2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Acura MDX

The 2025 Acura MDX underwent subtle styling updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights, which enhanced its sporty and performance versions' visual presence. Most versions received new wheel designs and finishes, tidying up the front end. Inside, the MDX saw more significant changes with a new touchscreen infotainment system replacing the previous touchpad interface, adding more storage. The seats from the previous MDX Type S model were introduced to the MDX Platinum Elite A-Spec, while the Type S received a new seat design. Acura also improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass. Despite the quality hallmark, the gloss black plastic trim on the dashboard was a downside, collecting lint and smudges quickly. The MDX offered logically located controls, including a volume knob and quick-access buttons for head-up display and safety features. The new Platinum Elite A-Spec trim blended luxury with a sportier look, with a Canadian MSRP of $78,005, including fees.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, featured an exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers, but its overall appearance was unremarkable. The RX lineup included three models: RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power and efficiency levels. The RX 350h was the base model with 246 horsepower, while the RX 500h delivered 366 hp. The RX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid with an estimated 60 km electric-only range. All models came with standard AWD in Canada, and the RX 500h featured sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and performance brakes. The RX's interior boasted quality materials and ambient lighting, with controls ranging from baffling to brilliant. The RX avoided the single curved display approach, maintaining a unique interior look.

The 2025 Acura MDX positioned itself as a performance-oriented luxury SUV, with the Type S model featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX's torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system was standard in Canada. The MDX offered various driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Individual, with the Sport mode providing the best powertrain response. However, using Sport mode regularly impacted fuel economy, with most trims rated at 11.2 L/100 km combined, while the Type S consumed 12.4 L/100 km. The MDX excelled in typical driving situations, offering a smooth and comfortable highway ride, but it wasn't designed for off-roading, with limited ground clearance.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance levels. The RX 350h was the least powerful but most efficient, with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque from a hybrid powertrain. The RX 450h+ PHEV delivered 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. The RX 500h featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h included a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Despite its power, the RX 500h averaged 13.5 L/100 km on the testing loop, higher than the estimated 8.6 L/100 km. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic capability and communication between the driver and the road.

The 2025 Acura MDX Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage programs, wrapped in perforated leather. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, with a foldable middle section for cupholders and storage. The MDX's second-row seats offered comfort and legroom, while the third row was challenging for adults to access and uncomfortable for grown-ups. The MDX provided adequate in-cabin storage, with a new centre console tray and wireless smartphone charging pad. Cargo volume measured up to 512 litres behind the third row, with a sizable well on the left side and a large compartment under the load floor. Folding the third row manually provided up to 1,367 litres of cargo space, and dropping the second row increased it to 2,690 litres.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug due to enhanced bolstering, and the automatic climate system's fan was loud. The panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seat, with optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated rear seats providing comfort. The RX offered ample room for adults in the back seat. Interior storage was practical, with an illuminated shelf under the air vents. The RX Hybrid provided 838 litres of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage space under the load floor. Folding the second row created 1,308 litres of cargo volume, which was limited for a midsize SUV.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Alexa Built-in, and Google Built-in, eliminating the old True Touchpad Interface. The system offered a natural and intuitive interface, with Google Assistant responding quickly to queries. The MDX supported a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and featured a Bang & Olufsen audio system with 19 or 31 speakers. The infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, offering two themes and a graphic representation of the MDX. A 10.5-inch head-up display provided comprehensive data, and the MDX Platinum Elite A-Spec and Type S Ultra featured a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered high-tech features, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen display with a conversational digital voice assistant called Intelligent Assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and cloud-based navigation. The Lexus Interface technology worked well, but the steering wheel controls were distracting and dangerous to use while driving. The RX's optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system sounded great, but the head-up display was smaller than some rivals.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured hardware upgrades for its AcuraWatch driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and Traffic Jam Assist were standard, along with front and rear parking sensors. The MDX Type S Ultra added front cross-traffic alert, evasive steering warning, and active lane-change assist. The MDX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification, an SOS emergency assistance button, and roadside assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 featured forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist monitored forward progress and used braking or steering input to ensure safe distances. The RX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it Poor in the moderate overlap frontal-impact test.