2009 Acura MDX vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Acura MDX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Acura MDX would be higher. At 3,663 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Acura MDX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Acura MDX (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (187 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura MDX should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 6 kg more than 2009 Acura MDX.
Because 2009 Acura MDX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Toyota Highlander. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Acura MDX will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Acura MDX (373 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2009 Acura MDX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura MDX | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Acura | Toyota |
| Model | MDX | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3663 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1784 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 73 L |
