2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2025 Acura MDX underwent subtle exterior updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights, which enhanced its sporty and performance-oriented appearance. Most versions received new wheel designs, adding to the SUV's visual appeal. Inside, the MDX saw more significant changes with the introduction of a new touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the previous touchpad interface and providing additional storage space. The seats from the previous MDX Type S model were incorporated into the MDX Advance package and MDX A-Spec Advance, while the Type S received a new seat design. Acura also improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was offered in two trim levels, with the base model named the 1958, featuring a retro look with round headlights and basic equipment. The more modern and upscale Land Cruiser model, without a trim level name, offered a nicer interior with larger screens and critical off-roading hardware. The Premium Package added leather and more tech features. The Land Cruiser's traditional two-box SUV design maximized off-road clearances and room for people and cargo. The interior was utilitarian, with traditional switchgear and a Java-colored leather option providing desirable color contrast. The dual 12.3-inch digital driver and infotainment screens added a technologically advanced feel.

The 2025 Acura MDX was known for its performance-oriented design, with the Type S model featuring 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 a choice between front-wheel drive and Acura's torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The SUV provided a smooth and comfortable ride, with various driving modes available, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Individual. The MDX was not designed for off-roading, with limited ground clearance unless equipped with the Type S Advance's air suspension.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The full-time four-wheel-drive system included electronic locking rear and center differentials, enabling a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like Downhill Assist Control, Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select off-roading modes, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. However, its handling on twisty mountain roads was less impressive due to its tires and suspension tuning. The Land Cruiser offered a powerful and responsive daily driving experience, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road adventures.

The 2025 Acura MDX offered 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage programs in the MDX Advance and MDX A-Spec Advance trims. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, with a foldable middle section for added convenience. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, with limited leg support. The MDX provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space 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 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser upgraded from cloth upholstery to SofTex artificial leather in the base model, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. The second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The Land Cruiser offered 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the 60/40-split folding back seat dropped. The high load floor height required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa Built-in and Google Built-in, offering a more intuitive interface. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an upgraded Bang & Olufsen audio system available in higher trims. The MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 10.5-inch head-up display. The surround-view camera system provided front, side, and rear views for added convenience.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser upgraded to two 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. The Premium Package included a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system, a wireless smartphone charger, a head-up display, and digital key technology. The Drive Connect feature provided cloud-based navigation and a conversational digital assistant.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured the AcuraWatch collection of driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The AcuraWatch 360 package, exclusive to the MDX Type S Advance, added front cross-traffic alert, evasive steering warning, and active lane-change assist. The MDX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover resistance rating.