Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Acura ADX

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available for just over $50,000, with the base Hybrid LE priced at $51,435, including destination charges. In Canada, all-wheel drive was standard, while the U.S. offered a front-wheel drive version. The Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD came with a Special Edition package, and the Limited trim allowed for a Platinum package upgrade. The Limited trim with the Platinum package had an MSRP of $61,800 in Canada. The 2023 model saw minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour. The Highlander Hybrid's design was criticized for being over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was described as visually obnoxious, with mismatched textures and tones, and controls that felt inexpensive. Despite these criticisms, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quietness on the road.

The 2025 Acura ADX, sharing its platform with the Honda HR-V, showcased distinct Acura styling. It featured a large pentagonal grille with diamond-patterned mesh, LED lighting, and sporty rear design elements. The ADX came with standard 18-inch wheels, with 19-inch options for A-Spec trims. The interior was described as premium, with leatherette seating and microsuede accents in higher trims. The A-Spec tester had a red interior, adding a touch of luxury. The ADX's cabin was praised for its design, with a focus on reducing glare and fingerprints. Overall, the ADX was seen as a premium offering from Acura, living up to the brand's reputation for quality.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, providing standard all-wheel drive. It delivered 243 combined horsepower, with the electric motors assisting in acceleration and low-speed electric-only driving. The gas engine offered 175 pound-feet of torque, limiting high-speed passing power. The Highlander Hybrid could tow up to 1,588 kilograms, though it was not recommended due to limited power. It featured Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but the test vehicle returned 8.2 L/100 km, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The Highlander Hybrid was described as uninspiring to drive, with soft suspension and a lack of engagement.

The 2025 Acura ADX came with a 1.5-litre VTEC turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While not the most powerful in its class, the ADX's power was deemed sufficient for everyday tasks. It featured Sport, Normal, Comfort, and Snow drive modes, with the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim adding an Individual mode. The ADX offered excellent visibility and effective noise cancellation. Its fuel economy was rated at 8.5 L/100 km combined, comparable to some competitors. The ADX was seen as a capable and enjoyable vehicle for daily driving.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate family needs, seating seven or eight people depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, with the third row best suited for occasional use. Standard equipment included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional features in the Platinum package. The interior offered power-adjustable front seats and comfortable second-row captain's chairs. However, accessing the third row was challenging, and the seats were not very comfortable. The Highlander Hybrid provided 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the third row folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row down.

The 2025 Acura ADX featured leatherette seating surfaces, with microsuede accents in higher trims. The steering wheel was heated and leather-wrapped, with a sportier design for A-Spec models. Heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat were standard, with additional features in higher trims. The ADX offered more headroom and legroom than some competitors, with 979 mm of headroom and 1,065 mm of legroom in the front. Rear seat legroom was 958 mm, and cargo space measured 690 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,560 litres with them retracted. The ADX included a power tailgate, dual-zone climate control, and rear-seat vents.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology for 2023, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. The infotainment system included an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected service plans were standard, with Remote Connect allowing remote access via a smartphone app. The Drive Connect service plan offered additional features, including a cloud-based navigation system. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. The Toyota Audio Multimedia platform was user-friendly, though the graphics could be improved.

The 2025 Acura ADX offered a comprehensive technology package, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wi-fi hotspot capability, and a wireless phone charging pad. It featured a nine-inch centre infotainment screen and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. The ADX included Bluetooth, USB-C ports, and an eight-speaker sound system. Higher trims added additional USB-C ports, Alexa Built-In, Google Built-In, HD Radio, and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. The audio system featured a unique "beosonic" app for adjusting sound by mood or ambiance. The ADX's technology offerings were seen as a strong point, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. This included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional features in higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2025 Acura ADX came with the AcuraWatch suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot information, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The surround-view camera system was available on the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim. While the ADX had not yet been crash-tested, the Honda HR-V's high ratings were promising. Acura aimed for similar safety ratings for the ADX, ensuring a high level of safety for its drivers.