2022 Acura MDX vs 2022 Lexus RX: Which Crossover Should You Buy?

When we say that the crossover market is competitive, we don’t just mean that the compact-to-midsize and inexpensive classes are where it gets challenging. We imply that there is stiff competition everywhere. Whether it’s the mid-size luxury market, like the ones we have here, or the compact crossover sector, which includes vehicles like the Mazda CX-30 and Kia Altos.

The MDX from Acura, which has undergone a complete redesign for the 2022 model year, is perhaps the best Japanese luxury mid-sizer currently available. On the other hand, the Lexus RX keeps going and selling even though it hasn’t altered much since 2015. Therefore, can Lexus set a new standard or is it the Acura MDX? Is the Acura MDX the new standard, or is the Lexus RX still competitive in the face of the Acura’s assault? Which of the two should you pick if you’re looking for a luxury midsize?

2022 Acura MDX vs. 2022 Lexus RX: Cabin Area

The front row of the MDX has 38.3 inches of headroom, while the second row has 38.1 inches. Even third-row passengers get a respectable 36.2 inches of headroom. With 41.6 inches of legroom in the front, the driver and front passenger can really spread out. The third row only receives a pitiful 29 inches of legroom, barely enough for adults of average size. The second row gets 38.5 inches of legroom.

However, the centre row may accommodate three people because it has 61.9 and 60.3 inches of shoulder room in the front and middle rows, respectively. However, the third row can only fit two people at most because it is just 55.1 inches wide.

The RX’s inside measurements are very comparable to those of its competitors. The front and second rows of the RX have an inch more headroom than the Acura, measuring 39.4 and 39.1 inches, respectively. However, that is before the moonroof enters the picture. The headroom is reduced by roughly an inch with the moonroof. The only trims with a third row are the L trims, which also have significantly extra headroom in the front two rows.

2022 Acura MDX vs. 2022 Lexus RX: Powertrains

Although Acura still provides the MDX with a 3.0-litre V6 engine that is capable of producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of peak torque, it is only available in the Type S model. Regular models only come with the 3.5-litre V6 engine, which has 267 lb-ft of torque and 290 horsepower. A 10-speed automatic transmission is used with both engines.

The RX uses a single engine, just like the MDX. It does, however, provide a hybrid option, as well as two distinct—and somewhat unnecessary—states of tune with the conventional gas engine, unlike the MDX. The 3.5-litre V6 engine produces 295 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque in the 350 trims. Power and torque are both reduced by 5 hp and 5 lb-ft on the 350L. The engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and may power either the front or all four wheels.

On the other hand, AWD and the hybrid drivetrain are the only options for the 450 grades. The 3.5-litre V6 produces 308 horsepower when paired with a set of electric motors. It connects to an E-CVT

2022 Acura MDX vs.  2022 Lexus RX: Fuel Economy 

According to estimates, the FWD MDX achieves 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The mileage is reduced by 1 mpg by adding AWD.

The RX has comparable fuel efficiency ratings for its gas-powered models. The V6 offers 20 mpg in the city with FWD and 19 mpg with AWD, while on the interstate it achieves 27 mpg and 26 mpg, respectively. Both the FWD and AWD numbers for the 350L trim are reduced by 1 mpg.

The hybrid powertrain, in comparison, is able to achieve 31 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the interstate. The 450L highway mileage does not change, but the city mileage decreases by 2 mpg.

The Lexus outperforms the competition in this segment thanks to a greater maximum output and the availability of a hybrid powertrain.

2022 Acura MDX vs. 2022 Lexus RX Connectivity System

Acura equips the MDX as standard with a tonne of convenient amenities. The front seats in the cabin have 12-way power adjustments and memory as standard. Additionally, customers receive a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as standard. Additionally, the standard is the 12.3-inch central entertainment system with a touchpad and Wi-Fi. In addition to tri-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available. The MDX also includes wireless charging and a nine-speaker audio system as standard features.

The RX’s standard feature list is quite short when compared to the MDX. The little 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment is the standard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available as standard, but only through a USB connection. Even on the top trims, everything from the larger 12.3-inch interface to the head-up display and premium Mark Levinson audio system to the power moonroof and wireless charging is only offered as an optional extra or as part of a package. However, a dual-zone climate control system and electrically adjustable front seats come standard.

The MDX easily wins the top spot in the category thanks to an extensive list of standard features and more advanced technology in general.

2022 Acura MDX vs. 2022 Lexus RX Price 

For the current model year, the base trim with FWD starts at $48,245 and is well equipped. AWD and the technology package are also required for the MDX with Advanced Package, which costs $61,995.

The RX 350 costs $46,245 (destination included), whereas the 350 F Sport costs $49,725 and is only offered with a gas engine. Prices start at $48,945 for the hybrid-powered 450h and $52,425 for the 450h F Sport. Prices for the 350L and 450L three-row L trims begin at $49,075 and $52,335 respectively. The 350 and 450h are both eligible for the Luxury Package, which raises the base price by $43,890 and adds 20-inch alloy wheels and extensible squabs to the interior.

2022 Acura MDX vs. 2022 Lexus RX Specifications

Specifications	2022 Acura MDX	2022 Lexus RX
Engine Type	Gas	Gas
Transmission	10-speed shiftable automatic	8 speed shiftable automatic
Drive Type	Front wheel drive	Front wheel drive
Cylinders	V6	V6
Total Seating	7	5
EPA city/highway MPG	19/26 MPG	20/27 MPG

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Although the Lexus RX is a leader in its market, the 2022 Acura MDX outperforms it in practically all relevant categories. Despite not having a hybrid drivetrain, its long list of standard comfort amenities and safety features makes it difficult to ignore.  Then there is the sheer utility and versatility that the MDX provides that the RX can no longer match. So the MDX wins this outright unless you absolutely must have a hybrid luxury SUV.