Toyota Highlander vs. Acura MDX: Which SUV Saves You More at the Pump?
Practical engineering and hybrid efficiency put the Highlander ahead, while the MDX prioritizes luxury and power.
When comparing the 2025 Acura MDX and 2025 Toyota Highlander in terms of fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander comes out ahead, making it the more fuel-efficient option. Here’s how they compare:
Toyota Highlander: Efficient and Practical
The Highlander is designed with efficiency in mind, especially for families or commuters prioritizing fuel savings.
Fuel Economy:
- Gasoline Models (2.4L Turbocharged Engine):
- FWD: 22/29/25 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- AWD: 21/28/24 mpg (city/highway/combined).
- Hybrid Models:
- Hybrid trims offer even better fuel efficiency, but details for the 2025 hybrid are not specified here. Historically, Highlander hybrids exceed 35 mpg combined, making them highly attractive for fuel-conscious buyers.
Factors Supporting Efficiency:
- The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine combines power with fuel economy.
- Toyota’s engineering prioritizes aerodynamic design and efficient transmission systems.
Acura MDX: Power Over Efficiency
The MDX focuses on performance and luxury, which typically comes at the expense of fuel economy.
Fuel Economy:
- Base V6 Engine (FWD): 19/26/22 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- SH-AWD (All-Wheel Drive): 19/25/21 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- MDX Type S (Turbo V6, SH-AWD): 17/21/19 mpg (city/highway/combined).
Performance Trade-Offs:
- The MDX’s emphasis on power and all-wheel drive performance slightly reduces fuel efficiency.
- Its heavier weight and performance-oriented design, including the turbocharged Type S engine, contribute to higher fuel consumption.
Key Comparison Table
| Metric | Toyota Highlander (Gas) | Toyota Highlander (Hybrid) | Acura MDX (Base) | Acura MDX (Type S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City MPG | 22 | ~35+ | 19 | 17 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | ~34+ | 26 | 21 |
| Combined MPG | 25 | ~35+ | 22 | 19 |
👋🏼 Read Our Full Article on the Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander to gain more insights on which one to buy.
Conclusion
- Choose the Toyota Highlander if fuel economy is a priority, especially for long commutes or family road trips. Its efficiency, particularly in hybrid variants, is a significant advantage.
- Opt for the Acura MDX if performance and luxury are more important, accepting slightly higher fuel costs as part of the package.
For buyers seeking the best balance between efficiency and practicality, the Toyota Highlander wins this category by a clear margin.