2024 Acura RDX vs. 2024 Toyota Highlander Review

Picture of the 2024 Acura RDX

2024 Acura
RDX

MSRP*: $44,350 to $54,150
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Picture of the 2024 Toyota Highlander

2024 Toyota
Highlander

MSRP*: $39,270 to $51,675
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MPG - City 21 MPG 21 - 22 MPG
MPG - Hwy 26 - 27 MPG 28 - 29 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 7 - 8 seats
Cargo Space Info not available 84.3 ft3
Engine
  • 272-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 265-hp, 2.4-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 272 hp 265 hp
Towing Capacity 1,500 lbs 5,000 lbs
Exterior Length 187.4 in 194.9 - 197.4 in
Exterior Width 74.8 in 76.0 in
Leg Room Front 42.0 in
Rear 38.0 in
Front 42.0 in
Rear 38.7 in
Head Room Front 40.0 in
Rear 38.0 in
Front 38.4 - 41.2 in
Rear 37.1 - 39.4 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Passengers in the backseat will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Toyota Highlander than in the Acura RDX, due to its greater head- and legroom. As far as headroom and legroom go, there's not much difference between front seat comfort in the Acura RDX and the Toyota Highlander.

Convenience
The Toyota Highlander requires fewer stops at the gas station than the Acura RDX, making it more convenient to drive.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Acura RDX is somewhat more expensive than the Toyota Highlander.

Dimensions
The Acura RDX is a little narrower than the Toyota Highlander, so you'll have an easier time getting in and out of the car in a tight parking spot. If you go with the Acura RDX, you'll have a much easier time finding a large enough space to park than you will with the Toyota Highlander.

Handling
The Acura RDX has a larger turning radius than the Toyota Highlander, making it slightly more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
In terms of towing capacity, the Toyota Highlander is clearly the choice over the Acura RDX for pulling heavy loads. In terms of horsepower, it's a virtual tie between the Acura RDX and the Toyota Highlander.

Powertrain
With its lower torque engine, the Acura RDX doesn't do as good a job transmitting power to its wheels as the Toyota Highlander.

Utility
The Acura RDX has less seating than the Toyota Highlander, making the Toyota Highlander the better choice, if you need to chauffeur many passengers.