2023 Lexus RX vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a spacious interior that belied its compact exterior appearance. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant design. The exterior boasted standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to a sportier and modern look. Inside, the MDX's cabin was modernized with a layered dashboard, authentic materials, and a unique gear selection system. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, although not a touchscreen, was strategically placed for safety. The MDX offered a comfortable front row with a wide range of adjustments and a beefy steering wheel with redundant controls.

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, continued into its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height but broader in width and longer in wheelbase. Despite its compact appearance, the RX offered more cargo space than its predecessor. The exterior featured a spindle-style grille, upswept body sides, and a light-blade taillight design, maintaining a familiar yet fresh look. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The cabin offered high-quality materials, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather or genuine leather. The RX was available in multiple trims, including hybrid options, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) with torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The turbo engine offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the previous V6. The RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive suspension, provided a more secure ride. The RX 350 AWD was estimated to average 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with real-world results slightly higher.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a versatile three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable centre section. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers. The MDX provided between 461 and 512 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 2,690 litres with the second row folded. The power tailgate featured a "Walk Away Close" function and hands-free access. Interior lighting was customizable with 27 themes, enhancing the cabin's ambiance.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport 3 package providing sport seat bolsters for added support. The RX 350 Executive trim featured premium leather upholstery and exclusive luxury seat designs. The back seat was roomy, with good leg support, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX provided useful storage areas and improved cargo space, with 838 litres available with the second row in position and 1,308 litres with it folded down.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, offering 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, along with Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A head-up display and surround-view camera were available on higher trims. The MDX also featured a WiFi hotspot and over-the-air software updates.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface multimedia system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system allowed for user profiles and streaming through embedded apps. The RX offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional digital rearview mirror and key technology. A colour head-up display was available, though visibility could be affected by polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. It featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The MDX included a low-speed braking control system and the AcuraWatch suite of safety features, such as collision mitigation emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance systems like lane departure warning and automatic high beams. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available. The system proved impressive but had some limitations, such as visibility issues with the HUD when wearing polarized sunglasses.