Acura MDX vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Acura MDX, available in Canada in four trim levels, offered a blend of style and luxury. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim, priced at $82,015 with its striking Performance Red paint, featured blacked-out wheels and subtle styling enhancements. Its design was characterized by a diamond pentagon grille, appealing lighting elements, and a low, wide stance, with minimal SUV-like cladding. Inside, the MDX boasted a car-like interior with a low dashboard and wide console, using high-quality materials. However, the emphasis on design sometimes compromised functionality, with limited storage space due to the layout of transmission controls and other features.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid took a more conservative approach, drawing inspiration from the popular RAV4. The Platinum Hybrid Max trim, priced at $69,060, featured a Storm Cloud paint finish and a mix of leather and artificial suede upholstery. The interior prioritized function over form, with logically laid-out controls and decent material quality. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had some drawbacks, such as a small volume knob and the absence of a tuning knob. Overall, the Grand Highlander offered a spacious and practical design, with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space.

The 2026 Acura MDX was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It featured Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) with torque vectoring, enhancing handling. The MDX could tow up to 2,268 kilograms. The Type S Ultra variant offered a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, along with adaptive air suspension. Despite its performance capabilities, the MDX lacked a hybrid powertrain option, resulting in a fuel economy of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with observed figures slightly higher during testing.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max focused on performance with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, delivering 362 horsepower. It used a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, avoiding the droning common in CVTs. The Hybrid Max achieved a combined fuel economy of 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres, with observed figures slightly higher during testing. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, matching the MDX. The Grand Highlander offered rewarding acceleration and a soft, isolating ride, though its handling was secure only up to a modest point.

The 2026 Acura MDX provided a luxurious interior with 16-way power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, complemented by a Bang & Olufsen audio system. 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 practical, with up to 512 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,690 litres with the second row folded down.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating in all three rows, with a maximum cargo space of over 2,700 litres. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery. The second-row captain’s chairs provided a pass-through to the third row, which was reasonably comfortable for adults. Cargo space behind the third row measured 586 litres, expanding to 2,761 litres with the second row folded down.

The 2026 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.5-inch head-up display in higher trims. The infotainment system included Amazon Alexa and Google Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A Bang & Olufsen sound system was standard, and the head-up display provided comprehensive information.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, though it lacked the ability to display multiple main-menu screens simultaneously. The Platinum trim included a colour head-up display, a digital rear-view mirror, and a JBL premium audio system.

The 2026 Acura MDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of driver aids including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The MDX had not yet been fully rated for crash tests, but the 2025 model was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive list of safety features. It included lane keep assist and Proactive Driving Assist, though the latter was found to be irritating in some situations. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.