2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Toyota Highlander presented a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window that gave the impression of a smaller vehicle. However, once inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions for family essentials. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, unique exterior styling, ambient lighting, and sport-tuned suspension, providing a fun contrast to its sedate navy blue exterior. The Highlander lineup in Canada included trims such as LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, each offering a range of features from standard all-wheel drive and an 8-inch touchscreen to premium audio systems and panoramic moonroofs.

The 2023 Acura MDX, available in standard and Type S versions, offered a range of trim packages, including Tech, A-Spec, and Platinum Elite for the standard model, and an Ultra package for the Type S. The MDX Type S, with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, set high expectations for luxury and performance. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to feature the Type S badge, with subtle styling cues and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Type S Ultra trim boasted quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls challenging to use, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to standard all-wheel drive, with no front-wheel drive option in Canada. The Highlander offered drive modes such as Sport, Normal, and Eco, along with AWD modes like Mud/Sand and Rock. While the V6 provided better pickup at higher speeds, it was less lively from a standstill. The XSE trim's sport-tuned suspension improved handling, reducing body roll while maintaining comfort over bumps. The Highlander could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and had a max payload of 775 kilograms.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. The Type S offered driving modes like Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, with an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite performance enhancements, the Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues like an indecisive transmission and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, falling short of its official fuel consumption rating.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander provided up to 2,387 litres of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. With the second-row seats in use, there was 1,370 litres of cargo space, and 453 litres behind the third row. The Highlander featured deep front door pockets, a versatile centre dash tray, and a spacious centre console compartment. The XSE trim's second-row captain’s chairs offered a centre aisle to the rear seats, providing space between occupants. While the second row was spacious for adults, the third row was best suited for short trips.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with the option to remove the centre section of the second row for easier access to the third row. The Type S Ultra trim included 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 MDX's third row was best for children, as it was a tight squeeze for adults. The cargo area provided 461 litres of space behind the third row, 1,107 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,021 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system featured a straightforward layout with hard buttons for ease of use. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and additional USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system were available on higher trims.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface. While the TTI aimed to improve driver interaction, it added complexity and reduced storage space. The MDX offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The Type S Ultra trim included a 25-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system, delivering clear and distortion-free sound. A 10.5-inch head-up display was available with higher trims, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and more. All trims featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags. The Highlander was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2023 Acura MDX included a collision mitigation braking system, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Standard features in Canada included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had some issues with false lane-departure notifications and unexpected braking.