The Lexus RX is a midsize luxury SUV that delivers a peaceful and quiet ride, not to mention some of the best resale value and lowest maintenance costs in this highly competitive segment. The RX is now an even more well-rounded choice having undergone a substantial redesign in 2024.
Enter the Acura MDX, a key rival to the Lexus and a midsize SUV known for being dependable and a terrific value. Chock full of standard features, the MDX boasts handling that makes this a practical 3-row SUV with personality. But which has more to offer and is the better pick?
Let’s take a look at how these luxury SUVs compare.
2025 Acura MDX
The Acura MDX received a complete redesign for the 2022 model year, so it’s still a relatively fresh face in the midsize luxury SUV field. For 2025, the MDX gets a revised exterior and several cabin enhancements, including a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and optional 16-way massaging front seats. The AcuraWatch 360 semi-autonomous advanced driver-assist system is now available, but only on the top-line trim. Unlike its rival, the RX, the MDX has a third row of seating, allowing a maximum passenger count of seven. With 38.5 inches of second-row legroom, the MDX offers about one inch more than you get in the Lexus RX.
The base front-wheel-drive (FWD) MDX features a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Performance is strong, and the MDX has quick steering reflexes that make it feel smaller than it is from behind the wheel.
The MDX Type S is equipped with a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) for an added jolt of sportiness. The Type S is the top trim level and includes the Advance Package that brings massaging front seats, a 25-speaker ELS surround-sound stereo, and quilted leather seats.
Acura MDX Highlights
Value: Similar to the Lexus RX, the MDX has a starting price that’s thousands less than rivals like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, Volvo XC90, and Audi Q7. The base variant isn’t bare bones, however. Standard equipment is generous and includes many active driver aids, wireless smartphone connectivity, a removable second-row middle seat, and a panoramic sunroof.
Power and agility: Driving the MDX is a delight thanks to its choice of two powerful V6 engines. The available Super Handling All-Wheel system provides more outstanding grip and agility. Few of the MDX’s direct competitors are this much enjoyable to drive.
Safety: We’ve touched upon some of the MDX’s standard tech and comfort features. It’s worth pointing out the high degree of safety gear that’s standard, too. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, and more. Unsurprisingly, the MDX earns top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
2025 Lexus RX
2024 model shown
The Lexus RX has been one of the most popular luxury SUVs for years. Thanks to its supple ride and hushed cabin, the RX is known for being the type of vehicle that’s soothing to drive no matter how long the journey.
For 2025, the RX sees a few improvements, including a new 12.3-inch driver display standard across the model range. Power comes from a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine good for 275 horsepower. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic and is available in front- or all-wheel drive configuration.
Two hybrid powertrains are available, including a plug-in hybrid that’s a new addition to the RX range. The RX 450h+ Luxury AWD has 35 miles of electric driving range. We’ll focus primarily on the non-hybrid RX 350 in this comparison.
Lexus RX Highlights
Ride quality: The RX has long been known for a ride that takes the edge off bumpy roads. This character doesn’t change with the 2025 model. Complementing its suave demeanor and supple suspension is a degree of newfound agility. This is partly due to the turbo 4-cylinder engine. It’s lighter than the former V6, which helps improve handling.
Classy cabin design: Once again, Lexus hits a home run regarding cabin quality. The fit-and-finish is superb. There are soft-touch surfaces in all the right spots. Each of the two available touchscreens (a 9.8-inch screen is standard, and a 14.1-inch high-definition screen is optional) is a breeze to use and displays crisp graphics.
Gas mileage: The RX is more fuel efficient thanks to its turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. In front-wheel drive configuration, the RX 350 returns a combined city/highway EPA estimate of 25 mpg, or 24 mpg with all-wheel drive.
Similarities
The Lexus RX and Acura MDX both deliver a lot of luxury SUV for your money. Each has a long roster of standard features, spacious cabins, roomy cargo areas, and refined driving manners.
Conclusion
SUV shoppers who want the last word in comfort and cabin quality will migrate to the Lexus RX. It continues to be one of the best choices due to its finely engineered powertrain and the attention to detail apparent when you climb aboard. Unlike the Acura MDX, it offers two fuel-saving hybrid powertrains, including a new plug-in version.
The Acura MDX counters with engaging handling, strong acceleration, and more flexible seating arrangements. It also comes brimming with standard features. These two SUVs have an enviable record for safety, dependability, and resale value. Driving them back to back and pricing which trims and options best suit your needs is the best way to settle this contest.
New 2025 Acura MDX Prices
New 2025 Lexus RX Prices
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$50,325 |
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$52,475 |
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$52,575 |
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$54,725 |
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$54,905 |
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$56,065 |
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$57,055 |
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$58,215 |
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$59,175 |
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$61,120 |
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$63,270 |
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$66,150 |
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$72,610 |
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The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specs
| 2025 Acura MDX | 2025 Lexus RX | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 | 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 275 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm | 317 lb-ft @ 1,700-3,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-spd automatic | 8-spd automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 22 mpg (19 city/26 hwy) | 25 mpg (22 city/29 hwy) |
| Towing capacity | 5,000 pounds | 3,494 pounds |
| Specs | ||
| Basic warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 198.4 inches | 192.52 inches |
| Width | 78.7 inches | 75.59 inches |
| Height | 67.1 inches | 67.32 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 40.5 feet | 38.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.5 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.1 inches | 38.6 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.2 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 41.6 inches | 41.1 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.5 inches | 37.4 inches |
| Legroom 3rd Row | 29.1 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.9 inches | 58.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 60.3 inches | 56.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 55.2 inches | 53.2 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 16.3/39.1/71.4 cubic feet | N/A/29.6/46.2 cubic feet |