2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling elements from Toyota's Tacoma, featuring a rugged trapezoidal grille and upright fascia. This design gave it a robust appearance, popular among midsized SUVs. However, the side profile introduced a swooping character line over the rear wheel arch, reminiscent of the Toyota Supra and Sienna, which added unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall design felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element that broke monotony and provided storage. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high for reduced distraction. The Bronze Edition's light grey fabric upholstery, with its odd triangle motif, seemed impractical for families due to its tendency to attract dirt.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S, with its subtle design, offered a luxury feel. It featured chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, maintaining a subdued appearance. The Type S Advance trim added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. Despite its appealing design, the MDX had some drawbacks, such as gloss black plastic on the dashboard that complicated control usage. The electronic transmission switchgear was also confusing. Overall, the MDX Type S was attractive but had minor design flaws that detracted from its luxury appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT and standard FWD. AWD was available via an electric motor for the rear axle. It reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick initial response, but the engine's hum became a drone under heavy acceleration. The brake system transitioned smoothly from regenerative to physical braking. The ride was soft, with the suspension effectively smoothing bumps, making it one of the quieter midsize SUVs.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and SH-AWD. It offered multiple driving modes, including a Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite performance enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled with cohesion, with issues like indecisive transmission and poor brake modulation. It averaged 16.9 mpg, below the EPA rating. The turbocharged V6 provided quick acceleration but at the cost of fuel efficiency. The MDX Type S lacked the dynamic harmony expected in a performance model.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was plentiful, with trays and bins for personal items. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining capabilities, and a bench option increased capacity to eight. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating, with options for second-row configurations. The Type S Advance featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row seats offered sliding and tilting for easier third-row access, though the third row was best for children. The cabin prioritized style over storage, with limited space under the center armrest. The cargo area was spacious, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for higher trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Higher trims offered navigation and a JBL audio system.

The 2023 Acura MDX boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface (TTI). The TTI was less intuitive than touchscreens, complicating storage space. The MDX included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid earned a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The systems generally worked well but needed fine-tuning for smoother operation.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured Acura Watch, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warnings needed refinement.