2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, presented a modern yet familiar design, maintaining its recognizable Lexus identity while introducing fresh elements. It was shorter in height but broader and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor, offering more cargo space despite appearing smaller due to design tweaks like reduced rear overhang and a floating roof effect. The front featured a well-integrated spindle-style grille, upswept body sides, and a light-blade taillight design, giving it a sporty yet conservative look. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer physical controls, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. High-quality materials were evident, with options for genuine leather and various dashboard trims, ensuring a luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX showcased a striking exterior with a large shield grille, rakish headlights, and a refined lower bumper area. Inside, it was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls that could be overwhelming. The MDX offered several trims, each with distinct features, such as ambient lighting, open-pore wood inserts, and power-adjustable seats. The Type S Ultra trim stood out with its 25-speaker sound system and massaging front seats, providing a luxurious and comfortable experience. Despite its busy interior, the MDX's exterior and feature set made it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of style and technology.

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. During testing, the RX 350 AWD demonstrated a smooth ride, though it occasionally exhibited torque steer and excess body motion. The F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive suspension, offered a more secure and comfortable ride, especially in Sport mode. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds and had an estimated fuel economy of 9.9 L/100 km, though real-world results were slightly higher.

The 2024 Acura MDX, on the other hand, came with a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Type S Ultra trim featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s SH-AWD, provided strong acceleration and a comfortable ride. The MDX's adaptive air suspension and Brembo brakes enhanced its performance, making it agile and responsive. The MDX's towing capacity reached 2,268 kg, adding to its versatility.

The 2023 Lexus RX offered a comfortable interior with premium materials and advanced seating options. The RX 350 Executive featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a sophisticated interior design. The F Sport 3 trim provided a sportier feel with NuLuxe simulated leather and Dark Graphite trim. The RX's rear seat was spacious, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. Cargo space improved over the previous model, with 838 litres behind the second row and 1,308 litres with the seats folded.

The 2024 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support. The third row was smaller, suitable for children. Cargo space was generous, with 512 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,690 litres with all seats folded. The MDX featured a hands-free power liftgate and additional storage under the cargo floor. The centre console offered ample storage, though the control layout was cluttered, with a touchpad interface that was less intuitive.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface multimedia system with a choice of touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Intelligent Assistant provided voice recognition, though it occasionally misinterpreted commands. The RX also offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional features like a head-up display and digital key technology.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad that was unintuitive. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX also featured multiple USB ports, wireless charging, and a digital instrument panel. The thoughtful placement of charging ports and a leather handrest were highlights, but the overall system was less user-friendly compared to competitors.

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

The 2024 Acura MDX offered a robust set of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model is based on, received high safety ratings, including a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. However, the infotainment system's touchpad interface posed a potential distraction for drivers.