2022 Acura MDX vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was a standout in the midsize SUV category, with a design that was anything but boring. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille gave it a distinctive presence. The character line along the side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and Lexus-like taillights added to its unique look. The Highlander managed to appear longer and lower than its predecessor without sacrificing size. The introduction of the XSE trim level brought a sportier appearance with a restyled front end, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a more aggressive stance, although it didn't quite match the performance of sportier rivals. The Limited trim, with its chrome accents and upscale interior, leaned more towards luxury, offering a near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and elegant wood details.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura MDX was built on a new dedicated platform, enhancing its proportions with a longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased dash-to-axle distance for a more elegant look. The Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to its modern and assertive design. Inside, the MDX featured a layered dashboard, authentic materials like natural wood and genuine aluminum, and a unique gear selection system. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel added to the high-tech feel. The MDX's interior was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a flexible second row that could slide and recline. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the overall cabin offered a luxurious and well-crafted experience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not designed for high-speed thrills, the Highlander provided smooth and reliable performance, making it a solid choice for family transportation. It compared well with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in terms of power, though it fell short of the Ford Explorer ST's performance. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained more focused on comfort and practicality.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, mated to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, standard in Canada, offered torque vectoring for improved cornering and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone front setup and revised rear multi-link suspension, enhancing sporty handling and ride quality. The vehicle's stiffness and rigidity were improved, providing a solid and confident ride. The 10-speed transmission worked seamlessly with the engine, offering smooth shifts and responsive performance. The MDX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose from five drive modes, tailoring the driving experience to their preferences. During test drives, the MDX impressed with its handling and performance, standing out among competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered practical interior features, including large shelves ahead of the front seats for storage and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom with available captain's chairs, while the third row was best suited for smaller passengers. Cargo space was adequate, with 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Acura MDX provided comfortable seating for the first two rows, with a removable centre section in the second row for added flexibility. The third row was suitable for smaller passengers, with USB connections available in all rows. Cargo space ranged from 461 to 512 litres behind the third row, with additional underfloor storage. Folding the third row expanded capacity to between 1,107 and 1,367 litres, and folding both rear rows opened up 2,021 to 2,690 litres of space. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and hands-free access, while customizable interior lighting added a touch of luxury.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The JBL audio system, available on higher trims, provided good sound quality, though the navigation system struggled with points of interest. The larger screen was visually appealing but limited in functionality for certain apps.

The 2022 Acura MDX boasted advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification on higher trims. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, offering a high-tech experience. Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a head-up display on the Platinum Elite trim added to the MDX's tech appeal. The CabinTalk feature and WiFi hotspot further enhanced convenience and connectivity.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. Blind spot monitoring was standard, and the Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

The 2022 Acura MDX was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with a focus on collision protection and pedestrian safety. The AcuraWatch suite included collision mitigation emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The MDX's advanced safety structure and low-speed braking control system further enhanced safety, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.