2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern intake vents, creating a refined presence. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but somewhat cluttered, with a centre console filled with controls that could be overwhelming at first. The MDX was available in several trims, including the A-Spec and Platinum Elite, with the Type S Ultra offering top-tier features like a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats. The interior boasted ambient lighting, power-adjustable seats, and a panoramic moonroof, although the controls could be cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX embraced a bold geometric design, moving away from the softer lines of its predecessor. The spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by triple-beam LED headlights, giving the GX a more aggressive look. The interior was minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential controls. The GX offered a single trim with five packages, focusing on luxury and off-road capabilities. The interior combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and robust controls for off-road functions, making it a premium SUV ready for rugged use.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S Ultra variant came with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The MDX Type S Ultra offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes enhancing its driving dynamics. The MDX could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and featured multiple drive modes for varied driving conditions.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, generating 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive with a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and advanced suspension technology for enhanced off-road performance. The GX demonstrated impressive acceleration and braking, with a controlled on-road presence despite its off-road capabilities.

The Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive, while the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 2,690 litres available with the second and third rows folded. The MDX included a hands-free power liftgate and ample storage options throughout the cabin. However, the centre console controls were cluttered, and the shifter design was unconventional.

The Lexus GX provided a spacious interior for the first and second rows, with 1,047 millimetres of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row was tight, suitable only for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 1,138 litres with the third row folded and 2,178 litres in total. Overtrail models offered even more cargo capacity. The interior design was minimalist, with essential controls retained for off-road features.

The Acura MDX's infotainment system was a weak point, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The placement of charging ports was clever, but the overall system was unintuitive compared to competitors.

The Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a voice assistant and subscription-based services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the interface was user-friendly, the reliance on subscription services for certain features could be a drawback for long-term owners.

The Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. It earned high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. However, the infotainment system's design could be a distraction.

The Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. While not yet tested by IIHS or NHTSA, the new architecture and advanced safety features provided confidence in its safety offerings.