2023 Lexus RX vs 2022 Acura MDX

2022 Acura MDX
2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2023 Lexus RX
2023 Lexus RX
$47,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Lexus RX
$47,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$48,000
$47,800
Average price
$39,479
$51,216
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.6
4.6
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

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7.2 out of 10

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Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great handling
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Cramped third row
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Premium interior materials
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Woozy ride on imperfect pavement with standard suspension
  • Not much cargo space
  • Poor head-up display integration
Summary
Skipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature.
If you scrub electric-only Teslas from the list, the Lexus RX is the best-selling luxury vehicle in America. The model first went on sale about 25 years ago, and it has cultivated a loyal following with people who aspire to own a reliable, refined, safe, and stylish luxury crossover SUV. To say the redesigned 2023 Lexus RX represents the mother of all risk/reward scenarios is an understatement. But based on a day driving numerous versions of the new 2023 RX, we’d say Lexus has struck the right balance with its latest two-row midsize SUV.
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Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.5L 290 hp V6
2.4L 275 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
7
5
Horsepower
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
275 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
19
22
MPG Highway
26
29
Look and feel
2022 Acura MDX
8/10
2023 Lexus RX
8/10
The 2022 Acura MDX marks a significant leap forward, skipping the 2021 model to debut with a completely refreshed platform, exterior, and interior design. This fourth-generation model builds on its legacy since its 2001 introduction, offering a more assertive attitude and comprehensive improvements while preserving its core essence. It promises an elevated experience for its dedicated followers through its innovative design and enhanced features. Renowned as the best-selling luxury vehicle in America, excluding electric-only options, the Lexus RX has been a symbol of luxury, reliability, and style for 25 years. The 2023 model year introduces a redesigned Lexus RX that strikes a delicate balance between risk and reward, offering a refined, safe, and stylish luxury crossover SUV. With its latest iteration, Lexus aims to maintain its leadership in the luxury SUV segment, enhancing its appeal to both loyal customers and new aspirants.
Performance
2022 Acura MDX
8/10
2023 Lexus RX
7/10
The performance ratings from CarGurus reflect a preference for the MDX with an 8 out of 10, versus a 7 out of 10 for the RX. The MDX's sole engine option at launch, a 3.5-liter V6, coupled with a new 10-speed automatic transmission and an optional Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), delivers 290 horsepower. Its upgraded suspension and SH-AWD enhance handling and ride quality, making it a versatile performer across various driving conditions. Conversely, the RX 350's new turbocharged 2.4-liter engine offers 275 horsepower with more torque and slightly better fuel efficiency than its predecessor. While it lacks the V6's refinement, the F Sport Handling trim with adaptive suspension promises improved stability and comfort, although it struggles with torque steer and excessive body motion in certain conditions.
Form and function
2022 Acura MDX
8/10
2023 Lexus RX
7/10
Both SUVs strive to offer a harmonious blend of luxury and practicality, yet it's the MDX that edges ahead in terms of form and function, especially when considering its versatile three-row configuration and impressive cargo and luggage capacity. The 2022 Acura MDX not only impresses with innovative features like a removable second-row center section but also boasts a commendable luggage capacity, offering up to 95 cubic feet of space behind the first row, significantly outpacing the Lexus RX in terms of utility and passenger comfort. On the other hand, the 2023 Lexus RX, while providing a comfortable and upscale interior, especially in its higher trims, falls short in maximizing space efficiency compared to the MDX. With a luggage capacity of up to 46.2 cubic feet behind the first row, the RX offers less cargo space, reflecting its design focus on comfort and luxury over utility. Its modern and sophisticated interior, adorned with premium materials, underscores Lexus's commitment to quality, though it doesn't quite match the MDX's practicality in accommodating larger loads or more passengers.
Technology
2022 Acura MDX
8/10
2023 Lexus RX
6/10
In technology, the 2022 MDX outshines the 2023 RX, as reflected by CarGurus' ratings of 8 out of 10 for the MDX and 6 out of 10 for the RX. The MDX boasts the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, a wide array of connectivity options, and an impressive 12.3-inch infotainment screen, enhancing the user experience with its advanced features and intuitive controls. The RX introduces the next-generation Lexus Interface with options for a 9.8-inch or a 14-inch touchscreen, integrating wireless connectivity and intelligent voice recognition. However, it faces limitations in display customization and relies heavily on subscription services after the initial complimentary period.
Safety
2022 Acura MDX
8/10
2023 Lexus RX
8/10
Both vehicles score equally in safety, with an 8 out of 10. The MDX includes a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies. Its construction enhances both safety and vehicle stiffness, contributing to improved performance. The RX also boasts the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, introducing new technologies like motorcycle detection and advanced park assist. Despite its impressive array of features, some functionalities, like the curve-speed reduction, may not appeal to all drivers, and visibility issues with the head-up display (HUD) could be a concern for some.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Acura MDX is 8 out of 10, while the 2023 Lexus RX scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Acura MDX is the recommended choice for its superior performance, practicality, technology, and versatility.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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