Is an Acura MDX larger than a Toyota Highlander?
Yes. The Acura MDX generally sits on a larger exterior footprint than the Toyota Highlander, with a longer overall length and wheelbase that often translate to more interior room. The Highlander is typically taller, which can affect headroom and visibility. Both SUVs offer three-row seating and similar practical cargo space, but exact figures vary by model year and trim.
This article compares recent-generation models to help you understand where the MDX’s size advantage shows up in real-world use, including exterior dimensions, interior space, and seating arrangements.
Exterior footprint
To compare how big each SUV feels on the road, we look at published exterior measurements: length, width, height, and wheelbase. These numbers determine overall footprint and how much space the vehicle occupies in parking and garages.
- Length: MDX is typically around 196 inches long, while the Highlander is usually about 194–195 inches. The MDX is therefore a couple of inches longer, giving it a larger overall footprint.
- Width: MDX is slightly wider, roughly 77–78 inches, versus the Highlander at about 76 inches. The extra width can translate to a roomier cabin, especially for front-row occupants.
- Height: Highlander tends to be taller, generally around 68 inches, while the MDX sits in the mid- to upper-60s. The Highlander’s height affects headroom and entry height in garages and parking lots.
- Wheelbase: MDX’s wheelbase is about 114 inches, compared with roughly 112–113 inches for the Highlander. A longer wheelbase usually contributes to smoother ride and more interior length.
Conclusion: On size alone, the MDX typically presents a larger exterior footprint due to its longer length and wheelbase, while the Highlander is taller, which can influence interior feel and ingress/egress.
Interior space and seating
Interior space is shaped by how many people you carry and how you configure the seats. Both SUVs offer three rows, with options that can affect passenger capacity, legroom, and cargo space depending on trim and seating layout.
- Seating configurations: MDX commonly offers 7- or 8-passenger configurations based on captain’s chairs or a second-row bench; Highlander also offers 7- or 8-passenger layouts, with the choice of second-row bench or captain’s chairs depending on trim.
- Third-row accessibility and comfort: The MDX’s longer body and wider doors generally make third-row access easier in many trims; the Highlander’s taller roofline can improve headroom, though actual comfort varies by year and seating setup.
- Cargo space with seats in use: With the third row in use, cargo space is more constrained in both, but the MDX’s interior design can yield slightly different cargo-carrying practicality depending on configuration; with second-row seats folded, both offer substantial cargo capacity, varying by year and trim.
Conclusion: Both vehicles provide flexible three-row layouts. If you frequently carry seven or eight passengers with the third row in use, the Highlander’s taller profile can help with headroom, while the MDX’s longer footprint generally translates to more interior length and a sense of spaciousness for front-row occupants.
Year-to-year and trim considerations
Model-year changes can shift dimensions and interior packaging, so exact numbers depend on the specific year and trim. The current-generation MDX (introduced for 2022) is larger in exterior footprint than the Highlander in most configurations, but trim-level differences and seat layouts can affect interior space and cargo practicality.
Bottom line and what it means for buyers
For shoppers prioritizing maximum exterior footprint, cargo flexibility with fewer constraints, and a premium cabin feel, the MDX generally edges out the Highlander in size. If you value taller overall height for easier ingress, potentially more headroom, and strong mid-size practicality, the Highlander remains a compelling, slightly smaller alternative.
Summary: The Acura MDX is typically larger in length and wheelbase than the Toyota Highlander, with the Highlander being taller. Both offer three-row seating and similar cargo potential, but the exact numbers vary by model year and trim. Always check the specific specifications for the year and configuration you’re considering.
