2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$44,700 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Dimensional variance defines the primary separation between the 2025 Acura RDX and the 2026 Toyota Highlander, evidenced by a 7.5-inch difference in length (194.9 inches for the Highlander vs. 187.4 inches for the RDX). This size disparity directly impacts cargo utility, with the RDX offering 29.5 cubic feet compared to the Highlander's 16.0 cubic feet. Performance metrics show the RDX generating 272 hp, exceeding the Highlander’s 265 hp, though the Highlander compensates with superior torque output at 310 lb-ft against the RDX's 280 lb-ft. Fuel economy favors the Highlander slightly, achieving 24 combined MPG versus the RDX’s 23 combined MPG, and the RDX mandates premium unleaded, whereas the Highlander accepts regular unleaded. Price variance is minimal, with the RDX starting at $44,700 and the Highlander at $45,270.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Maximum contained cargo volume (29.5 cu ft) is a higher priority than overall vehicle length.
A 10-speed automatic transmission is preferred over an 8-speed unit.
Buyers prioritize peak horsepower (272 hp) over peak torque.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Maximum torque output (310 lb-ft) is necessary for towing or hauling capability.
Accepting regular unleaded fuel and achieving 24 combined MPG is essential for lower running costs.
A larger overall footprint, evidenced by 7.5 inches greater length, is desired for road presence or potential interior volume.

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	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	2.4 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	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

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.	375.9/501.2 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	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	—	✓
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	—
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 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 2026 Toyota Highlander.

What is the powertrain fuel requirement difference between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded fuel for its 272 hp engine. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Highlander operates efficiently on regular unleaded fuel, impacting long-term fuel expenditure.

How significant is the difference in cargo capacity despite both being crossovers?

The difference is substantial; the 2025 Acura RDX provides 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers only 16.0 cubic feet, indicating the RDX is far better suited for hauling larger items.

Which vehicle transmits power through more gears?

The 2025 Acura RDX utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The 2026 Toyota Highlander is equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.