2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the 2025 Acura RDX is fuel efficiency, with the Highlander Hybrid achieving a combined 35 MPG compared to the RDX's 23 MPG, a 12 MPG advantage. This efficiency comes at the cost of performance; the RDX generates 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Highlander Hybrid's 243 hp output by 29 horsepower. Furthermore, pricing differs by $2,320, with the RDX positioned at an MSRP of $44,700 against the Highlander Hybrid's $47,020. The RDX is physically more compact at 187.4 inches long, while the Highlander Hybrid offers greater overall mass at 194.9 inches. Buyers prioritizing raw power metrics will lean toward the RDX, while those focused on stretching fuel range will favor the Highlander Hybrid's superior mileage, which also utilizes regular unleaded fuel versus the RDX's recommended premium.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid’s 35 MPG combined efficiency makes it substantially more economical for high-mileage daily travel.
2025 Acura RDX
The RDX offers 29.5 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more than the Highlander Hybrid's 16 cu ft, prioritizing immediate storage utility.
2025 Acura RDX
Generating 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, the RDX delivers 29 more horsepower than its competitor.
2025 Acura RDX
The RDX achieves superior power figures while having a lower starting MSRP of $44,700 compared to the $47,020 Highlander Hybrid.
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- Maximum cargo volume of 29.5 cu ft is a primary requirement.
- A performance-oriented powertrain with 272 hp is desired.
- Operating costs related to premium fuel are acceptable in exchange for superior horsepower.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- Achieving 35 MPG combined is the top priority for cost savings.
- The buyer intends to use regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium.
- A larger physical footprint (194.9 inches long) and CVT-equipped AWD system are preferred.
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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | P235/65R18 |
| 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 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
How much less fuel does the RDX consume annually compared to the Highlander Hybrid?
Based on the 12 MPG difference (35 MPG vs. 23 MPG), the RDX will consume approximately 38% more fuel volume over the same distance traveled.
Does the higher horsepower in the RDX compensate for its lower fuel economy?
The RDX has 29 more horsepower (272 hp vs. 243 hp) and offers 280 lb-ft of torque, indicating a focus on quicker acceleration rather than long-term fuel efficiency.
Which crossover is physically larger based on exterior dimensions?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the larger vehicle, measuring 194.9 inches in length and 68.1 inches in height, compared to the RDX's 187.4-inch length and 65.7-inch height.
What is the significance of the required fuel types for these models?
The 2025 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded, likely supporting its higher compression ratio engine, whereas the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid operates effectively on regular unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle offers more usable storage space behind the rear seats?
The 2025 Acura RDX provides substantially more immediate cargo capacity at 29.5 cubic feet, outweighing the 16 cubic feet offered by the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool