Lexus TX vs Acura MDX: How Do These Crossovers Stack Up?

America's Favorite

Brand new for the 2024 model year, the Lexus TX is a ground-breaker in that it's the luxury brand's first true, dedicated three-row crossover. It's a long time coming after Lexus dabbled with such a thing for years, only to succumb to America's favorite configuration at the moment. However, the Lexus TX has its fair share of rivals in that heated space, including the fairly new Acura MDX, making the two worthy of a deeper comparison. 

Photos: Lexus

Driving Dynamics

There are many things that make these two machines similar, as well as different. For starters, in terms of driving dynamics, the MDX is more focused on providing a sporty feel, with features like the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system and an available Type S version for those who aren't ready to give up their sports car for a family hauler entirely.

On the flip side, the TX is more of a traditional, comfortable, long-range hauler with room for the entire family, one that's focused on providing us with a luxurious and comfortable experience - as we've come to expect from this particular brand, though the F Sport Performance version does add a bit more sportiness to the new crossover. 

Photos: Acura

Interior

Inside the cabin, the MDX features a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and the amenities one would expect from any vehicle in this segment, with supportive seats adding to the sporty feel and a third-row that's best suited for smaller folks like children thanks to its 29 inches of legroom.

By comparison, the TX offers far more legroom in the third row - 33 inches, in fact, which is one of the best in the mid-size luxury crossover class, and a full four inches more than the MDX. Throw in the fact that the TX has a 14-inch touchscreen and all of the amenities present in the Acura crossover, and it's safe to say that the Lexus cabin is a bit nicer overall. 

Photos: Lexus

Powertrains

In terms of powertrains, the MDX has two to offer - the standard 3.5-liter V6 making 290 horsepower, or the Type S and its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 making 355 horsepower. Front-wheel-drive is standard while all-wheel-drive is either optional or standard on the Type S, with 0-60 times coming in at 6.4 and 5.5 seconds, respectively.

As for the TX, the entry-level powertrain is the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 275 horsepower, followed by the hybrid TX500h F Sport Performance and its 366 hp combined output using the same gas engine, or the plug-in hybrid TX550h+ and its electrified 3.5-liter V6 and 404 horsepower. In terms of acceleration, the PHEV will do 0-60 in around 5.5 seconds, just like the Type S. 

Photos: Lexus

Pricing

The Acura MDX starts out at a very reasonable  $49,850, which is a few grand cheaper than the TX at $53,700. For that money, you get a bit more power in the entry-level version, though you're also giving up a single mile-per-gallon in the city - 19 versus 20, though both get the same 26 mpg on the highway, making the MDX perhaps the better value as it sits. 

Photos: Acura

Conclusion

In spite of their similarities, these two competitors also have their own unique differences, which essentially makes picking a winner here a bit more difficult. After all, some folks will prefer the TX's roomier third row and hybrid variants, while others will like the sportier nature of the MDX and its cheaper price tag. Both Acura and Lexus are renowned for their build quality, reliability, and retained value, making either a solid choice in this particular segment.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the TX vs. MDX right here at ClubLexus.com.

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