2026 Acura MDX vs 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2026 Acura MDX, particularly in its A-Spec Advance trim, presented a stylish and sophisticated appearance. With its diamond pentagon grille, sleek lighting elements, and flared fenders, the MDX maintained a low, wide stance that was more reminiscent of a car than an SUV. The interior continued this theme, offering a sporty and refined cabin with high-quality materials and bold color options. However, the emphasis on design sometimes compromised functionality, as seen in the limited storage space due to the layout of the center console and transmission controls. Despite these drawbacks, the MDX's interior was well-appointed, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser emphasized function over form, with a cabin designed for practicality and durability. The higher trim level offered more luxurious touches, such as leather upholstery and a range of technology upgrades, but the overall feel remained utilitarian. The Land Cruiser's exterior design was rugged and boxy, reflecting its off-road capabilities. Inside, the focus was on comfort and space, with ample room for five passengers and a generous cargo area. While the Land Cruiser lacked some of the Acura's design flair, it made up for it with a robust build and a focus on functionality.

The 2026 Acura MDX was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Integrated Dynamics System, offering various driving modes. The MDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhanced handling and increased towing capacity to 5,000 pounds. The Type S variant featured a more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, along with adaptive air suspension for improved performance. Despite its sporty feel, the MDX's ground clearance of 7.3 inches limited its off-road capabilities. Fuel economy was a concern, with observed figures falling below the EPA estimate of 21 mpg combined.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser, on the other hand, was powered by the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This setup, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, offered a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select modes. However, its fuel economy was also below expectations, with observed figures lower than the EPA estimate of 23 mpg combined. Despite its weight, the Land Cruiser's powertrain provided adequate performance, though it was not particularly quick.

The 2026 Acura MDX offered a luxurious and comfortable interior, with 16-way power-adjustable front seats that were heated, ventilated, and massaging. The second-row seats were supportive, though legroom was somewhat limited. The third row was best suited for children, with tight space for adults. Cargo space was practical, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser provided a spacious and comfortable cabin for up to five passengers, with power-adjustable front seats and optional leather upholstery. The cargo area offered 46.2 cubic feet of space, expanding to 82.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the high liftover height and lack of a flat load floor made loading bulky items challenging. Storage options were limited, with small cupholders and a compact center console cool box.

The 2026 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with available head-up display. The system included Amazon Alexa and Google Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A Bang & Olufsen sound system was standard on most trims, providing impressive audio quality. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it lacked SiriusXM satellite radio integration.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser's higher trim level offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with Toyota Connected Services. The Premium Package added a JBL audio system and a head-up display. The infotainment system was straightforward and easy to use, though it lacked a home screen for quick access to different functions.

The 2026 Acura MDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of driver aids including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The system was refined and operated smoothly, though the lane-centering assist could be inconsistent. The MDX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA for FWD models, and the 2025 model was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs, though it could be overly aggressive. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with mixed ratings from the IIHS, including a Marginal score for rear-seat passenger protection.