Acura RDX vs Toyota Highlander
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Toyota Highlander
Overview
| Spec | Acura RDXRDX | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | RDX | XLE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Acura RDXRDX | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $45,100 (best) | $46,270 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Acura RDXRDX | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG | 24 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 21 MPG | 21 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 27 MPG | 28 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 17.1 gal | 17.9 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Acura RDXRDX | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 272 hp (best) | 265 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Acura RDXRDX | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 7 seats (best) |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 58.9 cu ft | 84.3 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs (best) |
| Payload | — | 1,225 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 4,014 lbs (best) | 4,376 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 8 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 in | 112.2 in (best) |
| Length | 187.4 in | 194.9 in (best) |
| Width | 74.8 in | 76 in (best) |
| Height | 65.7 in | 68.1 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Acura RDXRDX | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Acura RDX | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RDX $45,100 MSRP(Currently comparing) | XLE $46,270 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Technology Package $47,700 MSRP | XLE $48,020 MSRP |
| 3 | A-Spec Package $50,700 MSRP | XSE $48,340 MSRP |
| 4 | Advance Package $52,850 MSRP | Limited $50,725 MSRP |
| 5 | A-Spec Advance Package $54,850 MSRP | Limited $52,475 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Platinum $53,925 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Platinum $55,675 MSRP |
Acura RDX vs Toyota Highlander FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Acura RDX or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Acura RDX vs 2026 Toyota Highlander on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Acura RDX or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Acura RDX starts lower at $45,100.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Acura RDX or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Acura RDX leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (45,100).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Acura RDX or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (35).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Acura RDX or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Acura RDX leads on horsepower in this comparison (272).
- Which has better seats: 2026 Acura RDX or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on seats in this comparison (7).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2026 Acura RDX or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Acura RDX vs 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Acura RDX (5/5 NHTSA overall); Toyota Highlander (5/5 NHTSA overall).