2024 Lexus TX vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet understated design, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, along with LED headlights that offered automatic high-beam operation. The subtle styling modifications and muted badges contributed to its subdued appearance, while the 21-inch wheels provided a commanding stance. Inside, the MDX Type S Ultra boasted quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package, which included a black headliner and stainless steel pedal covers. Despite its appealing aesthetics, some design choices, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it challenging to use certain controls.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with its upscale appearance. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, which might have appealed to those previously put off by the brand's design. Our test model featured 22-inch wheels that enhanced its presence. The TX 350, which we tested, came with options like the Ultra Luxury or Executive packages, offering premium semi-aniline leather upholstery and upgraded ambient interior lighting. However, the interior felt too dark, even with the panoramic glass sunroof, due to the dark Peppercorn interior and black-grained trim.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed 130 kilograms more than the lightest standard MDX with AWD. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. Fuel economy was also disappointing, with the MDX Type S averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's performance was adequate, it was marred by a grating engine note. The TX 350's official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The TX 350's suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a functional interior with three rows of seats and a cargo area with ample floor space. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. However, the seats were firm and didn't hold occupants in place as well as expected. The MDX's second-row seat could slide forward and back, but the rearmost position didn't provide as much legroom as anticipated. The third row was best suited for children, as it was a tight squeeze for adults. The MDX's cargo space was generous, with 461 litres behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded flat.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings of Lexus's three-row SUVs by offering a more spacious and comfortable interior. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The second-row bench seat was less welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, but the third-row seat was habitable for adults. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,746 litres with both rear rows folded down. However, moving the second-row seat forward to accommodate third-row passengers compromised second-row comfort.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. This design choice limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display for the Lexus Interface infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription added a cloud-based navigation system and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a three-year subscription to Remote Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Acura MDX was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX received good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. However, the MDX's traffic sign recognition system occasionally issued false warnings, and the adaptive cruise control was slow to resume speed after lane changes.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The TX also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways. Overall, the LSS+ 3.0 proved smooth and effective, though the TX slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in front.