So, the MDX has long been a hit for Acura, and as a matter of fact, it’s also long been the best-selling luxury 3-row SUV. But it’s also never had a real challenge mounted by its nemesis Lexus, since the short-lived and ill-fated RX-L was too small to truly compete. However, that is changing right now, with the introduction of the all-new Lexus TX nameplate! This new luxury SUV is promising to take down the likes of MDX by prioritizing space over all else. So, was it successful? Well, let’s go ahead and find out who wins in the 2024 Acura MDX vs. 2024 Lexus TX battle!
Pricing and Equipment
Now like always, let’s quickly establish the pricing and trim levels right from the start.
Beginning with the established MDX, we have the MDX Advance, which is the top trim level outside of the performance-oriented Type S models. Pricing has steadily risen over the last few years, to a total of $65,500.
Acura MDX Advance AWD: $64,400 | Options: +$640 | Destination: $1,195 | Total: $65,595
Moving to the new TX, the equivalent model, and what will be the best-seller, is the TX 350. We selected the Luxury trim for equal features to the Advance MDX, and after a few options, its total price is a couple thousand dollars richer.
Lexus TX 350 Luxury AWD: $62,550 | Options: +$3,339 | Destination: $1,350 | Total: $67,239
By the way, if you want to get the best price from local dealerships and access to invoice pricing info for these two models or any vehicle, we have a tool on our website to do just that. Check the link in the description for more info.
Now as far as this comparison, it will be conducted in an objective way. We have done our best to weigh the points awarded throughout in major and minor categories, but at the end of the comparison we will sum up with our thoughts and revisit the price difference for a value assessment. With that being said, let’s get into this comparison!
Exterior Design
Starting here with the exteriors, both models represent their respective brands signature designs, but with a little twist in the case of the TX. It has the famous spindle grille like every Lexus, but it is now a “Unified Spindle”, meaning it is entirely body-color. The MDX’s diamond-pentagon grille remains as do the “jewel-eye” LED headlights.
The TX deviates again by not having the signature triple-beam LED headlights, but regardless, all parts of its headlight cluster are LED just like the MDX, and both of them have LED fog lights.
Moving to the side, the new TX is going to have about a 5-inch advantage on length, and you’ll want to stick around until later when we compare all the interior measurements as well.
Length: 203.2-inches (TX) | 198.4-inches (MDX)
The TX has a floating roof effect as we move around to the back, and as far as the rear, both have small upper spoilers, exposed wipers, and fully-LED tail lamp clusters. The MDX has exposed exhaust outlets.
Towing (max): MDX: 5,000 lbs | TX: 5,000 lbs
Additional Features
Now checking out some of the individual features, both of their mirrors are fully loaded with heating, blind spot monitoring, power-folding, and auto-dimming. Both their warranties are the same as well, including the complimentary maintenance.
MDX: Warranties: Basic Warranty: 4yr/50k mi | Powertrain: 6yr/70k mi | Complimentary Maintenance: 2yr/24k mi
TX: Warranties: Basic Warranty: 4yr/50k mi | Powertrain: 6yr/70k mi | Complimentary Maintenance: 2 visits
Now one of the things both Japanese luxury brands excel at is including all active safety features as standard equipment on all trim levels. Additionally, they both have convenience features, such as traffic jam assist functions. It is worth noting though that the TX has additional hands-free functionality under 25 MPH, and it also has remote smart parking via your smartphone.
Interior Design
As we walk toward the interiors, both models have smart entry as you would expect, plus the available digital key system in the Lexus.
While this doesn’t really change anything in the day-to-day, be aware that the TX has electronic door handles, so the handle itself won’t move when you grab it.
Now let’s take a second to take in the interiors, which both have their own unique feeling of luxury. The seats themselves are one of those luxurious elements since they are wrapped in semi-analine and Milano leather in the Lexus and Acura respectively. We have an equal number, but different kinds of adjustments, and both have heating, cooling and memory.
But as we get inside, this gives us an opportunity to access the major category of overall material quality. Like I said a second ago, they’re not very similar in the material choices they have made, with the TX focusing on leatherette and suede in the areas you might touch. The MDX, though, not only has more visual contrast, but it also has more diversity of materials used. It has leatherette, real metal speaker grilles, and generous use of real open-pore wood trim, which is something the Lexus only has in one small area.
After startup, you’ll see 12.3 digital gauge clusters on both, as well as head up displays.
Both steering wheels will be leather-wrapped and heated, as well as power adjusting.
Storage and Technology
But that takes us to the interior storage and functionality here in the front of the cabin. While the center consoles are pretty much the same sizes, it’s the other areas where the TX excels against the MDX. It has removable cup holders for a multi-function bin, and it has more space in front of them with its arrangement.
Now moving on to the shifters, both of them are electronic ones, with paddle shifters on the steering wheels. And, when in reverse, both also have 360-degree camera systems.
I mentioned the speaker grilles earlier but, of course, there is more to a great sounding sound system than that, so let’s go ahead and take a sample. Overall, both sound systems are fantastic and offer balanced, full sound that really pops.
TX: 21-speaker Mark Levinson Pure Play audio
MDX: 16-speaker, ELS 3D Premium Audio
Moving on to climate, both models have 3-zone climate control systems are on board. The TX’s are largely inside the screen, but both models have physical toggles or knobs for the most important adjustment, the temperature.
The biggest con of using screen climate controls, though, is that they take up about a third of TX’s 14-inch display, meaning that the useable area is no larger than the MDX with its 12.3-inch display.
Size-aside, the displays have an important difference: the TX’s is a touch screen, while the MDX is not, as you might have clued in on by how far away it is mounted. In the Acura you have to use the odd 1:1 mapped touchpad, which is something you can get used to, but is definitely harder to use.
Features-wise both have navigation and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Last but certainly not least for the front of the interiors, the Lexus has a digital camera rearview mirror, and both have large panoramic sunroofs that open up.
Rear Seats and Cargo
But now it’s time for the back of the interiors, an equally important space for the family members and belongings you will probably be hauling around in these two. Starting with leg and headroom measures in the second row, the TX has a small advantage but not by more than the 5% threshold required to score a point. Both feel nice and spacious sitting behind a 5’9” driving position.
- MDX: Legroom: 38.5-inches | Headroom: 38.1-inches
- TX: Legroom: 39.5-inch | Headroom: 38.5-inch
Jumping into amenities, there are rear climate controls, vents, 2 USB ports, and sunshades on both. Both their seats are also heated, but after this is where we start to see divergence.
First, the MDX has a household power outlet, but the most important distinguishing difference is the MDX’s multi-function seats. You have 3 seats back here, you can fold it down for a center console, or you can completely remove it for on-demand captain chairs. In comparison, the TX has the choice between either captain’s chairs or bench seating, and if you wanted the available rear seat ventilation, you must choose the captain’s chairs.
Let’s head to the next row of seats, which both have easy access sliding systems. First off, both have two seats back here to maximize comfort instead of 3. But once you climb back there, you will immediately notice that the extra exterior length on the TX was applied here. It has about 14% more legroom, which makes it comfortable for even adults back here, something that cannot be said about the MDX.
- TX: Legroom: 33.5-in | Headroom: 37.2-in
- MDX: Legroom: 29.1-in | Headroom: 36.2
Lastly, both have USB ports, but vents are strangely missing from the MDX.
Now let’s get into the cargo areas. After the hands-free tailgates open, you will find a tremendous size discrepancy. In all 3 seating configurations, the TX has the advantage, and that only grows as the third and second rows are folded, ending with 30% more space in maximum configuration. MDX’s space figures are competitive with other rivals, but the TX simply beats everything else out there.
MDX: Behind 3rd row: 16.3 cu.ft | Behind 2nd row: 39.1 cu.ft | MAX: 71.4 cu.ft
TX: Behind 3rd Row: 20.2-cu.ft | 2nd Row: 57.4-cu.ft | MAX: 97.0-cu.ft
We also measured the cargo length from the front row and came up with 89 inches vs. 81 inches in the MDX.
The last thing I want to mention here is that the third row is power folding on the Lexus.
Alright, that’s it for the interiors, so now let’s take this battle to the streets!
Powertrain
Under the hood, there are fundamental differences between the MDX and TX. In standard configuration, the MDX comes with a traditional 3.5L V-6 engine, while the TX has a new 2.4L Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This means that MDX has the horsepower advantage, and the TX has a torque advantage.
- MDX: 3.5L V-6: 290 hp | 267 lb.ft
- TX 350: 2.4L Turbo I-4: 275 hp | 317 lb.ft
Transmission-wise, we have an 8-speed automatic in the TX and a 10-speed automatic in the MDX. More gears don’t necessarily mean better, but in this case, the MDX seems to shift smoother with less head bobble. Both of them also have advanced AWD systems.
Driving Impressions and fuel economy
But its definitely not all about speed since comfort is more important for luxury family crossovers. In this regard both absolutely nail the ride quality, with extremely plush rides that isolate out all but the largest potholes.
As you would expect, neither model is particularly sporty, and both have light steering setups. Because of double-wishbone front suspension on the MDX, its handling is tighter and more controlled feeling.
In addition to having comfy rides, let’s talk about the noise levels in the cabins. Both achieve very impressive ratings under 54 dB at 55 MPH, and the scores are so close that the difference is well under the 1 dB difference that the average adult can discern.
MDX Advance: 53.9 dB @ 55 MPH
TX Luxury: 53.7 dB @ 55 MPH
And lastly, for fuel economy, the TX’s turbocharged engine does help it achieve about 9% better overall fuel economy.
- MDX AWD: 19/25/21 MPG
- TX 350 AWD: 20/26/23 MPG
Is bigger really better?
So, it turns out that size does matter… at least when it comes to a luxury 3-row family smackdown! TX is our objective winner today, but let’s talk about who should be “your winner”:
MDX:
- Traditional V-6 engine
- More premium materials used inside the cabin
- Unique multi-function center rear seat
TX:
- Best 3rd Row
- Best cargo capacity
- Easier to use technology
Now we want to know your opinions, so make sure to head to the comment section and let us know which one you would pick! Thanks for joining us for another Car Confections comparison! Be sure to watch the full video below for all the details!
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