easier urban maneuvering.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Sticking rigidly to a lower budget is critical, saving $4,380 upfront.
Prioritizing efficiency with a better 29 MPG highway rating and regular unleaded fuel requirement.
Needing the larger vehicle footprint that results in a higher stance at 68.1 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Toyota Highlander
Length	187.4"	194.9"
Width	74.8"	76.0"
Height	65.7"	68.1"
Wheelbase	108.3"	112.2"

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	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

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 shiftable 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	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	393.8/519.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 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	✓	✓
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	8.0 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.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	57.2 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.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	58.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 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	19 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
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 Highlander.

How significant is the power difference between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Acura RDX produces 272 horsepower, edging out the 2025 Toyota Highlander's 265 horsepower, though the Highlander compensates with more torque at 310 lb-ft.

Which vehicle requires more expensive fuel?

The RDX recommends premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance, whereas the Highlander is content running on regular unleaded.

Is the AWD system on the RDX a major performance factor compared to the Highlander?

Yes, the RDX features standard all-wheel drive, suggesting better traction management, while the Highlander comparison data lists front-wheel drive as standard for its base model.

What is the exact price difference buyers need to account for?

The 2025 Acura RDX starts at $44,700, which is $4,380 more expensive than the 2025 Toyota Highlander's starting price of $40,320.

How do the dimensions compare for parking ease?

The RDX is noticeably smaller, measuring 187.4 inches in length compared to the Highlander's lengthy 194.9 inches, potentially aiding tighter parking scenarios.