The luxury SUV market offers a plethora of options for discerning buyers, but the 2023 Lexus RX and Acura MDX consistently rise to the top with their reputation for excellence. These well-rounded vehicles have long been known for their perfect blend of performance, luxury, and reliability.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the latest models of these iconic SUVs compare, delving into the details that matter most to potential buyers.
Exterior Design:
The Lexus RX and Acura MDX both have distinctive and eye-catching exteriors. In terms of aesthetics, they each appeal to different tastes.
The Lexus RX’s exterior showcases its unmistakable “L-Finesse” design language. The aggressive, angular lines blend seamlessly with the signature spindle grille, giving the vehicle a bold and sophisticated presence. The full LED headlights and striking taillights add to the modern appearance, while the available 20-inch alloy wheels complete the package.
The Acura MDX’s exterior features a sleek, athletic design. The Diamond Pentagon grille is the centerpiece of the front end, with Jewel Eye LED headlights on either side. The sculpted lines and dynamic curves of the body give the MDX a muscular stance, and the available 20-inch alloy wheels add a touch of elegance.
Interior Design:
When it comes to luxury SUVs, the interior design is just as important as the exterior. Both the Lexus RX and Acura MDX offer upscale and comfortable cabins with a variety of high-quality materials.
The RX’s interior is both luxurious and functional. The cabin features a mix of premium materials, including soft-touch surfaces, wood trim, and available semi-aniline leather. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, takes center stage on the dashboard. The available panoramic moonroof adds an extra touch of sophistication to the cabin.
The MDX’s interior boasts a refined and spacious cabin. The dashboard is designed with premium materials, such as genuine wood trim and available Milano leather. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to stay connected. An available panoramic moonroof further enhances the airy atmosphere.
Seating:
Both the Lexus RX and Acura MDX offer comfortable and spacious seating options, with the MDX providing a third row for larger families.
The RX seats five passengers comfortably, with available heated and ventilated front seats and available heated rear seats. The rear seats can be reclined and slid forward or backward for additional legroom. The available semi-aniline leather seating adds a touch of luxury.
The MDX offers seating for up to seven passengers, thanks to its standard third row. The second row features a removable middle seat, allowing for a more flexible configuration. Available heated and ventilated front seats and available heated second-row captain’s chairs provide optimal comfort for occupants.
Storage:
Storage and cargo capacity are essential for any SUV, and both the Lexus RX and Acura MDX offer practical solutions.
The RX provides 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which can be expanded to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A hands-free power liftgate is available for added convenience.
The MDX boasts more cargo capacity, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet behind the second row, and an impressive 71.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The hands-free power liftgate comes standard, making loading and unloading a breeze.
Performance:
Luxury SUVs must balance power and performance with a smooth, comfortable ride. The Lexus RX and Acura MDX each deliver in these areas.
The RX comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the RX delivers a refined driving experience. An available F Sport package adds performance-tuned suspension and sportier driving dynamics. The RX can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth shifting and impressive acceleration. The available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhances the MDX’s handling capabilities. The MDX has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Fuel Efficiency:
Fuel efficiency is an important factor for many buyers, and both the Lexus RX and Acura MDX offer competitive fuel economy figures.
The RX achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive models, while the all-wheel-drive models deliver 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
The MDX offers slightly better fuel efficiency, with EPA estimates of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive models, and 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for the SH-AWD models.
Safety:
Both the Lexus RX and Acura MDX come equipped with a suite of advanced safety features, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
The RX comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which includes features such as pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Optional safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system.
The MDX comes standard with the AcuraWatch suite of safety features, including collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and road departure mitigation. Additional available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system.
Trim Levels:
The Lexus RX and Acura MDX offer various trim levels to cater to different preferences and budgets.
The RX is available in four main trims: RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, RX 350L, and RX 450h (hybrid). Each trim offers a range of options and packages to enhance comfort, performance, and technology features.
The MDX is available in four trims: MDX, MDX with Technology Package, MDX A-Spec, and MDX Advance. Each trim offers unique features and upgrades to cater to different needs and preferences.
Pricing:
Pricing is always a significant factor for buyers, and both the Lexus RX and Acura MDX offer competitive pricing in the luxury SUV segment.
The starting price for the RX 350 is around $46,000, with the higher trims and additional options increasing the price accordingly. The RX 450h hybrid starts at around $51,000.
The base MDX starts at around $49,000, with higher trims and options increasing the price. The top-of-the-line MDX Advance starts at around $62,000.
Key Differences:
Seating Capacity and Configurations:
The Lexus RX offers seating for five passengers, while the Acura MDX has a third row, increasing its seating capacity to seven passengers. The MDX also provides a removable second-row middle seat, allowing for more flexible seating configurations.
Cargo Space:
The Acura MDX offers greater cargo capacity with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet behind the second row, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. In comparison, the Lexus RX provides 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Performance and Towing Capacity:
While both vehicles have similar horsepower and torque figures, the Acura MDX has a higher towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, compared to the Lexus RX’s 3,500-pound towing capacity.
Transmission and Handling:
The Acura MDX comes equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, compared to the Lexus RX’s 8-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, the MDX offers an available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that enhances its handling capabilities.
Final Thoughts:
When it comes to the 2023 Lexus RX and Acura MDX, both vehicles showcase their strengths in the luxury SUV segment. While the Lexus RX stands out with its bold design and comfortable five-passenger seating, the Acura MDX offers versatility with its spacious cabin and seating for up to seven passengers.
With similar performance and fuel efficiency figures, the choice between these two SUVs ultimately comes down to individual preferences and priorities. Whether you opt for the stylish Lexus RX or the family-friendly Acura MDX, you can expect an exceptional driving experience, top-notch safety features, and luxurious amenities.
Features Breakdown:
2023 Lexus RX:
- Exterior Design:
- L-Finesse design language
- Signature spindle grille
- Full LED headlights and taillights
- Available 20-inch alloy wheels
- Interior Design:
- Premium materials, including soft-touch surfaces, wood trim, and available semi-aniline leather
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Available panoramic moonroof
- Seating:
- Five-passenger seating capacity
- Available heated and ventilated front seats
- Available heated rear seats
- Reclining and sliding rear seats
- Storage:
- 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row
- 56.3 cubic feet with rear seats folded
- Available hands-free power liftgate
- Performance:
- 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Available F Sport package with performance-tuned suspension
- Towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds
- Fuel Efficiency:
- 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (FWD)
- 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (AWD)
- Safety:
- Lexus Safety System+ 2.0
- Optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Optional surround-view camera system
- Trim Levels:
- RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, RX 350L, RX 450h (hybrid)
- Pricing:
- Starting price for RX 350: around $46,000
- Starting price for RX 450h: around $51,000
2023 Acura MDX:
- Exterior Design:
- Sleek, athletic design
- Diamond Pentagon grille
- Jewel Eye LED headlights
- Available 20-inch alloy wheels
- Interior Design:
- Premium materials, including genuine wood trim and available Milano leather
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Available panoramic moonroof
- Seating:
- Seven-passenger seating capacity with standard third row
- Removable second-row middle seat
- Available heated and ventilated front seats
- Available heated second-row captain’s chairs
- Storage:
- 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row
- 39.1 cubic feet behind the second row
- 71.4 cubic feet with both rows folded
- Standard hands-free power liftgate
- Performance:
- 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system
- Towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds
- Fuel Efficiency:
- 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (FWD)
- 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (SH-AWD)
- Safety:
- AcuraWatch suite of safety features
- Optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Optional surround-view camera system
- Trim Levels:
- MDX, MDX with Technology Package, MDX A-Spec, MDX Advance
- Pricing:
- Starting price for the base MDX: around $49,000
- Starting price for the MDX Advance: around $62,000
