2020 Lexus GX vs 2019 Acura MDX

2019 Acura MDX
2019 Acura MDX
$44,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lexus GX
2020 Lexus GX
$53,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Acura MDX
$44,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lexus GX
$53,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

The 2019 Acura MDX edges out the 2020 Lexus GX with a slightly higher overall rating. The MDX offers a well-rounded package with continuous improvements, advanced technology, and a compelling value proposition.

Overview

MSRP

$44,300

MSRP

$53,000

Average price

$25,969

Average price

$40,950

Listings

368

Listings

167
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Off-road capability
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Uninspired styling

2019 Acura MDX Reviews Summary

Slowly but surely, Acura is picking itself up and dusting itself off after a decade of wayward product development and marketing decisions took Honda’s luxury division off-track. Through it all, though, the MDX midsize 3-row crossover SUV has propped the company up, selling in great enough quantities and at high enough profit margins to ensure Acura’s survival. Now in its sixth year since a complete redesign, is the 2019 MDX still worthy in a battle against newer competitors?

2020 Lexus GX Reviews Summary

Depending on who you ask, the modern SUV will continue to dominate the new-car market until it's the only type of vehicle on the road (except pickup trucks). That prediction makes sense; modern SUVs drive like cars, can get through most snowstorms, and have the cargo space to tackle most of what daily life throws at them. They are great all-around vehicles, but in trying to master everything, many have lost the specialization that made them noteworthy in the first place. In particular, many luxury SUVs have lost their off-road credibility.

There are exceptions to this trend, including upmarket trims of the Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as most of the Land Rover lineup. Another brand that bucks the trend is Lexus. Sure, the Lexus RX pretty much created the modern luxury crossover, but it gets sold right alongside the immensely capable Lexus LX and this vehicle: the 2020 Lexus GX.

You’ll be forgiven if you forgot the GX was still available. Lexus has updated the GX for 2020 with fresh styling to make it a bit more memorable. Still, beneath that new exterior is one of the oldest vehicles offered today, and as you’ll learn, that has its advantages.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 290 hp V6

Engine

4.6L 301 hp V8

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

Horsepower

301 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

15

MPG Highway

27

MPG Highway

19
2019 Acura MDX
2019 Acura MDX
$44,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lexus GX
2020 Lexus GX
$53,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Acura MDX
$44,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lexus GX
$53,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

The 2019 Acura MDX edges out the 2020 Lexus GX with a slightly higher overall rating. The MDX offers a well-rounded package with continuous improvements, advanced technology, and a compelling value proposition.

Overview
MSRP
$44,300
$53,000
Average price
$25,969
$40,950
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.8
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Off-road capability
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Uninspired styling
Summary
Slowly but surely, Acura is picking itself up and dusting itself off after a decade of wayward product development and marketing decisions took Honda’s luxury division off-track. Through it all, though, the MDX midsize 3-row crossover SUV has propped the company up, selling in great enough quantities and at high enough profit margins to ensure Acura’s survival. Now in its sixth year since a complete redesign, is the 2019 MDX still worthy in a battle against newer competitors?

Depending on who you ask, the modern SUV will continue to dominate the new-car market until it's the only type of vehicle on the road (except pickup trucks). That prediction makes sense; modern SUVs drive like cars, can get through most snowstorms, and have the cargo space to tackle most of what daily life throws at them. They are great all-around vehicles, but in trying to master everything, many have lost the specialization that made them noteworthy in the first place. In particular, many luxury SUVs have lost their off-road credibility.

There are exceptions to this trend, including upmarket trims of the Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as most of the Land Rover lineup. Another brand that bucks the trend is Lexus. Sure, the Lexus RX pretty much created the modern luxury crossover, but it gets sold right alongside the immensely capable Lexus LX and this vehicle: the 2020 Lexus GX.

You’ll be forgiven if you forgot the GX was still available. Lexus has updated the GX for 2020 with fresh styling to make it a bit more memorable. Still, beneath that new exterior is one of the oldest vehicles offered today, and as you’ll learn, that has its advantages.

Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.5L 290 hp V6
4.6L 301 hp V8
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
301 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
20
15
MPG Highway
27
19
Look and feel
2019 Acura MDX
9/10
2020 Lexus GX
7/10

The 2019 Acura MDX has been a dominant force in the midsize, 3-row crossover segment for over a decade, offering continuous improvements and a new A-Spec Package trim level. The MDX's interior features quality materials and a dual-cowl dashboard design, providing a comfortable and practical experience for occupants.

The 2020 Lexus GX, while long in the tooth, offers rugged capability and a spacious interior. It features a distinct hourglass grille design and a large, chunky center console, providing a more traditional and functional feel.

Performance
2019 Acura MDX
9/10
2020 Lexus GX
9/10

Both the 2019 Acura MDX and the 2020 Lexus GX receive high ratings for performance. The MDX comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, offering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The optional SH-AWD system enhances the driving experience, and the MDX Sport Hybrid model provides even better fuel economy and driving dynamics.

The Lexus GX is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. It offers impressive off-road capability, a smooth ride, and the ability to tow up to 6,500 pounds.

Form and function
2019 Acura MDX
9/10
2020 Lexus GX
8/10
The 2019 Acura MDX provides a comfortable and practical interior, with fantastic front seats, ample storage, and a versatile cargo space. The 2020 Lexus GX offers second-row captain's chairs and power-folding third-row seats, providing flexibility for families and cargo.
Technology
2019 Acura MDX
5/10
2020 Lexus GX
6/10
The 2019 Acura MDX features an upgraded infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its dual-screen approach and voice-recognition system have been criticized. The 2020 Lexus GX comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but offering simplicity and ease of use.
Safety
2019 Acura MDX
8/10
2020 Lexus GX
8/10
Both the 2019 Acura MDX and the 2020 Lexus GX prioritize safety, with advanced driver-assistance features. The MDX includes the AcuraWatch suite of safety systems, while the GX comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+ and blind-spot monitoring.
Cost Effectiveness
2019 Acura MDX
8/10
2020 Lexus GX
7/10
CarGurus logo

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.