Lexus RX vs Acura MDX: Luxurious Crossovers Compared
Here's how these competitors in one of the automotive industry's hottest segments stack up.
Heated Segment
Few automotive segments are as competitive as the mid-size crossover space. Consumers have so many vehicles to choose from that it's oftentimes rather difficult to make a decision, and that includes the luxury end of the spectrum. Thus, it's worth taking a closer look at how two of the more popular Japanese mid-size luxury crossovers on the market today - the Lexus RX and Acura MDX - stack up against each other.
Photos: Lexus
Lexus Powertrains
The 2021 Lexus RX comes equipped with the automaker's ubiquitous 3.5-liter V6, which produces 295 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque in the RX 350, or 290 hp and 263 lb-ft in the 350L. Either way, the V6 is mated to an eight-speed transmission and either front- or all-wheel-drive. The hybrid 450 adds a pair of electric motors to increase output to 308 hp, and an e-CVT transmission handles the shifts and sends power to all four wheels.
Photos: Acura
>>Join the conversation about the RX vs MDX right here in ClubLexus forum.
No Hybrid
Meanwhile, the MDX comes equipped with Acura's 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque in most versions, while the Type S gets a hotter 3.0-liter V6 producing 355 hp and 354 lb-ft. No hybrid version is currently available, and both of these engines are backed up by a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the RX vs MDX right here in ClubLexus forum.
Interior Space
The MDX provides 38.3 inches of headroom in the front, 38.1 in the second row, and 36.2 in the third row. Legroom comes in at 41.6, 38.5, and 29 inches, respectively, along with 61.9, 60.3, and 55.1 inches of shoulder room. The RX offers a bit more headroom at 39.4 and 39.1 inches in the first and second rows, as well as 44.1 and 38.0 inches of legroom, making the MDX overall a bit roomier.
Photos: Acura
>>Join the conversation about the RX vs MDX right here in ClubLexus forum.
Cabin Features
The MDX comes equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment screen, 12-way power-adjustable front seats with memory, and a nine-speaker stereo system as standard equipment. Meanwhile, the RX offers a standard 8-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.3-inch unit, Mark Levinson audio system, head-up display, and even wireless charging are all extra-cost options.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the RX vs MDX right here in ClubLexus forum.
Fuel Economy
While it's an older vehicle than the new MDX, the RX still holds its own in terms of fuel efficiency, returning 19 or 20 mpg in the city and 27/26 mpg on the highway for the FWD/AWD versions, respectively. Step up to the hybrid, and those numbers improve to 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The MDX, on the other hand, is rated at 19 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway.
Photos: Acura
>>Join the conversation about the RX vs MDX right here in ClubLexus forum.
Pricing
The MDX starts out at $47,200, but the price cracks the $60,000 mark depending on how the crossover is configured. Meanwhile, the RX features a base MSRP of $45,220 or a little over $51,000 for the hybrid and F Sport. The MDX does offer more standard equipment for the money, however, so depending on whether or not you are going to want those particular features, it may be worth the extra cost. Otherwise, the RX is still ultimately cheaper and more efficient.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the RX vs MDX right here in ClubLexus forum.