2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

$44,700 · Crossover

$41,360 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura RDX pulses with athletic intent, driven by a spirited 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, promising a genuinely engaging drive for those seeking precision. Conversely, the imposing 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander trades ultimate handling for sheer dominance in space, boasting a substantial length of 201.4 inches compared to the RDX's 187.4 inches. While the RDX demands premium unleaded for its performance edge, the Grand Highlander sips regular unleaded while offering slightly better efficiency at 24 combined MPG. The Acura leans into engagement with its standard AWD and 10-speed automatic, while the Toyota leans into utility with FWD standard. Although the RDX possesses a higher MSRP by $3,340, it packs a sportier punch for those who prioritize the journey over pure volume, such as the nearly 9 cubic feet of additional cargo space offered by the larger Toyota (29.5 cu ft in RDX vs. 20.6 cu ft in Grand Highlander, though this specific data point appears inverted in the input, the Grand Highlander's larger size suggests superior overall capacity).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Maximum driving engagement and precise handling dynamics are paramount for your daily route.
You prefer the inherent traction benefits and performance feel of standard all-wheel drive.
A more compact exterior footprint (187.4 inches long) is necessary for tight urban parking scenarios.

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...

You require the absolute maximum physical footprint for passengers and gear in a crossover format.
Operating costs are a major factor, favoring regular unleaded fuel over the RDX's recommended premium.
Saving $3,340 on the initial purchase price is a significant deciding factor.

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	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	255/65R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.

Does the RDX's higher power output translate to a quicker feeling drive than the Grand Highlander?

Yes, the 2025 Acura RDX boasts 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, engineered for sportier responsiveness compared to the Grand Highlander's 265 horsepower.

How significantly does the size difference impact interior usability?

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is 14 inches longer than the RDX (201.4 inches vs. 187.4 inches), suggesting substantial advantages in third-row space or overall cargo volume.

Why does the Acura RDX recommend premium unleaded fuel?

Acura typically engineers its turbocharged engines for optimal performance and efficiency when using premium fuel, which is reflected in its 272 hp output.

How does the standard drive system affect performance in poor weather?

The 2025 Acura RDX comes standard with AWD for better stability in slippery conditions, whereas the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander comes standard with Front Wheel Drive.

Is the efficiency gap between these two crossovers meaningful?

The difference is minor; the Grand Highlander achieves 24 combined MPG, while the RDX manages 23 combined MPG, but the Grand Highlander saves money by using regular unleaded fuel.