Acura Mdx Vs Lexus Rx 350: Compare Luxury SUVs
In the luxury SUV market, Acura and Lexus stand out as top contenders. The Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 are both sought-after mid-size crossovers. They offer top-notch features, comfort, and style for families in the U.S. Despite being built in Japan, they have unique qualities that make them stand out.
The Acura MDX starts at about $52,550 and can seat up to seven people. This makes it great for big families. On the other hand, the Lexus RX 350 starts at around $50,325 and seats five. The RX 350 beats the MDX in fuel efficiency, with better city and highway mpg ratings.
Market Position and Brand Heritage
Acura and Lexus are the luxury arms of Honda and Toyota, respectively. They have made a big splash in North America. These brands offer high-end options for those who want more than just a regular car.
Japanese Luxury Automakers in North America
Lexus started in 1989 and is known for top-notch quality and customer happiness. It often tops lists of luxury brands with the fewest problems. Toyota’s plant in Ontario, Canada, makes Lexus cars and is famous for its low defect rate.
Acura, Honda’s luxury brand, has a big fan base in North America. It may not be as high in some quality rankings as Lexus. But Acura keeps improving, blending performance, tech, and value well.
Premium SUV Market Presence
The Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 are big names in the luxury SUV world. The Lexus RX is famous for its roomy cargo area and comfy ride. The Acura MDX is loved for its strong performance and flexible interior.
| Metric | Lexus RX 350 | Acura MDX | Mazda CX-70 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Space (Rear Seats Up) | ~30 cubic feet | ~18 cubic feet | 31 cubic feet |
| Cargo Space (Rear Seats Folded) | 59 cubic feet | 95 cubic feet | 67 cubic feet |
| Starting Price | ~$50,000 | ~$50,000 | N/A |
Price Comparison and Value Proposition
When looking at the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350, there are many prices to think about. The Acura MDX starts at $52,250, while the Lexus RX 350 begins around $50,000. Both have different trim levels, so you can add more features and comforts.
The Acura MDX goes up to the Type S Advance trim for $76,300. The Lexus RX 350 has a plug-in hybrid, the RX 450h+, for about $72,000. Both offer a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty and two years of free maintenance. This makes them both good deals for buyers.
| Model | Base MSRP | Top Trim MSRP | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acura MDX | $52,250 | $76,300 (Type S Advance) | 4-year/50,000-mile |
| Lexus RX 350 | $50,000 | $72,000 (RX 450h+ Hybrid) | 4-year/50,000-mile |
“Both the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 offer a range of trim levels and pricing options, catering to a variety of budgets and feature preferences.”
Design Philosophy and Exterior Styling
The Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 show different design styles. They both have top-notch exterior design and styling cues. But, they look different in their front ends and shapes.
Front Fascia and Profile Differences
The Acura MDX has a bold, sharp front with a big grille and sleek headlights. On the other hand, the Lexus RX 350 has a more curved front with a unique spindle grille. It also has a smoother, more rounded look.
Wheel Options and Exterior Features
- The MDX starts with 19-inch wheel sizes. You can get 20-inch or 21-inch wheels on higher models.
- The RX 350 comes with 19-inch wheels by default. You can upgrade to 21-inch wheels.
- Both SUVs have fancy features like panoramic sunroofs and power tailgates. But, they have their own special touches that make them stand out.
“The Acura MDX’s sharp, angular design stands in contrast to the Lexus RX 350’s more organic, sculpted aesthetics, giving buyers a choice between two distinct interpretations of luxury SUV styling.”
MDX and RX 350 give buyers a choice. They can pick between two luxury exterior designs, each with its own charm.
Engine Performance and Power Delivery
The Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 have different strengths when it comes to engine power. The base Acura MDX comes with a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine gives drivers a lively driving experience.
The MDX Type S model, on the other hand, has a 355-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. This engine allows the MDX Type S to go from 0 to 60 mph in about 6 seconds.
The Lexus RX 350 offers several engine choices. You can choose a 275-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Or, you can go for a 246-horsepower hybrid powertrain in the RX 350h.
There’s also a high-performance 366-horsepower hybrid system in the RX 500h F Sport Performance model. This model can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. It’s faster than the MDX Type S.
Both SUVs give buyers a variety of engine options. The Acura MDX offers a traditional V6 experience. The Lexus RX, on the other hand, has a range of powertrain options, including hybrids. This appeals to a broader range of buyers.
Hybrid Options and Fuel Economy
The Lexus RX lineup shines in fuel efficiency with its hybrid variants. The RX 350h, RX 500h F Sport Performance, and RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid lead the way. They offer top-notch fuel economy without losing out on performance.
RX Hybrid Variants Overview
The Lexus RX 350h has a hybrid system with a 2.5-liter engine and electric motors. It gets 37 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg combined. For more power, the RX 500h F Sport Performance has a turbocharged hybrid system. It produces 366 horsepower and gets 27 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.
MPG Ratings Across Models
- Lexus RX 350h: 37 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, 36 mpg combined
- Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance: 27 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, 27 mpg combined
- Lexus RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid: 37 miles of electric range, 83 MPGe
- Acura MDX (non-hybrid): 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, 22 mpg combined
The Lexus RX’s hybrid options are a big win for fuel efficiency. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid has 37 miles of electric range and an 83 MPGe rating. In contrast, the Acura MDX doesn’t have hybrid options. Its most efficient model gets 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
Interior Space and Comfort Features
The Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 stand out in interior space and comfort. The Acura MDX can seat up to seven people, thanks to its third-row seats. On the other hand, the Lexus RX 350 is designed for a cozy five-passenger setup.
Legroom is a big deal, and the Acura MDX has plenty. The front seats offer 41.6 inches of legroom, more than the Lexus RX 350’s 41.1 inches. In the second row, the MDX gives 38.5 inches, a bit more than the RX 350’s 38.0 inches.
Both SUVs come with luxury amenities like leather seats and heated and ventilated seats. The Acura MDX also has a special second-row design for easy access to the third row. Its middle seats are removable.
“The Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 both offer a premium interior experience, catering to the needs of discerning SUV buyers.”
Whether you value seating capacity or legroom, both SUVs have something for everyone. They cater to different needs and preferences.
Acura MDX vs Lexus RX 350: Direct Comparison
The Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 are top choices in the premium SUV market. They both mix performance, luxury, and practicality well. But how do they compare directly?
Performance Metrics
The 2023 Acura MDX has a 290-horsepower V6 engine. This gives it a power edge over the Lexus RX 350’s 275-horsepower V6. Yet, the RX 350 is more fuel-efficient, with an estimated 25 MPG combined, versus the MDX’s 22 MPG. The MDX Type S Advance, the most powerful version, boasts 355 horsepower from a turbocharged V6 engine.
Feature-by-Feature Analysis
The base Lexus RX 350 starts at about $50,000, while the Acura MDX begins at $52,000. Both have various trim levels and packages to fit different needs and budgets.
| Feature | Acura MDX | Lexus RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | Up to 7 passengers | 5 passengers |
| Cargo Space | 18.1 cubic feet | 16.0 cubic feet |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 pounds | 3,500 pounds |
| Infotainment Display | 12.3-inch central display | 14-inch touchscreen |
Acura MDX has a roomier interior, with an optional third-row seat and more cargo space. The Lexus RX 350, though, offers a more luxurious ride and a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a 14-inch touchscreen.
Technology and Infotainment Systems
The Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 lead in technology and infotainment. The 2025 Acura MDX has a big 12.3-inch touchscreen. It works well with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and an 11-speaker audio system as standard.
The 2024 Lexus RX 350 has a 9.8-inch touchscreen as standard. You can also get a bigger 14-inch display. It has wireless smartphone integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Lexus also offers a top-notch 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system for music lovers.
| Feature | Acura MDX | Lexus RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3-inch touchscreen | 9.8-inch (standard) or 14-inch (available) |
| Smartphone Integration | Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Audio System | 11-speaker base audio | 12-speaker base audio, 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium option |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Included | Included |
Both the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 have great tech and infotainment. They offer big touchscreens, wireless phone integration, and top-notch sound systems. These features make the car a great place to be.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
The Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 have top-notch safety features. They make driving safe and confident. These driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. They help avoid collisions and make roads safer.
Advanced Safety Technologies
Both vehicles have advanced safety tech. The Acura MDX has AcuraWatch, with features like collision mitigation braking. The Lexus RX 350 has Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with dynamic radar cruise control and lane tracing assist.
Crash Test Ratings
- The Acura MDX gets high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.
- The Lexus RX 350 also shines in crash test performance, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.
Both the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 focus on safety. They have many driver-assist features and get great safety ratings from top car experts.
Cargo Capacity and Versatility
The Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 have different strengths when it comes to cargo and storage. The Acura MDX has a large cargo space of 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row. It grows to 95.0 cubic feet when all rear seats are folded. The Lexus RX 350 has 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, also expanding to 95.0 cubic feet with seats folded.
The Acura MDX has a special feature: versatile folding seats with a removable second-row middle seat. This lets you easily change the interior for more cargo or passengers. The Lexus RX 350 has plenty of space but doesn’t offer this flexibility.
The Acura MDX also wins in storage solutions. It has hidden spots, underfloor storage, and many cubbies and cup holders. This keeps your things organized and within reach. The Lexus RX 350 has storage options too, but the MDX’s design is more thoughtful.
“The Acura MDX’s removable second-row middle seat adds versatility for cargo and passenger configurations, making it a more flexible choice than the Lexus RX 350.”
In short, the Acura MDX has more cargo space, folding seats, and storage solutions than the Lexus RX 350. This makes the MDX a better choice for those needing lots of space and flexibility.
Ride Quality and Handling Characteristics
The Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 have different approaches to ride comfort and handling. The MDX is sportier and more engaging, while the RX 350 focuses on a smoother ride.
Suspension Systems
The MDX has a double-wishbone front and a multilink rear suspension. This setup makes it agile and fun to drive. On the other hand, the RX 350 has a softer front suspension and a multilink rear. It offers a more comfortable ride.
Driving Dynamics
The MDX is better for those who love a dynamic drive. It has precise steering and a well-tuned suspension. The RX 350, while not as sporty, is great for a smooth ride.
Both models have special packages that boost their performance. The MDX Type S and the RX F Sport have adaptive dampers for better handling. The RX 500h F Sport Performance even has rear-wheel steering for more agility.
| Feature | Acura MDX | Lexus RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension System | Double-wishbone front, Multilink rear | MacPherson strut front, Multilink rear |
| Ride Comfort | Sporty and Responsive | Smooth and Refined |
| Handling Characteristics | Agile and Engaging | Comfortable and Relaxed |
| Performance Packages | MDX Type S, Adaptive Dampers | RX F Sport, RX 500h F Sport Performance, Adaptive Dampers |
All-Wheel Drive Systems Comparison
Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 have unique all-wheel drive (AWD) systems. The MDX’s AWD can send up to 70% of power to the rear wheels. It can also split torque along the rear axle for better cornering and stability.
The Lexus RX 350 has two AWD options. Its standard system sends power from 75:25 to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels. The RX 500h Performance model has a Direct4 AWD system for better cornering agility.
| Feature | Acura MDX | Lexus RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD System | Available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) | Standard AWD, Hybrid AWD (RX 500h) |
| Torque Distribution | Up to 70% to rear wheels, split along rear axle | Standard AWD: 75:25 to 50:50 front-rear Hybrid AWD (RX 500h): Direct4 system |
| Traction Control | Integrated with SH-AWD for improved cornering and stability | Manages power delivery to all four wheels for enhanced grip |
Both the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 have advanced AWD systems. They provide better traction and control in various driving conditions. The MDX’s SH-AWD is more dynamic and performance-oriented. The RX 350’s AWD systems aim for a comfortable and confident ride.
Maintenance Costs and Reliability
Both the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 are reliable and cost-effective for long-term ownership. They offer two years of scheduled maintenance with a new purchase. This ensures a smooth start for owners.
Service Intervals
Acura and Lexus suggest similar maintenance schedules for their SUVs. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections at regular times. This keeps the vehicles in great shape. Both brands are known for their longevity and low repair costs.
Long-term Ownership Experience
The Acura MDX has slightly lower maintenance costs and better long-term reliability than the Lexus RX 350. Over 5 years, the MDX’s average maintenance schedule and repair costs are about $5,471. The RX 350’s costs are $6,617.
Also, the MDX’s total cost of ownership over 5 years is $84,397. The RX 350’s is $89,682. This shows the MDX is more cost-effective and long-lasting.
Trim Levels and Package Options
When looking at the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350, it’s key to think about the model variants, optional features, and customization options. These choices greatly affect the driving feel, comfort, and value of each SUV.
The Acura MDX comes in six trim levels: base, Tech Package, Advance Package, A-Spec, A-Spec Advance, and Type S Advance. Each trim offers a special mix of features and customization to meet different tastes.
- The base MDX has a 290-horsepower V6 engine. The Type S Advance has a more powerful 355-horsepower turbocharged V6.
- Optional features include a premium audio system, heated and ventilated seats, and a surround-view camera system. There are also various driver-assistance technologies available.
- There are many exterior and interior customization options to make the MDX your own.
The Lexus RX 350 offers several models, like the RX 350, RX 350h hybrid, RX 500h F Sport Performance, and RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid. These models have different powertrain options and trim levels for various driving styles and fuel efficiency needs.
- The base RX 350 has a 275-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The RX 500h F Sport has a 366-horsepower hybrid powertrain.
- Lexus RX buyers can pick from optional packages like Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling. These add customizable features and styling.
- The Lexus RX lineup also has a range of wheel options and exterior colors for personalizing the look.
Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350c both offer a wide range of model variants, optional features, and customization options. This lets buyers customize their luxury SUV to fit their exact needs and preferences.
Resale Value and Depreciation
The Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 are both top choices in the luxury SUV market. But, the Lexus RX 350 has a slight advantage when it comes to keeping its value.
A used 2024 Acura MDX can cost between $46,868 and $68,998. On the other hand, a used 2024 Lexus RX 350 ranges from $52,993 to $66,936. For new models, the Acura MDX’s price is between $52,942 and $75,293. The Lexus RX 350’s new price is from $52,880 to $67,145.
The Acura MDX loses 51.5% of its value over 5 years. In contrast, the Lexus RX 350 loses 42.5% in the same time. This means the Lexus RX 350 keeps 9 percentage points more of its retained value than the Acura MDX.
| Model | Used Price Range (2024) | New Price Range | 5-Year Depreciation Rate | Retained Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acura MDX | $46,868 – $68,998 | $52,942 – $75,293 | 51.5% | 48.5% |
| Lexus RX 350 | $52,993 – $66,936 | $52,880 – $67,145 | 42.5% | 57.5% |
The Lexus RX 350’s better depreciation rates and higher used market value make it a better choice. It’s ideal for those looking for a luxury SUV with strong retained value.
Conclusion
The choice between the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 depends on what you need and like. The MDX is roomier and has a powerful V6 engine. It also has a third row and is fun to drive.
The RX, on the other hand, focuses on comfort and fuel efficiency. It has hybrid options and a cozy cabin. This makes it great for those who value luxury and smooth rides.
If you want a car that’s practical, powerful, and tech-savvy, the MDX might be for you. It’s perfect for big families or those who love driving. But, if you’re looking for something that’s fuel-friendly, comfy, and stylish, the RX is a better fit.
Both the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350 are top choices in the luxury SUV market. They meet different needs and tastes. Think about what matters most to you, like performance, space, fuel, and luxury, to choose the right car for your life.
