2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Lexus TX

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 cluttered, with a centre console filled with controls that could be overwhelming. The MDX offered various trims, including the A-Spec and Platinum Elite, with features like tri-zone climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and heated seats. The Type S Ultra trim added luxurious touches such as a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, providing a comfortable and refreshing experience on long drives.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, offered a more upscale and conservative design. The TX featured 22-inch wheels that enhanced its appearance, and its styling was toned down compared to other Lexus models. The TX came in several model series, including the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, included a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard AWD. The Ultra Luxury package added premium interior features, but the cabin felt dark despite the panoramic sunroof. The TX's interior was luxurious enough for a Lexus badge, with a habitable third-row seat and ample cargo space.

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 trim boasted a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s SH-AWD system. The MDX Type S Ultra offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes. The Integrated Dynamics System provided various driving modes, including Sport and Comfort, enhancing the driving experience. The MDX's towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms, making it versatile for different needs.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite its grating engine note, the TX 350 offered adequate performance, accelerating to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though testing showed an average of 13.8 L/100 km. The TX 350's suspension provided a balance between firmness and comfort, 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 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive, while the third row was smaller and best suited for children. The MDX provided a maximum of 512 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,367 litres with the rear seats folded, and up to 2,690 litres with both the second and third rows folded. The Type S Ultra trim featured a second-row bench with a fold-down centre console, providing an individual-seat experience. The centre console offered ample storage space, though the centre stack of controls was cluttered and unintuitive.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a comfortable and spacious 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. The second-row bench seat was comfortable, though the flat lower cushion was less welcoming. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with ample leg support and large side windows. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded, and 2,746 litres with the second row folded, offering impressive utility.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its Achilles Heel, 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 MDX featured multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. The clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were thoughtful details, though the overall system was unintuitive compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display with the Lexus Interface infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Drive Connect subscription offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX provided 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 offered impressive sound quality, enhancing the overall experience for audiophiles.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The MDX earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, with strong crash-prevention technology scores. However, the infotainment system's design posed a distraction, requiring drivers to look away from the road to operate it.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist offered additional braking and steering assistance, though it was not always transparent in operation. The TX also included 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, though it lacked a higher-speed option. Overall, LSS+ 3.0 was smooth and effective, though the TX's response to vehicles cutting in was overly cautious.