2020 Acura MDX vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was more about subtlety than making a bold statement. Its exterior featured a trapezoidal theme that was consistent across various elements, including the tailgate, headlights, and grille. The vehicle's body panels had more pronounced creases compared to previous models, and the tailgate glass was slightly more slanted. Higher trims like the Limited and Platinum boasted additional features such as LED running lamps and 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Highlander was a testament to Toyota's focus on quality fit and finish. The cabin was adorned with silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash, with an 8-inch touchscreen and polished black plastic climate controls. The interior colour palette was pleasing, with the Limited trim offering a three-tone interior that combined brown, beige, and black. The Highlander's interior was noted for its padded surfaces and rich textures, rivaling even the Kia Telluride in terms of quality.

The 2020 Acura MDX, while not groundbreaking in its design, offered a sleek and low-slung appearance for a three-row SUV. Its Jewel Eye LED headlights added a touch of sophistication to the front, flanking a trapezoidal grille with a prominent Acura logo. The MDX's paint and chrome finishes were flawless, a testament to Acura's attention to detail. Inside, the MDX featured a modern and simple design, with a centre stack that housed twin infotainment screens. The materials used in the cabin were of high quality, contributing to a solid and well-built feel. The MDX's interior was functional, with a flexible centre console and ample storage options. The vehicle's tri-zone climate control allowed for personalized comfort for all passengers, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration without the need for turbochargers. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, although it required a heavy foot for a kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and its suspension was soft, leading to a ride that was more about comfort than precision. Despite being built on a new, stiffer chassis, the Highlander lacked the control expected from Toyota. However, it offered a smooth and isolating driving experience, especially on long road trips. The AWD system on higher trims included torque vectoring and selectable driving modes, enhancing its handling capabilities. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, and a Sport Hybrid model with a combined output of 321 horsepower. The gasoline-only model featured Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which provided excellent straight-line performance and nimble handling. The SH-AWD system incorporated torque-vectoring technology, enhancing the MDX's cornering capabilities. The nine-speed automatic transmission was well-behaved, delivering smooth shifts in both Comfort and Sport modes. The MDX's suspension absorbed road imperfections effectively, ensuring a comfortable ride for passengers. The vehicle's performance was characterized by its seamless power delivery and impressive handling, making it a joy to drive.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight, or seven with the second-row captain's chairs on the Platinum trim. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander's interior was designed for comfort, with three-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic moonroof on higher trims. Cargo space was ample, with 453 litres behind the third row, 1,359 litres behind the second, and 2,378 litres with both rows folded. The vehicle featured numerous storage options, including eight cupholders and four bottle holders. The infotainment system was simple to use, though it could benefit from a software update.

The 2020 Acura MDX provided a spacious interior with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. The vehicle offered 447 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,229 litres with the third row folded, and 2,574 litres with both rear rows down. The MDX's interior was functional, with a flexible centre console, ample storage options, and tri-zone climate control. The vehicle's design catered to families seeking minivan-like functionality without the stigma of sliding doors.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system was outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was underutilized, with limited usable area. However, the vehicle featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, both of which were crisp and informative. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and a JBL audio system on higher trims. The Highlander also offered a one-year trial for Safety Connect and three years of traffic data for models with factory navigation.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of technology features, with trim levels simplified into packages. The base model included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, parking sensors, and a premium audio system. The A-Spec Package included additional tech features, while the Technology Plus package offered heated rear seats and an upgraded audio system. The Elite Package featured an Active Damper System, surround-view camera, and a rear entertainment screen.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX's body structure was designed to absorb crash impact, and it received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high ratings from the IIHS.