2026 Acura MDX vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was available in two trim levels, the 1958 and the Cruiser. The 1958 trim, named after the year the model first appeared in North America, offered a retro aesthetic with round headlights and basic equipment, priced at $73,270. The Cruiser trim, priced at $82,030, presented a more modern and upscale look, featuring larger screens and additional off-roading capabilities. The Cruiser trim with the Premium Package, which included leather upholstery and more tech, brought the price to $90,603. The Land Cruiser's design emphasized utility with a traditional two-box SUV shape, maximizing off-road clearances and visibility. Its interior, especially in the Cruiser trim, was more refined than the 1958, with dual 12.3-inch digital screens and intuitive steering wheel controls.

The 2026 Acura MDX was offered in four trims: Tech, A-Spec, Platinum Elite A-Spec, and Type S Ultra, with prices ranging from $72,115 to $94,015. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim, tested at $82,015, featured blacked-out wheels and subtle styling modifications. The MDX's design was sleek, with a diamond pentagon grille and minimal cladding, giving it a car-like appearance. Inside, the MDX boasted high-quality materials and a sporty layout, with a low dashboard and wide console. However, the emphasis on design sometimes compromised functionality, such as limited storage space due to the transmission controls. Despite this, the MDX offered intuitive controls and a clutter-free interior.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This setup, paired with a full-time 4WD system, allowed for a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with real-world consumption at 15.0 L/100 km, despite an official rating of 10.1 L/100 km. The Land Cruiser was a capable off-roader but struggled with handling on twisty roads due to its suspension tuning.

The 2026 Acura MDX featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX Type S Ultra offered a more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with 355 horsepower. The MDX's SH-AWD system enhanced handling, and it could tow up to 2,268 kilograms. The MDX provided a comfortable and responsive driving experience, with a commendable ride on various surfaces. However, its ground clearance of 18.5 centimetres limited its off-road capabilities. Fuel economy was slightly better than the Land Cruiser, with observed consumption at 13.1 L/100 km.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior featured SofTex artificial leather in the Cruiser trim, with ventilated and heated front seats. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. While the front seats were comfortable, the second-row seats lacked support. The Land Cruiser offered 1,062 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,324 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the high load floor made loading heavy items challenging.

The 2026 Acura MDX's Platinum Elite A-Spec model boasted 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row seats were comfortable, with a removable centre section for added versatility. The third row was suitable for short trips, primarily for children. Cargo space was generous, with 512 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,690 litres with the second row folded. The MDX's cargo area was practical, with ample storage compartments.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim featured dual 12.3-inch displays, with the TAM infotainment system offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium Package added a JBL sound system and a head-up display. The voice recognition system was effective, and the digital assistant provided accurate navigation.

The 2026 Acura MDX included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured a 10.5-inch head-up display. The infotainment system offered Amazon Alexa and Google Built-in, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bang & Olufsen sound system was standard, providing impressive audio quality.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2026 Acura MDX featured AcuraWatch, with forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The MDX's adaptive cruise control was smooth, and the lane centring assist was effective. The 2025 MDX was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, but 2026 ratings were incomplete.