Looking for a luxury SUV? We pit the Lexus RX against the Acura MDX, comparing their exterior design, interior space, performance, safety features, infotainment, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design and Features
When it comes to exterior design, the Lexus RX and Acura MDX are two luxury SUVs that exude sophistication and refinement. But what sets them apart?
Sleek Lines and Angles
Take a closer look at the Lexus RX, and you’ll notice its sleek, angular lines that give it a sporty vibe. The RX’s design is a masterclass in subtlety, with a curved roofline and a sloping rear window that creates a sense of fluidity. The Acura MDX, on the other hand, takes a more aggressive approach, with a chiseled front fascia and a more angular rear bumper. Which one do you prefer?
LED Headlights and Taillights
Both the Lexus RX and Acura MDX boast LED headlights that provide excellent visibility on the road. But the RX takes it a step further with its signature LED daytime running lights that give it a distinctive look. The MDX’s taillights, on the other hand, are more angular and aggressive, with a distinctive LED light bar that runs across the rear of the vehicle. Which one do you think makes a bolder statement?
Wheel Options and Tire Size
When it comes to wheels, both the Lexus RX and Acura MDX offer a range of options to suit different tastes and preferences. The RX comes with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, but you can upgrade to 20-inch wheels on the F Sport trim. The MDX, on the other hand, offers 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, with an optional 20-inch wheel package on the A-Spec trim. But what about tire size? The RX comes with standard 235/60R18 tires, while the MDX offers 245/60R18 tires. Which one do you think provides a smoother ride?
Interior Space and Comfort
When it comes to interior space and comfort, both the Lexus RX and Acura MDX are designed to provide a luxurious and spacious environment for drivers and passengers alike. But how do they stack up against each other?
Seating Capacity and Configuration
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an SUV is its seating capacity and configuration. Can it accommodate your entire family, or is it better suited for solo adventures or small groups? The Lexus RX offers seating for up to five passengers, with an optional third row available on certain trim levels. The Acura MDX, on the other hand, can seat up to seven passengers, making it a better option for larger families. However, it’s worth noting that the third row in the MDX is best suited for children or small adults, as legroom is somewhat limited.
In terms of configuration, both SUVs offer a range of options to suit different needs. The RX features a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, while the MDX boasts a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. This means you can customize the space to fit your particular needs, whether that’s hauling luggage, sports equipment, or ferrying around carpoolers.
Premium Materials and Trim Options
When it comes to interior materials and trim options, both the Lexus RX and Acura MDX deliver a premium experience. The RX features a range of luxurious materials, including available semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats, while the MDX boasts premium leather-trimmed seats as standard. You’ll also find abundant use of wood and metal accents throughout both vehicles, adding to the sense of sophistication and refinement.
But what really sets these SUVs apart is their attention to detail. From the stitching on the seats to the subtle ambient lighting, every element has been carefully considered to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or stuck in rush-hour traffic, you’ll feel like you’re in a private luxury lounge.
Cargo Capacity and Storage
Finally, let’s talk about cargo capacity and storage. After all, one of the main reasons we choose SUVs is for their ability to haul gear, right? The Lexus RX offers up to 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to an impressive 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Acura MDX, on the other hand, provides up to 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, growing to 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded.
But it’s not just about raw cargo space – both SUVs feature thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin. From the cleverly designed center console to the numerous cup holders and cubbies, you’ll find a place for everything. And with available features like a power liftgate and roof rails, loading and unloading gear has never been easier.
Performance and Handling
When it comes to getting from point A to point B, the Lexus RX and Acura MDX are both designed to deliver a smooth, responsive ride. But what sets them apart under the hood?
Engine Options and Horsepower
The Lexus RX offers two engine options: a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 295 horsepower, and a hybrid variant that combines a 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor for a total system output of 308 horsepower. The Acura MDX, on the other hand, is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 290 horsepower. While the MDX’s engine is slightly less powerful than the RX’s base engine, it still provides plenty of oomph for merging onto highways and climbing steep hills.
Transmission and Drive Mode
Both vehicles feature a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, but the RX takes it to the next level with an available adaptive variable suspension (AVS) system. This advanced technology continuously monitors and adjusts the suspension in real-time to provide an optimal ride, whether you’re carving up twisty roads or cruising down the highway. The MDX, on the other hand, offers a more traditional suspension setup, although it does feature a driver-selectable Sport mode that firms up the steering and sharpenens the throttle response.
Suspension and Steering
When it comes to suspension and steering, both vehicles are designed to provide a comfortable, stable ride. The RX features a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, which work together to soak up bumps and provide responsive handling. The MDX, on the other hand, features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. While both vehicles are designed to handle twists and turns with ease, the RX’s more advanced suspension setup gives it a slight edge in terms of overall handling and stability.
Safety Features and Ratings
When it comes to safety, both the Lexus RX and the Acura MDX have a lot to offer. But which one takes the cake? Let’s dive in and explore the advanced safety features, crash test ratings, and driver assistance packages of these two luxury SUVs.
Advanced Safety Features (Lane Departure, Blind Spot)
Both the Lexus RX and the Acura MDX boast a plethora of advanced safety features designed to prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road. One of the most notable features is lane departure warning, which alerts you if you drift out of your lane without signaling. This feature is especially useful on long highway drives where it’s easy to get distracted. Additionally, both vehicles come equipped with blind spot monitoring, which alerts you of vehicles in your blind spot, making it safer to change lanes.
Crash Test Ratings and Scores
So, how do these two vehicles stack up in terms of crash test ratings? The Lexus RX has received a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Acura MDX has also received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and has been named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. However, the MDX falls short of the RX’s perfect score in the IIHS’s small overlap front test, earning only an “acceptable” rating.
Driver Assistance Package
But what about additional safety features? Both the Lexus RX and the Acura MDX offer driver assistance packages that include features like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automatic emergency braking. The Lexus RX’s package, called the Lexus Safety System+, adds features like pedestrian detection and dynamic radar cruise control. The Acura MDX’s package, called the AcuraWatch suite, includes features like road departure mitigation and traffic sign recognition. While both packages offer a range of advanced safety features, the Lexus RX’s package is more comprehensive and offers more advanced features.
Infotainment and Technology
When it comes to staying connected and entertained on the go, the Lexus RX and Acura MDX offer a range of innovative features that are sure to impress. But which one comes out on top in this department?
Display Screen Size and Resolution
The Lexus RX boasts an impressive 12.3-inch touchscreen display, providing a crystal-clear view of navigation, music, and other vital information. The Acura MDX, on the other hand, features a slightly smaller 10.2-inch display. While the difference may seem minimal, the RX’s larger screen makes it easier to navigate and access various features while on the move.
Navigation and Voice Command
Both vehicles offer advanced navigation systems, complete with voice command capabilities and real-time traffic updates. The RX’s system, however, takes it a step further with its intuitive Lexus Navigation System, which allows for more precise routing and faster destination input. The MDX’s system, while still quite capable, can be a bit more finicky when it comes to voice commands. Imagine trying to give your GPS directions while driving through a tunnel – the RX’s system is more likely to understand you, even with background noise.
Smartphone Integration and Connectivity
In today’s connected world, seamless smartphone integration is a must-have feature for any vehicle. The Lexus RX and Acura MDX both offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, making it easy to access your music, maps, and messages on the go. However, the RX takes it a step further with its available Wi-Fi hotspot capability, providing a reliable internet connection for up to five devices at a time. Whether you’re on a road trip or just need to get some work done on the fly, the RX’s connectivity features have got you covered.
Pricing and Trim Levels
When it comes to investing in a luxury SUV, one of the most critical factors to consider is the price. Both Lexus RX and Acura MDX offer a range of trim levels, each with its unique set of features and price points. In this section, we’ll delve into the details of the pricing and trim levels of these two esteemed vehicles.
MSRP and Starting Price
The starting price of a Lexus RX can vary depending on the trim level and drivetrain. The base model, RX 350, has an MSRP of around $45,000. The hybrid variant, RX 450h, starts at around $51,000. On the other hand, the Acura MDX has a lower starting price, with the base model MDX starting at around $38,000. The hybrid variant, MDX Hybrid, has an MSRP of around $43,000. It’s essential to note that these prices don’t include destination fees, taxes, and other additional costs.
Trim Level Options (Base, Premium, F Sport)
Both Lexus RX and Acura MDX offer multiple trim levels, each with its unique set of features and upgrades. The Lexus RX has five trim levels: Base, Premium, Luxury, F Sport, and Ultra Luxury. The Acura MDX has four trim levels: Base, Technology, A-Spec, and Advance. The F Sport trim level in the Lexus RX is designed for those who crave a more aggressive driving experience, with features like a sport-tuned suspension and 20-inch wheels. The Acura MDX A-Spec trim level offers a similar sport-oriented experience.
Optional Features and Upgrades
In addition to the various trim levels, both vehicles offer a range of optional features and upgrades. For instance, the Lexus RX offers a Premium Package that includes features like a panoramic moonroof, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system. The Acura MDX has an Entertainment Package that adds features like a rear-seat entertainment system and a 115-volt power outlet. These optional features can significantly increase the overall cost of the vehicle, so it’s crucial to carefully consider your needs and budget before making a decision.