2022 Lexus NX vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series, offered a range of trim levels and prices from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding destination charges. The NX 250 and NX 350 were non-electrified, while the NX 350h was a hybrid, and the NX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid. The NX 350, particularly in F Sport and Luxury trims, featured a distinctive spindle grille, new block lettering on the tailgate, and a minimalist interior design. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like a unique grille, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and sport-bolstered seats.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX, available in standard and Type S versions, ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The Type S Advance trim, with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, set high expectations for quality and luxury. The MDX Type S featured subtle styling cues, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, it boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it challenging to use certain controls. The MDX Type S aimed for a sporty appearance but had some design flaws that detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h with 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg, and the NX 450h+ with 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350 F Sport felt taut and responsive, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer ride. The NX's handling impressed, but the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of its German rivals.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The MDX Type S had an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Performance enhancements included a solid front suspension stabilizer bar, Electro-Servo brakes, and larger front brake rotors. However, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, falling short of its EPA rating, and had a disjointed driving feel.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room, with a cozy dashboard design and comfortable seating. The F Sport trim provided better bolstering, while the Luxury trim featured a nature-inspired ambient lighting system. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, and the NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. The NX had 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seats, with options for two or three second-row seating positions. The Type S Advance trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row seat could slide forward for easier third-row access, but the third row was best for children. The MDX's cargo area offered 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage options in the center console.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or optional 14-inch touchscreen display. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based services. The NX offered a 10-speaker sound system or an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and various connected services. However, the 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and dust, and the lack of a tuning knob was a drawback.

The 2023 Acura MDX had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface (TTI). The TTI design took up valuable center console space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display. The MDX's infotainment system included SiriusXM satellite radio, native navigation, and AcuraLink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription. The top-shelf ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Lexus NX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured Acura Watch, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.