2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Acura MDX

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, providing substantial upgrades both inside and out. These weren't just minor changes; the styling updates allowed the RX to stand out in an increasingly crowded market. Despite its age, the RX maintained a stylish edge over anything sporting a Toyota badge.

The 2020 RX featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights. The triple-beam LED headlights were available as an option, and the grille was updated to resemble that of Lexus cars more closely. Lexus added two new paint colors: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl.

The new shape included dual exhausts, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, creating a fresh rear look. An available hands-free tailgate added to the convenience. Inside, the RX cabin remained well-appointed, with various interior color and material combinations. Wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim were available through equipment packages.

Choosing the F Sport appearance package added a unique steering wheel and shift knob, aluminum pedals, bumpers, grille, badges, front seats, meter, aluminum ornamentation, and 20-inch wheels. The package included front and rear performance dampers, power-folding mirrors with memory, LED ambient lighting, stainless steel rear door garnishes, steering and seat memory, and scuff plates. Leather-wrapped surfaces felt premium and luxurious, appearing robust enough to handle family life. However, the center stack containing climate controls started to look dated, though it remained functional.

Conversely, the 2020 Acura MDX was a handsome crossover SUV, though it didn’t break any new ground in styling. It wasn’t eye-catching enough to stand out in a parking lot or attract a valet's attention but neither did it disappoint its driver. It managed to fit in, which sometimes was all that was needed.

Acura pioneered the use of LED headlights, and its Jewel Eye headlights gave the MDX a sophisticated look. These lights featured five LED elements per side, arranged horizontally with turn signals and running lamps. The trapezoidal grille, with a prominent Acura logo, anchored the vehicle's face effectively.

The MDX was sleek and low-slung for a three-row SUV, with chiseled details and a fast roofline. Acura's attention to flawless paint and chrome continued to impress. Inside, the MDX maintained a modern and simple design, avoiding the overly padded and stitched interiors seen in many luxury cars. The center stack, featuring twin infotainment screens, was a highlight. Material quality and fit and finish were excellent, giving the MDX a solid feel. Knobs and switches operated with authority, adding to the overall sense of durability and luxury.

The 2020 RX 350 models were equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup produced 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium 91 octane fuel or higher. The three-row RX 350L used the same engine but delivered slightly less power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, still mated to the smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.

A hybrid version, the RX 450h, paired the V6 engine with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. It was recommended to use 95 octane or higher gasoline for this model. The RX 450hL was the elongated version, with slightly different power figures—259 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque from the gasoline engine, assisted by a 165 horsepower electric motor. The powertrain was completed by an electronically-controlled CVT.

Every RX hybrid model featured one motor assisting the front wheels, with AWD variants (RX 450h and RX 450hL) gaining an additional motor on the rear axle, contributing 67 horsepower to the car. A third electric motor functioned as a generator, engine starter, and transmission-control device. Despite not being an athlete, most RX models managed a 0-60 mph time of around 7.9 seconds, slightly longer for the RX 450hL. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined. The RX 350L and AWD models got slightly lower figures, while the RX 450h offered 30 mpg combined, making it the most fuel-efficient variant.

The RX F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels to enhance agility. Active sound control, sport electric power steering, and a heated steering wheel were optional. The RX provided switchable drive modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport. Hybrid models also had EV mode for short-distance emissions-free driving. The F Sport package added Sport S+ mode and Customize options for performance tweaking.

The RX 350 F Sport impressed with smooth throttle response and shifting. With AWD, it maintained ground grip in most driving situations but struggled in snow without torque-vectoring technology. On highways and dry rural roads, the RX was maneuverable and provided a connected drive experience. The cabin remained quiet thanks to good insulation and structure, and braking was smooth and appropriately strong.

The 2020 MDX offered two powertrain choices—a 3.5-liter V6 engine with direct injection and variable valve timing, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission; available in FWD or AWD. The MDX Sport Hybrid utilized a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, connected to a seven-speed DCT with AWD.

In testing, the gasoline-only model with Acura’s SH-AWD system exhibited good straight-line performance with eager acceleration. Paddle shifters allowed sequential shifting, though the well-behaved transmission handled shifts efficiently in Comfort or Sport mode. The SH-AWD system incorporated torque-vectoring technology, enhancing cornering agility by directing power to the outside wheel during turns.

The MDX’s four-wheel independent suspension absorbed road bumps well, providing comfort for long drives. The SH-AWD system particularly shined by maintaining grip seamlessly even during challenging maneuvers like accelerating from a standstill around a corner. This technology ensured a smooth, drama-free driving experience without losing traction or engaging traction control unnecessarily.

The Lexus RX interior wasn’t as minimalist or stylish as some German luxury SUVs, but it remained functional and comfortable. The two-row RX model accommodated four adults comfortably, but the three-row RX-L was better suited for small children or pets in the third row. The space was tight for teens and adults.

In its two-row configuration, the RX cabin was wide and tall enough, officially a five-seater. The front seats offered long-term comfort with easy ingress and egress. Visibility was decent, though the A-pillar occasionally obstructed the driver’s view of curbs and corners. The cargo area in the RX 350 and 450h was smaller compared to rivals, with a high load floor compromising space. The split-folding rear seat was easy to operate.

The three-row RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space than competitors. For example, the Lincoln Aviator offered about 20 cubic feet more rear storage area compared to these Lexus models. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models, standard on the long-wheelbase RX-L versions.

The 2020 Acura MDX, a favored choice for families, incorporated functionality akin to that of minivans. The MDX featured sliding and reclining second-row seats, enhancing accessibility to the third row and allowing adjustable legroom distribution between rows. Headroom was adequate across all three rows.

The MDX offered 15.8 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, which folded flat in a 50/50 split revealing 43.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The second row folded flat in a 60/40 split, creating a vast 90.9-cubic-foot cargo hold with a fairly flat load floor extending to the back of the front seats. Additional storage included a recessed cubby on the rear cargo wall and a covered underfloor compartment for hidden storage.

Up front, the MDX boasted a spacious glove box, a drop-down sunglass holder, and a versatile center console with cupholders and a sliding armrest with access to a bin housing USB, power, and auxiliary jacks—ample space for a tablet, small laptop, or purse. Four door panels had water-bottle pockets and extra storage. Second-row passengers enjoyed a pair of cupholders and seatback pouches, and third-row passengers received armrest storage bins and cupholders.

MDX's standard tri-zone climate control offered separate heating and cooling options for the driver, front passenger, and rear cabin occupants.

For 2020, Lexus took steps to address criticisms of its infotainment system by moving the standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen 5.5 inches closer to the driver. However, even with the 12.3-inch touchscreen, the system remained challenging to navigate. Organizing the screen proved difficult, particularly during navigation use unless passengers provided directions verbally.

A workaround was the standard inclusion of Apple CarPlay, allowing iPhone users to bypass many of the infotainment system's usability issues. Additional connectivity options included Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, Google Assistant, Spotify, Pandora, Google Maps, Waze, Apple Music, Apple Maps, and WhatsApp, making the RX more user-friendly.

Physical controls improved with the touchpad system, now more responsive with a natural cursor feel, making it more manageable. For 2020, Lexus added two more USB ports, totaling six. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson setup available. A CD player was also standard, a nod to audiophiles despite the decline of physical discs in favor of digital formats.

The 2020 Acura MDX simplified its trims into comprehensive packages, each packed with technology features. The base MDX included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text messaging and email capability, a CD/MP3 player, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system.

Adding the Technology Package for $5,000 included rain-sensing wipers, LED puddle lights, front and rear parking sensors, navigation with Acura Real-Time Traffic and Traffic Rerouting, GPS-linked climate control, remote engine start, and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Studio Premium Audio system. The Advance Package for $6,750 added features like Active Damper System suspension, LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, power front lumbar support, heated rear outboard seats, a surround-view camera, Head-Up Warning, and two third-row USB charge ports.

The $2,000 Entertainment Package added a DVD rear entertainment system with a 110-volt front console power outlet and wireless headphones. The Advance Package came with a 16.2-inch Ultra-Wide VGA screen, HDMI compatibility, and two additional speakers, while the Technology Package featured a 9.0-inch VGA screen and one additional speaker.

Every Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was available, and a rearview camera was standard. For 2020, additional features included daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The road-sign assist and lane-tracing assist functions were tested successfully without being overly intrusive.

Lexus provided each RX with a three-year Lexus Enform Safety Connect subscription and a 10-year Enform Service Connect subscription. However, the Safety Connect system was unreliable during testing, struggling to connect and maintain connection despite being free from tree cover, although snow conditions may have impacted performance.

In crash tests, the RX received good ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as some newer rivals, the ratings remained respectable for a model in its generational middle.

The 2020 MDX featured AcuraWatch, a suite of passive and active safety features and advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. Safety features also comprised a rearview camera, front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, driver’s knee airbag, stability control, Trailer Stability Assist (AWD models), tire pressure monitoring, LATCH mounts, and a theft-deterrent system.

The MDX's body featured the “Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure," designed to manage crash energy effectively, redirecting it away from occupants. The IIHS rated the MDX "good" across all crash categories, "acceptable" for headlights, "superior" for front crash prevention, and "acceptable" for LATCH ease of use. The NHTSA awarded the MDX a five-star overall safety rating.