2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as an understated, yet well-crafted crossover SUV. It didn't grab attention at first glance, but it maintained a respectable, polished look that complemented its surroundings without pretension. Acura had an early start adopting LED headlights with its distinctive Jewel Eye design, featuring five LED elements per side, enhancing both visibility and aesthetic appeal. Flanking a trapezoidal grille centered by a large Acura logo, these headlights defined the expressive front façade of the vehicle.

The MDX's exterior was sleek for a three-row SUV, with precise detailing and an aerodynamic roofline. This vehicle boasted flawless paint and chrome work, showing Acura's dedication to quality. Internally, the MDX provided a modern, simple aesthetic. The dual infotainment screens were a highlight, featuring an 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation and a lower On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touch screen. Quality materials and solid construction contributed to an atmosphere of assured integrity, with authoritative-feeling knobs and switches enhancing the experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460, however, portrayed a bulkier, assertive figure. Its basic body design had remained largely unchanged for a decade, albeit with updates such as the spindle grille in 2014, and the new triple-beam LED headlights in 2020. The stylistic updates created a cohesive look, making the GX distinctive and appealing to SUV enthusiasts. In 2021, the Premium trim level offered standard silver 18-inch wheels.

Internally, the GX struggled to assert a similarly modern stance. The upright dashboard and high center console constrained legroom, with an awkward steering wheel angle and high seating position likened to bus driving. While outward visibility was strong due to the boxy profile, the dated tech interface and abundance of plastic materials were noticeable. Despite offering a heated wood-trimmed steering wheel for the Premium models, the interior fell short of the comfort and luxury expected of modern SUVs.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered a choice between two powertrains. One was a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The alternative Sport Hybrid version combined a 3.0-liter V6 with three electric motors, delivering a total of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with all-wheel drive.

The gasoline MDX with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) ensured dynamic acceleration and nimble cornering. The inclusion of torque-vectoring technology allowed power to be directed to the outside wheel in a turn, enhancing maneuverability without compromising control. The four-wheel independent suspension smoothed out road imperfections, making extended journeys more comfortable.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 relied on a single powertrain option: a robust 4.6-liter V8 engine delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Although the V8 provided substantial grunt, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, the GX's hefty 5,130-pound weight posed a challenge at higher speeds. The handling was typical of a traditional body-on-frame SUV, with significant body roll and a less refined ride quality.

Despite these limitations on pavement, the GX excelled off-road with features like a Torsen center differential, low-range transfer case, and driver aids including hill-descent and hill-start assist. Optional upgrades, such as the Off-Road Package, enhanced its rugged capabilities, making it a go-to for rugged terrains and towing demands up to 6,500 pounds.

The Acura MDX catered to family practicality with its three-row configuration, sliding and reclining second-row seats, and substantial cargo capacity. Behind the third row, the MDX provided 15.8 cubic feet of space. Folding the second and third rows expanded this to 90.9 cubic feet, featuring a flat load floor and additional concealed storage spaces. The front center console was versatile, offering deep storage for electronics, and complementary storage spaces dotted the cabin for passenger convenience, including water bottle pockets and various bins.

In comparison, the Lexus GX prioritized seating versatility with three rows accommodating seven occupants. However, its interior space suffered from design constraints. The second-row seats hindered third-row access, and Lexus only quoted cargo capacity with rear seats folded, offering 64.7 cubic feet—well below the Discovery's 73.0 cubic feet.

Increasing the practical inconvenience, the third row drastically reduced cargo space, making the GX more suitable as a two-row SUV for everyday use. In-cabin storage was less accommodating with smaller bins and cupholders, but analogue controls for climate and entertainment systems were straightforward, avoiding the pitfalls of overly complex touchscreens.

The Acura MDX embraced technology with neatly categorized package options. The base model offered essentials like Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. Enhanced packages included additional tech touches such as navigation, GPS-linked climate control, premium audio systems, parking sensors, remote start, and rear entertainment systems.

Conversely, the Lexus GX showed its age in the tech department. Despite standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The dated graphics and limited functionality of the infotainment system fell short of contemporary standards. Analog controls and shortcut buttons mitigated some of the technological shortcomings but underscored the GX’s less advanced setup compared to modern luxury SUVs.

For safety, the 2020 Acura MDX came standard with the AcuraWatch suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, collision warnings, and emergency braking. Additional packages introduced blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and surround-view cameras. Featuring the Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure, the MDX received high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, with strong scores across various crash-test categories.

The 2021 Lexus GX, while lacking crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS, similarly offered a suite of standard driver aids under the Lexus Safety System+ banner. However, it missed several features available in other Lexus and Toyota models. The basic safety set involved forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, along with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.