Comparison - Acura MDX Base 2017 - vs - Toyota Highlander Limited 2016

General

Other Names:

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Also called:

Kluger

Top 3 Likes and Dislikes: 2017 Acura MDX SH-AWD on Everyman Driver
Acura - 2017 MDX - Total Package Challenge - Ad
Rivals: Acura MDX vs. Audi Q7 vs. Volvo XC90
Acura MDX 2017 Review,
The 2024 Acura MDX Type S Is A Flagship Luxury SUV
Will driving the ALL NEW 2022 Acura MDX A-Spec make you want to BUY it?
The 2022 Acura MDX Type S Is the Sporty SUV You Weren't Expecting
2017 Acura MDX AWD on Everyman Driver
2020 Highlander Hybrid | Fuel Sipping 3-Row With 8 Seats
Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE a REAL performance SUV?
Is the ALL NEW 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE the PERFECT 3-row SUV
2020 Toyota Highlander XLE Review & Drive (With Trim Level Comparisons)
Average Price: 
49,576
Updated: 
28 Nov 2016
37,651
Updated: 
02 Dec 2016
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Year: 
2017
2016
Total Seating: 
7
7
Transmission: 
9-speed Shiftable Automatic
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
no
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
19.50gals
19.20gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Crystal Black Pearl
#2A2A2A
Dark Cherry Pearl
#532831
Lunar Silver Metallic
#A9A9A9
Modern Steel Metallic
#616267
White Diamond Pearl
#DEDDDA
Color: 
Alumina Jade Metallic
#979797
Blizzard Pearl
#FBF8F9
Creme Brulee Mica
#A5A49B
Midnight Black Metallic
#3B3A41
Nautical Blue Metallic
#4A495D
Ooh La La Rouge Mica
#90646C
Predawn Gray Mica
#434043
Shoreline Blue Pearl
#313C4D
Silver Sky Metallic
#868A93

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

The 2017 Acura MDX ranks 10 out of 21 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Acura MDX is a well-rounded and reasonably priced option for drivers looking for a well-equipped luxury midsize SUV.The 2017 Acura MDX ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Midsize SUVs category.

Pros
Balanced ride and handling
Excellent fuel economy
More standard driver assistance features than rivals

Cons
Cumbersome infotainment system
Less cargo space than 3-row rivals

By: 
usnews.com

The 2017 Acura MDX is one of the best-driving, most technologically advanced three-row luxury crossovers, and a new Sport Hybrid model and active suspension should only add to that reputation.
Among luxury crossovers, the Acura MDX is a standout in nearly every possible way—and it stands as quite a counterpoint to the brand’s sedans, which can’t seem to get proper traction in the market.While this model is already one of the best-driving models in its class, the 2017 Acura MDX has been given ride and handling improvements, more standard active-safety features, and a new Sport Hybrid variant that promises both better performance and higher fuel economy numbers.We give it a 7.5 out of 10.

Pros
New Sport Hybrid
Refined and quiet
Great handling
Space for six

Cons
Rough-shifting transmission
Too much bright trim
Complex infotainment interface
Lacks steering feedback

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2017 Acura MDX receives a comprehensive face-lift, including a new front end with fresh headlight and grille designs. A Sport Hybrid model debuts with more power and better fuel economy than the regular MDX. New standard features for 2017 include capless fueling, an electronic parking brake, auto high beams, additional USB ports and the AcuraWatch suite of active safety aids (previously optional on some MDX versions). Newly available features include 20-inch wheels, LED foglights, automatic locking when you walk away from the vehicle, power-folding mirrors, a surround-view camera system, a heated steering wheel, upgraded wood trim and second-row captain's chairs.

Pros
Generous array of features and active driver aids for the money
Optional SH-AWD system enhances handling and all-season surefootedness
Smooth and confident acceleration from the V6 engine
Quiet, comfortable and spacious cabin

Cons
Touchscreen isn't user-friendly and graphics are subpar
Cabin looks and feels less luxurious than some rivals
Clunky auto stop-start function
Adaptive cruise control can be slow to respond and abrupt when it does

By: 
edmunds.com

HIGHS:
Standard active-safety tech, newly refined schnoz, excellent handling.

LOWS
No longer the best, expensive option packages, frustrating infotainment system.

Still a compelling alternative to European luxury SUVs.

By: 
caranddriver.com

Comfortable and pleasing to drive, the 2016 Toyota Highlander is a no-brainer pick for a three-row family crossover. It also earns our top rating

Regardless of trim level, the Highlander stands out by virtue of its spacious and comfortable cabin. Second-row seating is a choice of three-across bench seating or captain's chairs with a side table. The refined V6 and smooth six-speed automatic transmission deliver effortless acceleration and make the Highlander one of the quickest big crossovers around. There are also plenty of contemporary tech tools and smartphone-integrated services, anchored by an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen display in the higher trim levels

The Highlander packs enough goodness that we've made it one of our top picks for a three-row crossover this year. But it's not the only model worth checking out. The Highlander's main rival, the Honda Pilot, is fully redesigned this year and is more upscale and carlike than in prior years. The Ford Explorer is also updated this year and offers a similar range of prices and features plus a strong turbocharged V6 option. There's also the handsome-looking Dodge Durango or the three-row Hyundai Santa Fe, the latter of which stacks up nicely against the Highlander across the board. All of them are competent family vehicles, but the Highlander certainly earns its well-deserved reputation for all-around goodness
pros
Refined interior appointments
Quiet, compliant ride
Smooth and strong V6 engine
Seating for up to eight, functional cabin design.

cons
Lackluster four-cylinder engine
Third-row seat isn't as roomy as those in some other top rivals

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2016 Toyota Highlander isn't all that exciting to look at or to drive, but it's very versatile and handsome enough to be a great minivan alternative

The Highlander may look a little more rugged than it has in the past; yet it's still more closely related to Toyota's cars than to its rugged trucks like the 4Runner. The Highlander stands as a more civil, family-friendly alternative to the 4Runner or a more spacious alternative to the RAV4

In its latest generation, the Highlander lineup has become a little more truck-influenced from the outside, with the maw-like grille and exaggerated wheel wells and sills offering more than a faint hint of rugged cues. Inside, the cabin is all car, although there are a few fine details borrowed from Toyota's trucks, some Teutonic-themed dash action, and a pleasing jumble of lines and textures.

Pros
Wide range of powertrains
Flexible second row
Easy third-row access
Good connectivity

Cons
Design is better, but still bland
Just-adequate powertrains
Somewhat busy dash design
Hybrid only delivers if you drive gingerly

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The Toyota Highlander's reasonable price and ample list of advanced safety features make it one the best value propositions in the class. You won't find any other midsize SUV at its roughly $30,000 price point with this many active safety features. On top of that, its interior is made with upscale materials, and the ride is hushed

the Highlander's driving dynamics are comfortable but dull. It’s base four-cylinder engine is unusual for the class, as most rivals have a standard V6. You can add a V6 engine to the Highlander, but you’ll pay about $1,400 to do so. With its base engine, the Highlander’s fuel economy is above average for the class. You’ll get even better gas mileage with the optional V6 engine. If you want a better driving experience and a more potent engine in the base model, look to the Honda Pilot. There’s a modest $35 difference in price between it and the Highlander, and the Pilot handles much better through turns. You’ll also get the V6 engine standard – just not the active safety features. And if you’re a fan of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the Pilot has them in all but the base trims. You can’t get either with Toyota – at any trim level

Pros
Lots of standard active safety features
Above-average fuel economy
Comfortable and quiet on the highway

Cons
Dull performance and handling
Cramped third-row seat

By: 
cars.usnews.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Premium Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
19.00mpg
19.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
27.00mpg
25.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
24
Cylinders: 
6
V
6
V
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.50L
3.50L
Torque: 
267ft-lbs
at 4 700rpm
248ft-lbs
at 4 700rpm
Horsepower: 
290hp
at 6 200rpm
270hp
at 6 200rpm
Cam Type: 
Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
38.70Feet
38.70Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
no
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
no
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
196.20in
191.10in
Width: 
77.20in
75.80in
Height: 
67.40in
70.10in
Ground Clearance: 
5.60in
8.00in
Front Track: 
66.30in
64.40in
Rear Track: 
66.30in
64.20in
Wheel Base: 
111.00in
109.80in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
38.10
39.50
Rear Head Room: 
38.30
39.60
Front Leg Room: 
41.40in
44.20in
Rear leg room: 
36.60in
38.40in
Front Hip Room: 
57.50in
57.10in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.10in
59.30in
Rear Hip Room: 
57.80in
57.10in
Rear Shoulder room: 
59.10in
59.60in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
68.40cu.ft
83.20cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
3500lbs
5000lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
14.90cu.ft
13.80cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
14.90degrees
18.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
17.40degrees
23.10degrees
Curb Weight: 
4001.00lbs
4354.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
4 one-touch power windows

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
no
Front Seats Features: 
8 -way power driver seat
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable driver seat
Height adjustable passenger seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
8 -way power passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Leather
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Height adjustable driver seat
Bucket front seats
8 -way power driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Leather
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding with storage center armrest
Split-folding rear seatback
Reclining rear seats
Manual folding split-bench third row seats
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
folding rear seatback
Manual folding bench third row seats
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Reclining rear seats

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front stabilizer bar
Front stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: 
Rear stabilizer bar
rear stabilizer bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-wheel independent suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Turn signal in mirrors
Leather steering wheel
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
Leather steering wheel
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Turn signal in mirrors

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
8 total speakers
1 subwoofer(s)
432 watts stero output
Speed sensitive volume control
12 total speakers
3 Months of provided satellite radio service
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
Adjustable speed sensitive volume control
Satellite radio w/real time traffic satellite radio

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Intermittent rear wiper
Privacy glass
Intermittent wipers
Remote sunroof operation
Power glass sunroof
Manual sunshades for rear side windows
Intermittent rear wiper
Privacy glass
Power glass sunroof
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
18 x 8.0 in
19 x 7.5
Wheels more: 
All season tires
Underbody mounted spare tire
Null spare wheel
Alloy wheels
Temporary spare tire
Underbody mounted spare tire
All season tires
Chrome-clad wheel covers
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
245.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
60
Width: 
245.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R19

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Front ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated front disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
solid rear disc brakes
solid rear disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
no
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Post-collision safety system
Rear height adjustable headrests
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Rear center 3-point belt
LED headlamp
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Turn signal mirrors
Remote anti-theft alarm system
First Aid Kit
Glass Breakage Sensor
VIP RS3200 Plus Security System
Glass Breakage Sensor
Post-collision safety system
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation

Options

Packages: 
Protection Package
Preferred Accessory Package
Protection Package
Exterior Options: 
Mudguards
Alloy Wheel Locks
Paint Protection Film
Rear Bumper Applique
Rear Bumper Applique
Drop Hitch Receiver
Rear Bumper Protector
Special Color
Cross Bars
Cross Bars and Side Rails
Towing Receiver Hitch w/Wire Harness
Door Edge Guards
Rear Bumper Protector
Body SIde Molding
Running Boards
Clear Paint Protection - Hood Package
Clear Paint Protection - Door Package
Accent Stripe
Body Side Moldings
Running Boards
Interior Options: 
All-Weather Floor Mats and Cargo Liner
Carpet Mats w/Lipped Cargo Mat
Carpet Floor Mats and Cargo Liner
Wireless Headphones
Cargo Net
Carpet Floor Mats and Carpet Cargo Mat
Retractable Cargo Cover
Cargo Cover
Rear-Seat Blu-Ray DVD Entertainment System
2nd Row Captain's Chairs
Carpet Floor Mats, Carpet Cargo Mat, All Weather Floor Mats
10" Overhead DVD Player (moonroof vehicles)
Connectivity Package (4 Piece)
Carpet Mats w/Lipped Cargo Mat

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Ebony, leather
#101010
Graystone, leather
#78756F
Parchment, leather
#CFC0A3
Color: 
Ash, cloth
#7D7C7C
Black, cloth
#282828