2020 Acura MDX vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander exhibited a familiar yet updated appearance, reflecting a moderate evolution from its predecessors. Toyota redesigned the exterior with more dynamic lines and a trapezoidal theme that wrapped around the SUV from the tailgate to the grille. The trapezoidal grille was not just a stylistic choice but also positioned the Highlander coherently within the Toyota family lineup. However, despite these updates, the Highlander's exterior design did not significantly stand out in the crowded mid-size SUV market.

Inside, Toyota significantly enhanced the Highlander’s cabin, focusing on a high-quality fit and finish, which truly set it apart from competitors. The multi-tiered dashboard and three-tone color scheme in the Limited and Platinum trims elevated the interior ambiance, aligning it with what might be expected in higher-end luxury vehicles. The detailed implementation of textured materials and the ergonomic design highlighted Toyota's commitment to comfort and quality.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura MDX maintained a stance that was elegant yet understated. It didn’t necessarily turn heads, but its design was harmoniously integrated and well-proportioned, making it a fit in various settings, from upscale events to casual family outings. The MDX featured Acura's Jewel Eye LED headlights which not only enhanced visibility but also added a touch of sophistication to its façade.

The MDX's interior design leaned towards a minimalistic yet functional approach, with less of the plush padding seen in the Highlander but with a similarly high standard of material quality and build. This created a cabin space that felt durable and sophisticated, albeit less visually striking than the Highlander's more decorated interior.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, offering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided sufficient power for daily driving and longer trips, although it required a firmer press on the accelerator for more rapid acceleration. The new chassis, shared with the Toyota RAV4, was supposed to offer improved handling, but the Highlander's ride tended at times to feel too soft, affecting its driving dynamics on highways.

On the other hand, the 2020 Acura MDX provided two powertrain options, with the standard being a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The MDX also offered a Sport Hybrid variant for enhanced performance and efficiency. Notably, the MDX featured Acura’s SH-AWD system, which significantly improved handling and stability by distributing power effectively during turns. This made the MDX feel more agile and confident in corners compared to the Highlander.

The MDX had a slightly firmer ride quality which contributed positively to its handling characteristics without compromising the comfort levels. Both vehicles offered a suite of driving modes, allowing customization according to driving conditions and preferences.

Space inside the 2020 Toyota Highlander was ample, with a seating capacity that varied from seven to eight passengers depending on the configuration. Cargo capacity was also generous, measuring 16 cubic feet behind the third row, which expanded to 84 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down. These measurements ensured that the Highlander was practical for both passengers and cargo, meeting the needs of most families and travelers.

The Acura MDX also maximized its interior space effectively, providing practical functionality with its adjustable second-row seats and ample cargo space—15.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 90.9 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. These dimensions made the MDX slightly superior in terms of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander.

Both SUVs ensured ease of entrance and exit with well-designed door openings and seat configurations, although the MDX presented a more flexible arrangement that allowed for easier adjustments in legroom distribution between rows.

Technology in the 2020 Toyota Highlander, especially in higher trims, included a large 12.3-inch touchscreen that was functional but lacked the refinement and user-friendliness seen in some competitors. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a robust safety suite branded as Toyota Safety Sense 2.0.

The 2020 Acura MDX, while starting with a solid base of technological features, required stepping up to higher trims or additional packages to unlock its full potential. The Technology Package and the Advance Package added an array of features, from an upgraded audio system to navigation enhancements, elevating the overall tech experience substantially above the base level.

Toyota equipped the 2020 Highlander with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features underscored Toyota's commitment to safety, although some advanced features were only available on higher trims.

Similarly, the Acura MDX included a full suite of safety technologies under the AcuraWatch banner, offering everything from forward-collision warning to lane-keep assist as standard, making it highly competitive in terms of safety offerings.