2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX, a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, was engineered on a new dedicated platform, distinct from its previous Honda Pilot-shared base. This redesign resulted in a longer wheelbase, wider body, and a more elegant dash-to-axle distance. The MDX's exterior featured standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, giving it a sportier and more assertive look. Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX showcased high craftsmanship and quality. Inside, the MDX boasted a modernized, spacious cabin with authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather. The dashboard's layered design emphasized cabin width, and the unique gear selection controls added a touch of sophistication. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, though not a touchscreen, was strategically placed for safety.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned and tested in Santa Barbara, California, maintained a similar look to the standard RX 350, with subtle differences like the badge on the liftgate. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model stood out with its blacked-out grille, matte-black 21-inch wheels, and aggressive bumper designs. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not considered gorgeous, with a blunt-nosed appearance and a visually shortened rear end. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic approach with fewer controls and a new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury model featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. The RX's interior was luxurious, but the rear headroom was tight due to the higher seat cushion and lower roofline.

The 2022 Acura MDX came with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. A new 10-speed automatic transmission sent power to the front wheels or all four wheels with the optional Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system, with torque vectoring, enhanced cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and a revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving sporty handling and ride quality. The MDX's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, resulting in a solid ride feel. The new 10-speed automatic transmission worked seamlessly with the engine, offering five drive modes (Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual) to suit different driving styles.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two hybrid versions: the RX 350h and the RX 500h F Sport Performance. The RX 350h, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. However, it achieved only 27 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and a Dynamic Rear Steering system, making it more athletic and fun to drive. The RX 350h, with its lower center of gravity and electric assist motor, felt more secure in curves and offered better fuel economy, averaging 32 mpg.

The 2022 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, provided comfortable seating for the first two rows, with dual bucket sport seats in the front and an innovative second row with a removable center section. The second row could slide and recline, offering flexibility for legroom. The third row was best suited for pre-teens and smaller passengers. The MDX offered between 16.3 and 18.1 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 95 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate featured "Grab 'N Go" and Hands-Free Access functions, enhancing convenience. The interior lighting, with 27 customizable themes, added a unique touch to the cabin ambiance.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 350h Luxury model, offered ten-way power-adjustable front seats with premium leather and standard seat heating and ventilation. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model had eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids' battery packs were housed under the back seat, resulting in excellent leg support but tight rear headroom. The RX provided 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded. This was a significant improvement over the previous model but still fell short compared to some rivals.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification, delivering exceptional sound quality. The MDX came with a 12.3-inch landscape-oriented infotainment screen and the Acura Precision Cockpit 12.3-inch HD digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with Qi-compatible wireless device charging. The A-Spec and Advance trims included a CabinTalk feature and a head-up display (HUD). A WiFi hotspot and over-the-air (OTA) updates were also standard.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, the Lexus Interface, which required activation of connected services plans for full functionality. The system included a cloud-based navigation system, Intelligent Assistant digital voice assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RX's touchscreen could only display one menu at a time, and the screen suffered from reflections. The available head-up display (HUD) featured dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be problematic for drivers wearing polarized sunglasses. The RX also offered a Traffic Jam Assist system and an available Advanced Park semi-autonomous parking technology.

The 2022 Acura MDX had not yet been rated by the IIHS and NHTSA, but the outgoing model received high ratings. The MDX featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and a low-speed braking control system operated between one and six mph. The AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver assistance technologies was standard, including collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitor, expanded pedestrian detection, and traffic-jam assist.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance with front cross-traffic alert, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. The RX also featured Proactive Driving Assist, which slowed the vehicle when the accelerator pedal was released. The front cross-traffic alert system provided visual indicators on the HUD, but these were not visible with polarized sunglasses. The RX offered a Traffic Jam Assist system and an available Advanced Park semi-autonomous parking technology.