Acura
MDX
Owner report available
Toyota
Highlander
Owner report available
Acura MDX vs Toyota Highlander
The short answer
The Acura MDX offers power, while the Toyota Highlander excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Acura MDX if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Toyota Highlander if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
MDX
Overall
Owners broadly praise the MDX for reliability, driving dynamics, interior comfort, and value, with many describing it as the most reliable vehicle they have owned and reporting zero issues over tens of thousands of miles. The most consistent criticisms are poor fuel economy (especially on the Type S and in city driving), interior creaks and rattles, glitchy infotainment software, and frustrating dealer service experiences. The 3.5-liter V6 is widely regarded as exceptionally durable, while the Type S turbo V6 draws mixed feedback on reliability, with a few owners reporting serious electrical and mechanical failures.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. The 3.5-liter V6 (non-Type S) draws the strongest reliability praise, with multiple owners calling it "God-tier" and "bulletproof," while the Type S turbo V6 has both strong defenders and a few reports of serious failures.
Known issues
- Every warning light illuminating with immediate-service message traced to a failed control panel: Frequency: isolated. Tailgate opening by itself while locked and parked: Frequency: isolated.
Highlander
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Highlander is widely recognized as a reliable, practical, and comfortable family SUV, praised for its solid build quality, good ride comfort, and strong resale value. Long-term owners of older generations, particularly those with V6 engines and 6-speed automatics, report exceptional reliability with minimal issues.
Best version to buy
For gas models, the 2015-2016 model years are very frequently recommended as the peak of reliability, featuring a proven V6 and 6-speed automatic. For newer models, the Hybrid variant is overwhelmingly recommended over the gas-only version due to its reliable eCVT transmission, superior fuel economy, and avoidance of the problematic 8-speed automatic.
Known issues
- 8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure): Primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. Repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+. Frequency: very frequent.
- Transmission problems in gas models: General reports of issues, clunkiness, and unreliability with the 8-speed automatic in model years 2017-2022, and isolated mentions for 2023. Frequency: very frequent.
- Engine transition concerns: Apprehension about the long-term reliability of the newer turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine compared to the older, proven 3.5L V6. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Toyota Highlander is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Acura MDX, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Acura MDX is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Acura MDX or the Toyota Highlander?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Acura MDX and the Toyota Highlander. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Acura MDX or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander seats more passengers than the Acura MDX on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Acura MDX is classed as a SUV, the Toyota Highlander as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Acura MDX or the Toyota Highlander?
The EPA rates the 2026 Acura MDX at 19–22 mpg combined and the 2026 Toyota Highlander at 24–35 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Acura MDX or the Toyota Highlander?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Toyota Highlander than the Acura MDX. See the known issues comparison above.