2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, marked its fifth generation with a design that was both familiar and fresh. It was shorter in height, broader in width, and had a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, yet maintained the same overall length. The RX offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though it still lagged behind some rivals. Its design featured a reduced rear overhang, softer lines, and a floating roof effect, giving it a smaller appearance. The front showcased a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a modern mesh texture and an elevated hood. The rear added a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. Quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather and real wood trims were available, and the RX came in various trims, including hybrid options.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered both standard and Type S versions, with various trim packages enhancing its equipment. The Type S, the first Acura SUV to bear this badge, featured subtle styling with chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the MDX Type S boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls challenging to use. The MDX's exterior design was appealing, but the body tapering at the doors could give the impression of a dent. Despite these quirks, the MDX remained a fundamentally attractive luxury SUV.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered more torque and better high-altitude performance than the previous V6, though it lacked the same smoothness. The RX 350 AWD could accelerate to 100 km/h in about 7.3 seconds, with a fuel economy estimate of 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive suspension, felt more secure and eliminated most unwanted bouncing. Both trims had 21-inch wheels and superior pedal feel compared to hybrid models.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Despite the power increase, the Type S was heavier than the standard MDX. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. The MDX Type S offered various driving modes, including a Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades didn't create a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance. The MDX Type S averaged 13.9 L/100 km in combined driving, falling short of its official rating. The Electro-Servo brake system and Continental tires added to the performance issues, making the Type S less predictable and cohesive than expected.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport 3 package providing sport seat bolsters for better support. The RX 350 Executive featured premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a sophisticated interior design. The back seat was roomy, with good leg support, though headroom was tight for taller passengers. The RX provided useful storage areas and improved cargo space, with 838 litres behind the second row and 1,308 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seats, with options for two or three second-row seating positions. The Type S Ultra trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The MDX offered seven-passenger seating, with a removable centre section in the second row for easier access to the third row. However, the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage options. The cargo area offered 461 litres behind the third row, 1,107 litres with the third row folded, and 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface multimedia system with a choice of touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system allowed for user profiles and streaming music through embedded apps. The Mark Levinson premium sound system was available, providing excellent sound quality. The RX also offered digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and optional features like a head-up display and digital key technology.

The 2023 Acura MDX came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. However, the infotainment system required the use of a True Touchpad Interface, which could be distracting. The MDX offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality. The MDX also featured a head-up display and various connected services, though the native voice recognition system was less effective than using Alexa.

The 2023 Lexus RX included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance systems like lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were available, though some features had limitations, such as the curve-speed reduction function.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a comprehensive suite of safety systems, including collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also offered rain-sensing wipers, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. However, some safety features, like the lane departure warning, could be overly sensitive.