2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$44,700 · Crossover

$46,820 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura RDX bursts onto the scene promising spirited performance from its potent 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, ready to inject excitement into every drive, underpinned by its standard all-wheel drive and 10-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid captivates with its stunning frugality, achieving an exceptional combined 35 MPG, a full 12 MPG better than the RDX’s 23 MPG rating, all while running on regular unleaded fuel. While the RDX boasts 29 more horsepower than the Highlander Hybrid’s 243 hp output, its smaller footprint (187.4 inches long versus 194.9 inches) sacrifices some outright cargo capacity (29.5 cu ft versus the Highlander’s 16 cu ft). Acura dials in sharpness at a starting MSRP of $44,700, just slightly undercutting the Highlander Hybrid's $46,820 asking price, showcasing a clear divergence between performance focus and efficiency mastery.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid’s unwavering 35 MPG efficiency makes the daily grind significantly cheaper and less frequent at the pump.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Although its specific cargo rating is lower at 16 cu ft compared to the RDX's 29.5 cu ft, the Highlander's larger overall dimensions (194.9 inches long) suggest superior passenger volume and overall utility.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura RDX

With 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque channeled through a responsive 10-speed automatic, the RDX prioritizes dynamic power delivery.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura RDX

The RDX provides significantly more power (272 hp vs 243 hp) and more immediate cargo space for a lower entry price of $44,700.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Driving enjoyment and power delivery via the 10-speed automatic transmission are primary concerns.
Owners regularly use premium unleaded fuel and prioritize horsepower (272 hp) over extreme fuel economy.
A sportier, slightly smaller package (187.4 inches in length) is preferred for easier urban navigation.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Maximizing miles per gallon is crucial, targeting the excellent 35 MPG combined rating.
The ability to run on regular unleaded fuel offers meaningful long-term savings.
A slightly larger, more traditionally proportioned crossover feel is desired, prioritizing efficiency across the board.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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	2
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	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	243 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]	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	598.5/598.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	17.1 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	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Toyota
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.6 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	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

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.	58.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
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	P235/65R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody 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 Highlander Hybrid.

How significant is the performance gap between these two AWD crossovers?

The 2025 Acura RDX holds a clear advantage, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s 243 horsepower rating.

Does the RDX require premium fuel, and how does that affect running costs compared to the Highlander Hybrid?

Yes, the Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded, contrasting sharply with the Highlander Hybrid which accepts regular unleaded fuel, potentially lowering the Highlander's operational expenditure.

What is the difference in real-world efficiency figures?

The efficiency difference is stark: the Highlander Hybrid achieves 35 MPG combined, a 12 MPG advantage over the RDX’s 23 MPG combined rating.

Which vehicle offers superior cargo space for hauling gear?

Based purely on the specifications provided, the 2025 Acura RDX offers substantially more cargo capacity at 29.5 cubic feet compared to the Highlander Hybrid’s 16 cubic feet.

Are both vehicles similar in physical size?

No, the Highlander Hybrid is the larger vehicle, measuring 194.9 inches long compared to the RDX's 187.4 inches in length, translating to differences in interior volume and maneuverability.