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Acura MDX vs Lexus RX: Which Is Better? 2022

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Regarding luxury SUVs, the Acura MDX vs Lexus RX are two of the most popular options on the market. Both models offer a variety of features and design details that have made them favorites among drivers.

The Acura MDX offers an impressive array of technology, handling, and performance for its price point. It also has great fuel economy and a comfortable interior. The Lexus RX is slightly more expensive but it boasts a luxurious cabin and excellent safety ratings. Ultimately, which one is better depends on individual preference and budget.

Acura MDX vs Lexus RX

1. Cabin Space

MDX has 38.3 inches of room in front, while the second row gets 38.1 inches of headroom. The third-row occupants also get an impressive 36.2 inches of room for their noses.

In terms of room for the legs, the drivers, as well as front passengers, can extend their legs thanks to 41.6 inches of space at the front. The second row has 38.5 inches of legroom, but the third row gets only 29 inches, which is barely enough for normal-sized adults.

The model does provide 61.9 or 60.3 inches of shoulder space in the middle and front rows. This means that you can accommodate three people in the middle row. However, the third row, which has just 55.1 inches of space, can be used for two people at most.

Dimensions inside the RX are identical to the Acura. With 39.4 or 39.1 inches, it is said that the RX has one inch of headroom in the front and second rows in comparison with the Acura.

This is before the moonroof enters the equation. With the moonroof, the headroom is reduced by about one inch. The L trims provide slightly more headroom in the front two rows. They are the only trims with an additional row.

You can enjoy 44.1 inches of space at the front row and 38.0 inches on the back of the FWD versions, while AWD provides 39.1 inches in legroom for the 2nd row. The L trims provide 23.5 inches of space in the 3rd row of the 350 models, while the 450 comes with a smaller third row that has 22.6 inches of space—34.8 inches of headroom.

The Bottom Line: It is a simple choice, with a more spacious cabin and larger luggage space. The MDX is the winner in this segment.

2. Cargo and Towing

MDX: In terms of the cargo area, up to 18.1 cubic feet of luggage are in the third row. Folding the third row will increase capacity to 48.4 cubic feet, while you can put in 95 cubic feet of luggage behind the front row. Regarding towing capacity, FWD models can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while AWD models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

RX: For the cargo area, it is possible to squeeze 7.5 cubic feet of baggage behind the 3rd row. In the L trims. The capacity is increased to 23 cubic feet when the third row is folded down and 58.5 cubic feet with folding the row behind it.

With the two-row trims, you can accommodate 16 cu-ft of baggage behind the rear row and only 32.7 cubic feet between the first row. The vehicle can haul a maximum of 3,500 pounds if it’s fitted with the towing kit (with AWD only).

Bottom Line: Once again the MDX is claiming an advantage over RX because of its larger capacity of cargo and towing capacity.

Acura MDX vs Lexus RX: Cargo and Towing

3. Powertrains & Performance

MDX: Acura no longer provides the MDX that comes with the hybrid powertrain, even though the 3.0-liter V6 engine that can produce 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of peak torque technically is part of the range, it’s reserved only for Type S.

The regular versions only come equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 300 hp and 267 pounds of torque. Both engines utilize an automatic gearbox that has 10 speeds.

Like the MDX RX, the RX also has a single engine. However, unlike the MDX, it also offers the hybrid option and two distinct, arguably unneeded- states of tune to the standard gas engine.

The 3.5 Liter V6 produces 295 horsepower at its maximum and 268 pounds of torque at its peak in the trims 350. Both power and torque decrease by 5 horsepower and 5 lb-ft for the 350L. The motor is paired with an 8-speed auto and comes in front- and all-wheel drive.

On the contrary, these trims are only available with AWD as they come with a hybrid powertrain. The set of electric motors is combined with the 3.5-liter V6 engine to produce 308 horsepower of combined power. It is paired with an ECVT.

Bottom Line: The Lexus is ahead of the pack in this segment because of increased maximum output and the possibility of a hybrid powertrain.

2022 Lexus RX 350L AWD2023 Acura MDX
Engine3.5L V63.5L V6
Automatic Transmission 8-SPEED10-SPEED
Engine Horsepower290 @ 6300290 @ 6200
Engine Torque263 @ 4700 267 @ 4700 
EPA MPG Rating18 / 25 / 2119 / 25 / 21
DrivetrainALL-WHEEL DRIVESUPER HANDLING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE™ (SH-AWD®)
Paddle ShiftersSTANDARDSTANDARD
Custom/Individual Drive ModeNOT AVAILABLESTANDARD

4. Fuel Economy

According to EPA estimates, it is estimated that the FWD MDX returns 19 mpg in the city and an average of 26 miles per gallon on highways. The addition of AWD decreases fuel consumption by 1 milliliter.

The RX has similar fuel efficiency figures to the gasoline-powered versions. In city driving, the V6 delivers 20 mpg with FWD and 19 mpg with AWD, and on the highway, the figure is 26 and 27 mpg, and 26 mpg, respectively. In both FWD and AWD versions, the figures decrease by 1 mpg in each case when you select the 350L model.

In contrast, the hybrid powertrain can achieve 31 mpg in city driving as well as 28 miles per gallon on highways. Although the city mileage drops by 2 mpg with the 450L, the highway mileage stays the same.

Bottom: Although it’s an older model, Lexus RX is a better choice. Lexus RX is more efficient in fuel consumption than the MDX, even in its pure gas model; therefore, it is the winner of this class.

Lexus RX vs Acura MDX: Fuel Economy

5. Tech and Features

Acura offers a variety of standard features in the MDX. The cabin can adjust the front seats in 12 ways with a standard memory function. Customers can also avail of a 12.3-inch electronic instrument cluster for their vehicles. In addition, the 12.3-inch central infotainment unit with Wi-Fi and a touchpad are also standard.

Also, Bluetooth wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and tri-zone climate controls. The MDX is also equipped with an audio system that has nine speakers as well as wireless charging, in addition.

The Technology package also includes navigation, 3D views and live-time data mix, an upgraded ELS 12-speaker sound system, and an option to store the seat’s memory for front passengers. A 16-speaker system is available as part of the A-Spec package, as do front-ventilated seats.

This appearance option is only available on the trim A-Spec. Features such as heated rear seats and rear seats with adjustable 16-way charging ports on both rear rows and those with the 10.5-inch head-up displays are reserved only for the highest trim of MDX equipped with the Advanced Package.

It is interesting to note that heated rear seats and the heated steering wheel are only available to the highest trim level.

Acura also comes with its entire driver assistance system included with the MDX. Everything from forward-collision alerts, lane-keeping aid, collision mitigation brakes, blind-spot recognition with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise controls that include traffic jam assistance is included in the package standard. There is only a low-speed brake control included in the base trim.

Comparatively to the MDX, the standard feature list of the RX is quite tinny. The touchscreen on the RX is just 8.0 inches. While it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, it only uses USB connections.

The more extensive 12.3-inch infotainment system, head-up display and the high-end Mark Levinson audio system, even the power sunroof and wireless charging, are available as optional extras or as part of a bundle, even with the most expensive models. However, you do have the electrically adjustable front seats and the dual-zone climate control system as the standard.

The safety suite standard is well-equipped. Like the MDX, the RX is also equipped with blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert as standard, lane-keeping aid, and adaptive cruise control, including stop and go.

Bottom In the End: With an extensive standard feature list and more advanced tech, MDX is a definite contender. MDX is the best choice in this category easily.

6. Pricing

The MDX is available for purchase. This year’s pricing for MDX begins at $48,245 for a well-equipped base trim, which comes with FWD. AWD is an additional cost. AWD increases the cost by $2,000 on the total cost. The Technology Package adds $4,700.

Additionally, even though the A-Spec package is $3500, it is required to purchase the Tech package and SH-AWD, which adds another $10,200 to the total cost of $58,445. MDX with the Advanced Package costs $61,995 and requires the inclusion of AWD and the technology package.

The price of RX 350: Pricing for the RX 350 starts from $46,245 (including the destination), and its 350 F Sport starts from $49,725 and comes only equipped with a gas engine. The hybrid-powered 450h is priced at $48,945 and the more powerful 450h F Sport is priced at $52,425.

In the case of the 3-row L trims, the pricing of the 350L and the 450L begin from $49,075 or $52,335, depending on the. The Luxury Package, which includes a semi-aniline interior, leather-trimmed as well as 20-inch alloys and squabs with an extendable length, is available on the 350 and the 450h and adds 43,890 to the total price.

The Navigation/ Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package, available in all trims, costs $3,365 more. The cost to upgrade the package to AWD will be $1,400.

Bottom Line: Although the RX is cheaper than the MDX, the Acura has more standard features and is more well-equipped with higher trims.

Is the Acura MDX bigger than the Lexus RX 350?

FAQs

Is the Acura MDX bigger than the Lexus RX 350?

Yes. Acura MDX is a better choice. Lexus RX 350 dimensions favor the MDX in terms of the bigger size. In 2022, the Acura MDX measures 5.9 inches and 3.8 inches larger than the 2022 Lexus RX 350.

Inside are 139.1 cubic yards of passenger space in the 2022 Acura MDX and just 99.8 cubic yards in the 2022 Lexus RX 350. The MDX provides an 18.1 cubic-foot trunk, and the RX 350 offers a trunk size of 16 cubic feet. The MDX is the best choice for a large, practical, sophisticated, and luxurious three-row SUV

Which has more cargo space Lexus RX 350 or Acura MDX?

The Acura MDX 2022 model has more space for cargo than its predecessor, the 2022 Lexus RX 350. Particularly the Acura MDX comes with a capacity in excess of 95.0 cubic feet, and the trunk space comes at a maximum of 18.1 cubic feet.

In 2022, for a Lexus RX 350, you’ll get as much as 16.0 cubic feet in trunk capacity, and the capacity for cargo to be as much as 56.3 cubic feet.

Which has the best MPG Lexus RX 350 vs. Acura MDX?

If you look at comparable three-row models, both the Acura MDX and Lexus RX get the same MPG. In particular, that’s the case for the 2022 Acura MDX can achieve the equivalent of an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg highway1, while the Lexus RX 350L in 2022.

Lexus RX 350L returns up to an estimated EPA 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on highway1.

Vertict: Acura MDX vs. Lexus RX

The Lexus RX is a stalwart in its category, but it’s 2022 that’s the year when Acura MDX trumps its arch-rival in virtually every category, which is essential.

Although it’s not the benefits of a hybrid powertrain, the list of regular features, such as convenience and driver assist systems, is challenging to overlook. The incredible range of features and functionality that the MDX gives you that the RX cannot match. Therefore, unless you need to own a hybrid luxury SUV. The MDX beats the RX, hands down.

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