Acura MDX vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Acura MDX, available in Canada, offered four trim levels: Tech, A-Spec, Platinum Elite A-Spec, and Type S Ultra, with prices ranging from $72,115 to $94,015. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim, which was tested, featured blacked-out wheels, exterior trim, and quilted leather upholstery. Its design was marked by a diamond pentagon grille, appealing lighting elements, and a low, wide stance, with minimal SUV-like cladding. Inside, the MDX had a car-like interior with a low dashboard and wide console, using high-quality materials. However, the design impacted functionality, with limited storage space due to the transmission controls and wireless charging pad. Despite this, the vehicle's controls were user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy access.

The 2026 Lexus TX was available with various packages, including Luxury, Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 for the TX 350, and F Sport Performance 2 and F Sport 3 for the 500h hybrid. The TX featured a large grille, sharp bi-LED headlights, and rear LED lighting. Inside, it offered three interior colour options and ambient lighting, but the material quality was not up to luxury standards. The redesigned door handles were a unique feature, though not necessarily practical. The TX's interior was spacious, with a focus on comfort and functionality, but some design choices, like the door handles, seemed unnecessary.

The 2026 Acura MDX was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX Type S Ultra featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, along with adaptive air suspension. The MDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system improved handling, and it could tow up to 2,268 kilograms. The MDX offered a comfortable ride, with responsive acceleration and good steering stability. However, it lacked a hybrid powertrain option, and its fuel economy was not particularly impressive, averaging 12.3 L/100 km during testing.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 came with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model had an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 featured full-time AWD, while the 500h had Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. The TX offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, with Sport mode providing increased throttle sensitivity. The 500h included adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling. The TX was not designed as a sports car, but it offered a comfortable and responsive driving experience.

The 2026 Acura MDX's interior was a highlight, with 16-way power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, and a panoramic glass sunroof. The second row was comfortable, with a removable centre section and heated outboard seats. The third row was suitable for short trips, primarily for children. Cargo space was generous, with up to 512 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,690 litres with the second row folded.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. The second row had a one-touch button for easy access to the third row, though folding it flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX had excellent cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded.

The 2026 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 10.5-inch head-up display. The infotainment system included Amazon Alexa and Google Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bang & Olufsen sound system was impressive, and the head-up display provided useful information. However, SiriusXM satellite radio was not part of the system's native ecosystem.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch colour touchscreen, but some features lacked polish. The steering wheel buttons were multi-functional and not labelled, making them confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but connectivity issues occurred. The TX required a subscription for in-dash navigation and other features. The back-up camera was clear, and the Advanced Park system was available. The TX had seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Acura MDX included AcuraWatch, which offered forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, lane centring assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights were standard. Parking sensors and a surround-view camera system were available. The MDX's safety features were refined and operated naturally, though crash-test ratings were incomplete.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane tracing assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well, though it was slow to resume speed. The TX received five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" score for the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side.