Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Acura RDX

The 2023 Acura RDX was noted for its sharp, angular style, which, while unique, did not make it stand out significantly from its competitors. The front featured the signature Acura grille, which some felt was showing its age, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights and deep creases that gave the nose a sporty and aggressive look. The side profile was accentuated by a distinctive character line, suggesting forward movement even when stationary. However, the rear design was more conventional, resembling many other small SUVs. Inside, the RDX diverged from the trend of horizontal dashboard layouts, opting instead for a vertical cockpit design. The centre stack flowed into the console, dominated by gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial, emphasizing performance. While the interior wasn't as modern as some rivals, it offered a familiar layout for those averse to new glass cockpits.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, priced at just over $50,000 for the base model, offered minimal appearance changes for the year, with a new Cypress Green paint colour being the most notable update. The design was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and scowling headlights. The interior continued this theme with super-sized elements like large air vents and a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen. However, the multi-layered dashboard with mismatched textures and tones was visually overwhelming. The quality of materials was questioned, with controls and storage areas feeling inexpensive. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was praised for its quiet ride, with Toyota focusing on minimizing road noise.

The 2023 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, it came standard with all-wheel drive, known as "super-handling all-wheel drive" or "SH-AWD." The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which was average for its class. The throttle response was immediate, and the turbo powertrain was more than adequate for most drivers. The engine and exhaust produced a pleasing deeper tone, and the transmission was praised for selecting the correct gear efficiently. The RDX's handling inspired confidence, with well-managed body roll and abundant traction from the advanced AWD system. The adaptive dampers on the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim contributed to its sporty cornering ability without compromising ride comfort.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, plus a third motor for the rear wheels, creating standard AWD. It produced 243 combined horsepower, tasked with moving 2,060 kilograms in Limited trim. The electric motors assisted with acceleration and allowed for low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's torque was limited to 175 pound-feet, resulting in minimal high-speed passing power. While Toyota claimed a towing capacity of 1,588 kilograms, the Highlander Hybrid struggled with power, especially in mountainous terrain. The SUV offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an additional Trail mode for light off-road work. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but real-world results were higher than expected. The Highlander Hybrid was described as uninspiring to drive, with soft suspension and a groaning CVT, making it suitable for city and suburban use.

The 2023 Acura RDX offered ample space in the front seats, with additional power adjustments for side bolsters and thigh extension in the top trim. The generous cushioning ensured comfort during long drives, and standard heated and ventilated front seats quickly adjusted temperatures. A heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, and a panoramic moonroof were also standard. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The large panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's open feel. Cargo space behind the rear seats measured 835 litres, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded. The RDX provided various storage options for smaller items, though the centre stack's design was criticized for occupying unnecessary space.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to handle family life, 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 higher trims adding a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats. The front seats offered power adjustment, though more thigh support was desired. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable, with sunshades for added privacy. Accessing the third row was challenging, and the seats were likened to economy-class airline seats. The Highlander Hybrid featured a dashboard shelf and centre console storage, though the design was unnecessarily complex. Cargo space behind the third row measured 453 litres, expandable to 2,387 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2023 Acura RDX featured a touchpad infotainment controller, which was criticized for its difficulty of use, especially while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen and was out of reach. The system improved with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, allowing for easier navigation. Despite the challenging interface, the infotainment system offered sharp graphics, quick responses, and logically arranged menus. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote monitoring via the Acuralink app. A 16-speaker ELS Studio premium audio system was standard in Canada.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims receiving a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. The controls for the screen were not intuitive, adding to driver frustration. The dashboard housed new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard and a 12.3-inch display in the Limited trim. Both offered over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected service plans were standard, with varying trial lengths. The Drive Connect service plan provided additional features like natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, which delivered decent sound quality. Overall, the Toyota Audio Multimedia platform was user-friendly, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2023 Acura RDX received high safety ratings, with the NHTSA awarding it five stars for overall and side crash protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover protection. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+, its highest honour. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, and parking sensors. The Platinum Elite A-Spec package added a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. The adaptive cruise control was praised for its smooth operation, though the lane-keep assist was better suited for straight highways.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid prioritized safety, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), a collection of advanced driving assistance systems. This included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and road sign assist. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard, with higher trims adding parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well, though it occasionally struggled with lane changes and rural roads. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and vehicle location services. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.