2021 Lexus RX vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX was a sleek and understated crossover SUV, though not one that turned heads or ignited excitement. Its styling balanced subtle elegance and functionality, ensuring it blended unobtrusively into various environments. A key visual highlight was the Jewel Eye LED headlights, a defining feature that added both practical illumination and aesthetic appeal with five LED elements per side flanking a trapezoidal grille adorned with the signature Acura logo. The vehicle’s overall design was sleek and low-slung, with chiseled lines and a fast roofline contributing to an allure of streamlined sophistication. Inside, the MDX maintained a modern and uncomplicated design ethos, favoring a minimalist chic over opulent embellishments. The center stack showcased dual infotainment screens, including an 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation atop an On Demand Multi-Use Display touchscreen, providing a functional and visually integrated command center. The high quality of materials and precise fit and finish underscored the MDX’s solid build, with controls and switches that operated with satisfying tactility.

The 2021 Lexus RX, in contrast, embraced a more avant-garde and attention-grabbing design. From its sizable spindle grille to its sharp headlamps, sculpted bodywork, and floating roof, the RX projected a bold and contemporary aesthetic. Inside, the RX exuded luxury with sumptuous seating, perforated leather upholstery, and meticulous finishing touches, though the center console received criticism for its somewhat dated look. The RX lineup included five variants, catering to diverse needs with offerings like the performance-oriented F Sport models and the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid versions. Distinct elements like the RX’s 18-inch standard wheels, privacy glass, and integrated rear spoiler enhanced its visual charm. Options such as 20-inch wheels, triple-beam LED headlights, and F Sport-specific alterations added further customization and flair. The interior enjoyed dramatic fixtures like a leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel, reclining second-row seats, and versatile configurations, ensuring both driver and passengers experienced a high level of comfort and luxury despite the center console's dated appearance.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two compelling powertrain choices. The standard model came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This combination allowed for either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Sport Hybrid variant featured a 3.0-liter V6 engine combined with three electric motors, producing a total of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. During test drives, the gasoline-only model exhibited brisk acceleration and smooth gear transitions facilitated by paddle shifters and drive mode selections. The SH-AWD system enhanced handling through torque vectoring, drastically improving cornering stability and maneuverability. The nimble response and four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, effortlessly absorbing road imperfections.

In comparison, the 2021 Lexus RX, including the RXL and RX F-Sport, was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the engine was robust, some users noted occasional hesitations in gear selection under rapid acceleration. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD RX 350 achieving 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while AWD versions and the RXL reduced numbers slightly. Hybrid models combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors to produce 308 horsepower managed by an e-CVT, attaining up to 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Suspension tuning since 2020 had improved the RX’s dynamics, promoting a planted feel in corners for AWD models, though some body roll persisted at higher speeds. The F Sport variants offered additional performance enhancements, yet the RX’s steering and handling retained a more laid-back, everyday usability focus. Performance metrics included a 0-60 mph time of about 7.7 seconds for FWD models, up to a top speed of 124 mph for non-hybrid RXs, making it a decent but unremarkable performer in the luxury SUV category.

The 2020 Acura MDX excelled in blending functionality with sporty aesthetics, catering well to family usage with its three-row configuration. Its sliding and reclining second-row seats facilitated access to the third row, enhancing versatility in passenger and cargo arrangements. With 15.8 cubic feet of luggage room behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with seats folded, and maxing out at 90.9 cubic feet with all rear seats down, the MDX provided ample cargo space. Additional storage features included a recessed rear cubby and underfloor compartment, coupled with substantial up-front storage options like a large center console bin and glove box. The MDX also offered tri-zone climate control, accommodating comfort needs across the cabin.

The 2021 Lexus RX, available in both two- and three-row configurations, provided varying degrees of space and functionality. Two-row models seated five, while three-row RXL variants could seat up to seven, albeit with limited third-row space suitable mainly for children. The RX’s cargo space was less generous, offering 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with seats down, and significantly reducing in the three-row version to just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Nevertheless, functionality remained high with features like a standard power liftgate and optional hands-free operation. While the RX lagged behind rivals like the Nissan Murano and Honda CR-V in cargo capacity, it offered luxurious accommodations and practical conveniences tailored for everyday use.

The 2020 Acura MDX came well-equipped with thoughtful technology features, structured into simple yet comprehensive package options. Its base model included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free Bluetooth, and a basic yet functional audio system. Enhancements were available through the Technology and Advance Packages, adding cutting-edge features like rain-sensing wipers, navigation with real-time traffic updates, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and sophisticated safety technologies. The optional Entertainment Package added a DVD rear entertainment system complete with wireless headphones and additional speakers. Overall, the MDX blended ease of use with substantial tech amenities, encompassing both essential and advanced options.

For the 2021 Lexus RX, standard tech features included an 8-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, voice recognition, and seamless smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Additional upgrades brought amenities like a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, a panoramic moonroof, wireless charging, and the premium 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, enriching the infotainment experience. Despite a user-friendly touch interface, the RX’s infotainment system faced critiques for its cumbersome touchpad controller, which, although improved, still occupied considerable center console space and presented a steeper learning curve compared to competitors’ systems.

The 2020 Acura MDX stood strong on safety, equipped with AcuraWatch—a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance and safety features. This included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking as standard. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were added with the Technology Package, while the Advance Package included a Head-Up Warning system. The MDX’s ACE Body Structure aimed to dissipate crash forces, safeguarding occupants. It earned top safety scores from IIHS and NHTSA, reflecting its robust protective measures.

The 2021 Lexus RX also excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and favorable ratings from NHTSA, except the hybrid and extended models which hadn't been tested. Equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, the RX featured a comprehensive array of safety tools such as a pre-collision system, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The RX included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, though it lacked the advanced semi-autonomous capabilities found in some newer rivals.