The midsize SUV segment has enjoyed lots of impressive contributions from top automakers over the years. This comparison between the Lexus RX350 and the Acura MDX will go a long way to demonstrate why various classes of buyers favor the category. The Acura MDX is featured among cars similar to RX350. Both cars are known for offering reliability, performance, and top-tier comfort inside.
Overview
As Lexus is for Toyota, Acura is Honda’s luxury and performance division. Furthermore, the MDX is an outstanding midsize SUV that has earned decent rankings across the board. In this post, we will weigh the 2024 Lexus RX350 vs Acura MDX, considering all vital properties to identify their strengths and weaknesses. So, if you are considering buying a midsize SUV, join us as we explore two of the best available options.
The MDX has two engine options across six trims for the 2024 model, while Lexus sticks with one engine to run all five trims. Both SUVs deliver the same exciting yet comfortable ride with good gas mileage. Also, buyers get to enjoy near-luxury features like leather upholstery and some standard new-day tech in both cars. Additionally, safety and reliability ratings are impressive for both cars.
Picking between both cars may be tricky, considering they offer value for their prices. Therefore, your choice depends on which configuration of features ticks your boxes. We are happy to guide you in making the right decision. Let’s move on to compare the most important features.
What’s New For The 2024 Models?
For the 2024 models, Acura retained the 2023 MDX exterior, only making a few minor upgrades to the interior. If you opt for the MDX, you get to benefit from the two-year or 24,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance plan introduced in 2023. You also get three years of free access to the AcuraLink connectivity plan. Moreover, the exterior is still sporty and attractive, with the interior boasting the best tech features for its price range.
Meanwhile, the 2024 Lexus RX350 enjoys a complete exterior redesign to make it look more muscular. It also sports the new wide-mouthed grille and L-shaped running lights seen in new Lexus cars. The driving experience is responsive, with a roomy five-seater interior to keep all passengers comfortable.
Considering that Acura made no significant changes for the 2024 model, the RX350 gets a point over the MDX regarding 2024 upgrades. However, we still have many important features to explore before deciding which to settle for.
Engine and Performance
For the 2024 model, Lexus equips the RX350 with a standard engine across all gas-only trims. It is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The same turbo-four engine pairs with an electric motor for the hybrid powertrain, generating 247 horsepower.
An eight-speed automatic transmission powering a front-wheel drive system is standard for all RX350s. Moreover, an optional all-wheel drive will deliver more acceleration and excitement at the expense of fuel efficiency. Speaking about acceleration, the FWD setup takes 7.2 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph. Meanwhile, the AWD brings it down to 6.9 seconds, which may be impressive compared to many others in this segment, but it feels lethargic compared to the MDX.
Acura’s MDX has two engine offerings, one for the base models and the more powerful option for trims carrying the Type S badge. The base engine is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. It relies on a ten-speed automatic transmission to run the standard FWD system, with an AWD available as an option. On the other hand, the Type S runs on a fierce turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces up to 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The same ten-speed automatic transmission is featured in this model, but the AWD system is standard this time.
Both Type S trims deliver a more agile and responsive handling thanks to the extra power. These models require merely 5.5 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph. The base FWD setup will do it in 6.4 seconds, which is half a second quicker than the AWD-RX.
Verdict – Regarding engine power and performance, the Lexus RX350 vs Acura MDX comparison favors the Acura.
Additionally, the RX350 has a top speed of 124 mph, while the MDX is electronically limited to 112 mph. Although the Acura crossover may haul more weight and accelerate faster, the Lexus may still get to the finish line first in a long-distance race. Now, let’s see what cool gas mileage these engines get.
Fuel Economy – Gas Mileages as per EPA
The EPA estimated that the FWD Lexus RX350 setup has a gas mileage of 22 in the city and 29 on the highway. Fun-loving drivers who prefer the AWD will be happy as they just have to part with 1 MPG each for city and highway driving.
On the other hand, the EPA has estimated the base MDX to deliver a gas mileage of 19 MPG in the city and 26 on the highway. Furthermore, the Type S options deliver 17 MPG for city driving and 21 on the highways.
In summary, although Lexus’ turbo-four engine is not as powerful as the V6s featured in the MDX, it aces the Lexus RX350 Vs Acura MDX debate in terms of fuel efficiency.
Interior and Cargo Space
Inside the RX350 is a two-row cabin that can accommodate five adults. The interior is roomy and sports many top-class modern features. 2024 models boast textured fabric sections on the upper door panels, rich-looking ambient lighting, and open-pore wood trim. Also, the cargo space is remarkable with enough room to carry huge boxes, many suitcases, or fishing equipment. These features qualify the RX350 as one of the best cars for a road trip.
Meanwhile, the MDX features a seven-seater interior packed with even better comfort features (some are exclusive to the high-end trims). The coolest optional features include French-stitched leather on the dashboard, 16-way power-adjustable front seats with a massage feature, and open-pore wood intermingled with metal and piano-black accents. Comfort features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery are standard on all trims.
While the MDX is hailed for offering ample head and leg room to passengers in the first and second rows, the last row bench is kind of a kids-only space. Moreover, this third row is detrimental to cargo space as the RX’s cargo space is almost twice as much. So, if you want a car with great cargo space, you will favor the RX more. However, the MDX is for you if you prioritize interior luxury and upscaled materials.
Whichever way you choose to go, the Lexus RX350 vs Acura MDX comparison ends in a tie regarding interior and cargo spacing. In this case, you have to go with the one more inclined to your needs. For instance, you should settle for the MDX if you have a large family with younger children.
Infotainment and Connectivity
In terms of infotainment and connectivity, the MDX is miles ahead. The latest MDX features a large 12.3-inch infotainment display with Acura’s True Touchpad Interface. You also get a 12.3-inch digital reconfigurable gauge display as standard.
The infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, in-dash navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Additional features are a wireless smartphone charging pad and ELS Studio stereo system included on the Technology trim. Moreover, the A-Spec and Advanced models get a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D setup.
On the other hand, Lexus offers the 2024 RX350 with a 9.8- or 14.0-inch infotainment display. Buyers enjoy the latest Lexus software interface in addition to Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. You also get to enjoy the JBL stereo system along with other cool features in top trims.
Safety And Driver-Assistance Tech Features
The RX350 and MDX both earned high scores in reliability and crash tests. Also, both cars offer the same safety and driver-assistance tech as standard in all trims. These include automated emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature.
Pricing
A new 2024 Lexus RX350 ranges between $49,950 for the base RX350 and $59,080 for the RX350 luxury. The RX350 Premium costs $52,100, the Premium Plus goes for $53,950, and the F Sport trim sports a $58,550 price tag.
For the 2024 Acura MDX, we will list out the trims next to their MSRP-listed prices. The Base MDX – $51,500, Technology – $55,745, A-Spec – $61,445, Advance – $64,995, Type S – $69,345, and Type S Advance – $74,695.
Although the RX350 sticker prices are more affordable than for the MDX. It is important to note that both cars offer value for their pricing. The more powerful engines and upscaled materials in MDXs account for the extra thousands. Since we have settled pricing, let’s check out warranty and maintenance coverages as factors that contribute to pricing.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Both cars offer the same warranty coverages except for one tiny detail. The difference is that Lexus only covers maintenance visits for the first year or 10,000 miles. Meanwhile, Acura covers everything for the first two years or 24,000 miles.
The detailed warranty coverages for both cars include a Limited warranty – 4 years or 50,000 miles, Powertrain warranty – 6 years or 70,000 miles, and Complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- 1 year or 10,000 miles (Lexus RX350) & 2 years or 24,000 miles (Acura MDX).
So, in summary, the MDX wins the Lexus RX350 vs Acura MDX debate regarding warranty packages.
Final Note
We have reviewed and compared the most important aspects of these cars. Both perform similarly, but Acura’s MDX delivers more engine power and better interior features. But these come at a cost; fuel efficiency and sticker price. We recommend buying the RX350 Premium Plus as it offers all Lexus’s niceties with an affordable price tag. You can also buy the MDX Type S for its engine power and low-speed front and rear automated emergency braking. Let us know which one you favor in the comments.
