Acura MDX Vs Lexus RX: Which Japanese Luxury Crossover is Right For You?

When we say that the competition in the crossover market is stiff, we don’t mean that it’s tough only in the compact to mid-size and affordable class.

We mean the competition is tough across the board. Be it compact crossover market with cars like the Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30 or the luxury mid-size market, like the ones we have here.

Acura has completely redesigned the MDX for the 2022 model year and is arguably the best Japanese luxury mid-sizer out there. The Lexus RX on the other hand soldiers on and continues to find buyers despite being relatively unchanged since 2015. So is the Acura MDX the new benchmark or can the Lexus RX still hold its ground despite the Acura’s onslaught. And if you’re looking for a Japanese luxury mid-sizer, which of the two should you choose?

MDX: The MDX offers 38.3 inches of headroom in the front row while the second row enjoys 38.1 inches of headspace. Even the third-row occupants get a respectable 36.2 inches of space for their noggins. As for legroom, the driver and front passenger can really stretch out thanks to 41.6 inches of legroom in the front. The second row gets 38.5 inches of legroom but the third row only gets a paltry 29 inches of legroom barely enough for average-sized adults.

It does however offer 61.9 and 60.3 inches of shoulder room in the front and middle rows indicating you can seat three in the middle row. But the third row with only 55.1 inches of width can only hold two at best.

RX: Interior dimensions of the RX are quite similar to its rival. At 39.4 and 39.1 inches, the RX offers an inch more headroom in the front and second rows compared to the Acura. But that is before the moonroof comes into the equation. With the moonroof, the headroom drops by nearly an inch. The L trims offer slightly more headroom in the front two rows and are also the only ones to feature a third row.

You get 44.1 inches of legroom in the front and 38.0 inches in the second row in the FWD versions while AWD offers 39.1 inches of legroom in the second row. The L trims offer 23.5 inches of legroom in the third row in the 350 while the 450 offers an even tighter third row with just 22.6 inches of legroom and 34.8 inches of headroom.

RX: As for cargo, you can fit 7.5 cu-ft of luggage behind the third row in the L trims, the capacity increases to 23 cu-ft with the third row down and to 58.5 cu-ft with the second row folded. In the two-row trims, you can fit 16 cu-ft of luggage behind the second row and just 32.7 cu-ft behind the front row. It can also tow a maximum of 3,500 lb provided it is equipped with the towing package (with AWD only).

Bottom Line: Again, the MDX claims victory over the RX thanks to higher cargo and towing capacity.

RX: Just like the MDX, the RX too employs a solitary engine. But unlike the MDX, it does offer a hybrid option and even two separate–arguably unnecessary– states of tune with the regular gas engine as well. The 3.5 liter V6 makes 295 hp of max power and 268 lb-ft of peak torque in the 350 trims. Both the power and torque drop by 5 hp and 5 lb-ft on the 350L. The motor pairs with an eight-speed automatic and is available in both front-and all-wheel drive.

The 450 trims on the other hand are only available with AWD and the hybrid powertrain. A set of electric motors combine with the 3.5-liter V6 to make 308 hp of combined power. It pairs with an ECVT.

Bottom Line: Thanks to higher maximum output and the availability of a hybrid powertrain, the Lexus pulls ahead in this category.

MDX: Acura offers a ton of convenience features as standard on the MDX. The cabin comes with 12-way power-adjustable front seats with memory function as standard. Customers also get the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as standard as well. Even the 12.3-inch central infotainment system with a touchpad and Wi-Fi capability is standard as well. As is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with tri-zone climate control. The MDX also comes with a nine-speaker audio system and wireless charging as standard as well.

The Technology package adds navigation with 3D view and real-time traffic to the mix along with a superior ELS 12-speaker sound system and memory function for the front passenger seat. A 16-speaker system becomes available with A-Spec package onwards as does front ventilated seats. The A-Spec appearance package is also obviously only available with the A-Spec trim. Features like rear heated seats, 16-way adjustable front seats, charging ports in both rear rows and the 10.5-inch head-up display are all reserved for the top MDX with Advanced Package only. Interestingly, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel are also reserved for the top trim package only.

Acura also offers its entire driver assistance suite as standard with the MDX. Everything including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, even blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist are all part of the standard package. Only low-speed braking control isn’t available on the ‘base’ trim.

RX: Compared to the MDX, the standard feature list on the RX is rather scant. The standard touchscreen infotainment measures a paltry 8.0-inches. While it does offer Apple CarPlay and Andrid Auto as standard, it is via USB connection only. Everything from the larger 12.3-inch infotainment, head-up display, premium Mark Levinson audio system, even the power moonroof, and wireless charging are only available as either optional extras or part of a package, even on the top trims. You do, however, get electrically adjustable front seats and a dual-zone climate control system as standard.

RX: Pricing for the RX 350 starts from $46,245 (including destination) while the 350 F Sport starts from $49,725 and is only available with the gas engine. The hybrid-powered 450h starts at $48,945 while the 450h F Sport is priced from $52,425. As for the three-row L trims, prices for the 350L and 450L start from $49,075 and $52,335 respectively. The Luxury Package, which includes a semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior, 20-inch alloys, and extendable squabs is available with the 350 and 450h and adds 43,890 to the overall price. The Navigation / Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package, available on all trims costs $3,365 extra. The cost of upgrading to AWD is $1,400.

Bottom Line: Although the RX undercuts the MDX, the Acura offers better standard equipment and better equipped higher trims as well.

While the Lexus RX is a stalwart of its segment, the 2022 Acura MDX trumps its arch-rival in almost all the categories that matter. While it doesn’t offer a hybrid powertrain, its list of standard convenience features and driver assistance systems is hard to ignore. Then there is the sheer versatility and utility that MDX offers that the RX can’t match anymore. So unless you absolutely must have a hybrid luxury SUV, the MDX wins this hands down.

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