When shopping for a family-friendly three-row SUV, many Sherman Oaks, CA drivers find themselves comparing the 2026 Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander. While both are excellent vehicles known for their reliability and family-friendly versatility, the 2026 Acura MDX establishes itself as the top choice in its segment thanks to its advantages in power, technology, and interior space. Here at Acura of Sherman Oaks, our team highlights what gives the 2026 Acura MDX the edge.
Performance and Handling
The 2026 Acura MDX comes standard with the 3.5-liter V6 engine that is good for 290 horsepower, which offers a significant and noticeable performance advantage over the Toyota Highlander’s standard 265-horsepower engine. The power is managed by a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, which provides more responsive shifts than the eight-speed automatic found on the Toyota Highlander. Moreover, the Acura SUV has the available SH-AWD® system, which is tuned much differently than the system in the Toyota model.
Spacious Cargo Area
Both of these three-row SUVs offer smart and spacious storage options. However, the 2026 Acura MDX has an advantage when it comes to maximum cargo capacity. Behind the third row, there are 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which is perfect for daily errands. And when you need to carry larger items, the Acura MDX cabin opens up to 95 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, which is more than the 84.3 cubic feet on the Toyota Highlander.
Premium Technology Comes Standard
The moment you sit in the Acura MDX, the advantage in luxury is obvious. Every version of the SUV comes with a 12.3-inch Precision Cockpit™ digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch center infotainment display. This provides a much larger and more immersive experience than the standard eight-inch center screen on the Toyota Highlander.
Discover the Acura Difference in Sherman Oaks, CA, Today
The best way to learn how the 2026 Acura MDX sets itself apart from the competition is to give the SUV a spin here at Acura of Sherman Oaks. We invite you to our showroom to test drive the 2026 Acura MDX and discover why it’s a leader in the segment!
