2023 Acura MDX vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX presented a modern and sporty design, continuing the aesthetic updates from its 2020 facelift. Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the RX 350 offered seating for five, while the RX 450h hybrid model provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. The RX's exterior was characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, creating an aggressive yet restrained design. The F Sport models added a performance-oriented appearance with 20-inch wheels, unique front fascia, and sportier exterior elements. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury appeal with high-quality materials, though the centre stack felt dated. The F Sport models featured specific badging and sporty interior touches, but the seats were less comfortable than expected, with limited lumbar support and challenging driving position adjustments.

The 2023 Acura MDX, particularly in the Type S Ultra trim, aimed to deliver a blend of luxury and performance. The exterior featured subtle styling cues, including chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, while the interior boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a panoramic moonroof. Despite its appealing design, the MDX's body tapering and gloss black dashboard elements posed usability challenges. The electronic transmission switchgear was also a point of confusion. The MDX Type S offered a comfortable ride in Normal mode, but its performance upgrades didn't fully integrate, leading to a less cohesive driving experience. The turbocharged V6 engine provided a satisfying sound but lacked significant power gains over the standard V6, resulting in poor fuel economy.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 horsepower. All models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of engine growl and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport models included adaptive suspension and additional drive modes, but the changes in driving dynamics were minimal. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, offering a smooth ride and isolated road noise. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. The MDX offered various driving modes, including a Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite the performance enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The turbocharged V6 provided quick acceleration but at the cost of high fuel consumption, averaging 13.9 L/100 km during testing. The MDX Type S was more agreeable in Normal mode but lacked the dynamic cohesion expected from a performance model.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 2,826 litres of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models had limited space for passengers and cargo, with only 210 litres of cargo space behind the third row. The RX's interior featured thoughtful design elements, such as a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, but the rear seats didn't fold completely flat, and the cargo load-in height was high.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating with flexible second-row configurations. The Type S Ultra trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The MDX's second-row seats offered sliding and tilting features for easier third-row access, though the third row was best suited for children. The cargo area provided 461 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,107 litres with the third row folded. The MDX's interior prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the centre console.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch version available. The touchscreens were positioned atop the centre stack, creating ergonomic challenges. The system offered voice commands and a touchpad, though the latter was difficult to use. The RX included various tech features, such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and a Mark Levinson audio system.

The 2023 Acura MDX boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface. The system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The MDX offered several sound systems, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system providing exceptional sound quality. The Platinum Elite and Type S Ultra packages added a head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system. The RX received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, but only with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The NHTSA awarded the RX four stars overall, with five stars in side crash tests.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a comprehensive suite of safety systems, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars in frontal-impact tests.