2025 Acura MDX vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a standout in Toyota's lineup of crossovers and SUVs, offering a range of options from all-gas to hybrid-powered models. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with the regular Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, and Camry, distinguishing itself from the body-on-frame Sequoia. With a length of 201.4 inches and a 116.1-inch wheelbase, it was larger than competitors like the Kia Telluride, providing a spacious interior. Its design, inspired by rugged vehicles, featured a blockier style with a trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights, reminiscent of the 4Runner. The Grand Highlander was available in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with interior options ranging from Softex synthetic leather to real leather. It offered a comfortable and well-built road-trip experience, with features like heated front seats, a large center console, and second-row sunshades.

The 2025 Acura MDX underwent subtle styling modifications, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights. These updates enhanced its sporty and performance-oriented appearance. Interior changes were more significant, with a new touchscreen infotainment system replacing the previous touchpad interface, providing more storage space. The MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance trims received seats from the previous Type S model, while the Type S got a new seat design. Acura improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass. The MDX offered logically located controls, a volume knob, and quick-access buttons for head-up display and safety features. The new A-Spec Advance trim combined luxury with a sportier look, with a price nearing $70,000. The base MDX started at $50,900, with various trims offering different levels of equipment and performance.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid option delivered 245 combined net horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. At the top, the Hybrid Max powertrain, a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid, generated 362 combined net horsepower and 400 combined net lb-ft of torque. Both gas and hybrid engines were available with FWD and AWD, while the Hybrid Max was AWD-only. The Hybrid Max boasted a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander was expected to account for 85% of sales with the standard turbo gas engine. While it offered solid brakes and adequate acceleration, the steering felt numb, and maneuverability was challenging due to its size. It featured three drive modes: Sport, Eco, and Normal, with additional modes for AWD-equipped models.

The 2025 Acura MDX positioned itself as a performance-oriented luxury SUV, with the A-Spec design and Type S engineering. The Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX offered FWD and optional SH-AWD, with the latter standard on higher trims. The MDX provided good power, with driving modes including Comfort, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Individual. The A-Spec Advance trim achieved 21 mpg in combined driving, though our test vehicle averaged 18.4 mpg. The MDX handled twisty roads confidently, with smooth body motions and a comfortable highway ride. It wasn't designed for off-roading, with limited ground clearance unless equipped with the Type S Advance's air suspension.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its primary rivals, measuring 201.4 inches long with a 116.1-inch wheelbase. It offered a total cargo capacity of 97.5 cubic feet, surpassing the Kia Telluride. With seats in position, it provided 57.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 20.6 cubic feet with all three rows up. The Grand Highlander was spacious and comfortable, with ample head, leg, and shoulder room in every row, making it suitable for adults in the third row.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage programs in the MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance trims. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, with a foldable middle section for cupholders and storage. The MDX offered comfortable outboard second-row seating with ample legroom and thigh support. The third row was less comfortable for adults, with limited leg support and space. In-cabin storage was adequate, with a new center console tray and wireless smartphone charging pad. Cargo volume measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and 71.4 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering a visually stunning interface. An intelligent assistant, activated by saying "Hey Toyota," was available via a connected-services subscription, handling tasks like temperature adjustment and radio changes. The system included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited and Platinum trims featured an 11-speaker JBL stereo. Streaming audio integration was available, with Sirius XM satellite radio offering a three-month trial. Toyota's tech offering had improved, but careful consideration of subscription options was recommended.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Alexa Built-in, and Google Built-in, offering complimentary access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play for three years. The system replaced the old True Touchpad Interface, providing a more intuitive experience. SiriusXM satellite radio required streaming through Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. AcuraLink connected services and an AT&T 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The MDX featured Bang & Olufsen audio systems, with 19 or 31 speakers depending on the trim. The new infotainment system and sound systems performed well, with Google Assistant responding quickly. The MDX also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 10.5-inch head-up display, though blind-spot monitoring alerts were absent.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not been crash-tested or rated by NHTSA or IIHS. However, it included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) as standard, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was standard, offering four following-distance settings.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured AcuraWatch, a collection of driver assistance features with improved accuracy and refinement. AcuraWatch 360 debuted for 2025 on the MDX Type S Advance, offering front cross-traffic alert, evasive steering warning, and active lane-change assist. All MDX models had forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and Traffic Jam Assist were standard. The MDX received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though SH-AWD models lacked a rollover resistance rating. IIHS had not commented on the 2025 MDX, but the 2024 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating.