2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line swooping over the rear wheel arch, which added unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall design felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash was interrupted by a metallic styling element, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted high, reducing driver distraction. The Bronze Edition featured unique 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery, which, while visually interesting, attracted dirt and stains easily.

The 2023 Acura MDX, particularly in the Type S Ultra trim, presented a more refined and luxurious appearance. It featured chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, giving it a proper stance. Inside, the MDX Type S boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, the gloss black plastic on the dashboard made controls challenging to use, and the electronic transmission switchgear was confusing. Despite these minor issues, the MDX Type S was fundamentally attractive, offering a panoramic moonroof and ambient lighting themes. The design was subtle yet sophisticated, appealing to those seeking a luxury SUV with a touch of sportiness.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 100 km/h in just over eight seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs. The electric motors provided initial acceleration, with the gasoline engine taking over to maintain speed. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension smoothing over road bumps, making it a comfortable family vehicle. The cabin remained quiet on highways, except when the engine was pushed hard.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. It used a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance. The transmission was indecisive, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The engine's power increase over the standard V6 was not substantial, and fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.9 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was plentiful, with trays and bins throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating, with the option to remove the second-row centre section for easier access to the third row. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and didn't hold occupants in place during spirited driving. The second-row seats were comfortable, with heating for outboard positions. Cargo space was 461 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,107 litres with the third row folded, and 2,021 litres with both rear rows down. The MDX offered a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for top trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with navigation and a JBL audio system available on higher trims.

The 2023 Acura MDX boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI). The TTI design limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality. A head-up display was included with higher trims, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a blind-spot monitor. The systems generally worked well but required some fine-tuning.

The 2023 Acura MDX also earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It featured a comprehensive suite of safety systems, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. While the systems operated with improved accuracy, the MDX occasionally issued false lane-departure warnings and mistook overhead signs for obstacles.