2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX, particularly in its Type S Advance trim, was a harmonious blend of subtlety and sportiness. With prices ranging from $49,550 to $73,200 plus a $1,195 destination charge, the MDX set high expectations. Our test vehicle showcased an eye-catching Apex Blue Pearl exterior and a refined Orchid interior, hitting a lofty MSRP of $74,995.

Acura's approach to the Type S was a significant leap forward, marking the first time an MDX bore the Type S badge. Equipped with chicane-design LED running lights, taillights, and automatic high-beam LED headlights, it boasted minor but impactful front styling tweaks and minimalistic badging. The 21-inch wheels and quad exhaust outlets further solidified its athletic stance, while the panoramic sunroof and Iconic Drive ambient lighting added a touch of luxury.

Inside, the MDX Type S impressed with perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, the MDX wasn't without minor flaws. The vehicle’s tapering body design could create an illusion of a massive dent, and the gloss black dashboard accents sometimes hindered usability. The electronic transmission switchgear also drew mixed reactions.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid held its own in aesthetic appeal during a drive event in Santa Barbara, California. The RX 350h Luxury model in Iridium (silver) paint flaunted 21-inch wheels and an understated design sans any hybrid-specific badging. The RX 500h F Sport Performance variant distinguished itself with Copper paint, a blacked-out grille, matte-black wheels, and aggressive bumpers.

Traditionally not labeled as gorgeous, the RX models, especially the 2023 versions, retained their somewhat blunt-nosed appearance. They bore an imbalanced visual weight around the front wheels, which the stretched wheelbase further emphasized. The RX’s unique rear pillar design visually shortened the SUV, giving it a smaller appearance despite comparable dimensions to previous models.

Inside, the RX offered a sleek, minimalistic design with fewer controls, an improved infotainment system, and contemporary textures. Our RX 350h Luxury model featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim creating a luxurious cabin ambiance. Meanwhile, the RX 500h F Sport Performance boasted an all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. For those seeking contrast, Riojas Red upholstery was an option.

Under the hood of the 2023 Acura MDX Type S, a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 produced 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant boost over the standard 3.5-liter V6. Despite weighing 285 pounds more than the lightest standard MDX with AWD, the twin-scroll turbo V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s SH-AWD system aimed to balance performance and handling. This AWD could direct up to 70% of the engine output to a single rear wheel and was enhanced by brake-based Agile Handling Assist.

The MDX Type S offered Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, alongside an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. The vehicle included a solid front stabilizer bar, Electro-Servo brake system, larger front brake rotors, and upgraded Brembo calipers, intending to elevate performance.

However, the results were mixed. Despite its substantial performance upgrades, the MDX Type S often felt disconnected. Transmission inconsistencies, harsh suspension reactions, and poor brake pedal modulation detracted from the driving experience. Fuel economy was also a downside, with an average of 16.9 mpg, significantly below the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

Conversely, the 2023 Lexus RX 350h Hybrid's powertrain based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine achieved a balance of efficiency and performance, generating 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. Despite less power, it accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and was expected to average 36 mpg in combined driving.

The RX 500h F Sport Performance variant took it up a notch with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering a combined 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, completing 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Though it was expected to average 27 mpg, the real-world figure was lower at 20.9 mpg due to enthusiastic driving.

The RX 500h excelled dynamically with an adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and a rear-wheel steering system, all contributing to its agility. However, to balance this sportiness, Lexus included Active Sound Control to enhance the driving experience without degrading fuel efficiency significantly.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the RX 350h Hybrid thrived, averaging 32 mpg during testing, showcasing its potential as an economical option while performing better than its standard counterpart.

For the 2023 Acura MDX, functionality was paramount. Offering three rows of seats and various seating configurations, the MDX accommodated passengers and cargo with ease. The Type S Advance trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage and tri-zone automatic climate control. However, the seats, while comfortable, were slightly firm and didn't sufficiently envelop the driver during spirited driving.

The MDX’s interior layout prioritized style over storage practicality. Storage bins and compartments were smaller than expected. The second-row seats, configurable for extra space, slid forward for third-row access, but the rear seating area was tight for adults. Cargo space behind the third row was 18.1 cubic feet, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with second and third rows folded.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered comparable comfort, particularly in the RX 350h Luxury with its ten-way power-adjustable seats, premium semi-aniline leather, heated and ventilated seats, and an efficient three-zone climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance provided eight-way adjustable seats with standard leather, featuring prominent side bolsters intended for more spirited driving.

Lexus placed the hybrid battery under the back seat, elevating the seat cushion. Though leg support and foot space were excellent, rear headroom was compromised due to the lower roofline. Cargo space in the RX Hybrid improved significantly from previous models, offering 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, bridging the gap with its competitors.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI), a unique but less intuitive alternative to traditional touchscreens. Despite its attempt to improve interaction, the TTI took up considerable console space, partially obstructing the wireless charging pad.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In provided connectivity, but the native voice recognition system lagged in performance. The advanced Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system, available with the Advance package, delivered impeccable sound quality. An option for a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) added useful driving information, but occasional misreads by the traffic sign recognition system were noted.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced an upgraded infotainment system with extended connected services plans. Setup required activating free trial subscriptions to various connected services, creating a user profile for seamless transfer to other Lexus and Toyota models with the same system.

The RX's Intelligent Assistant performed adequately except for occasional mismatches in searches. The system had some ergonomic issues, like only displaying one screen menu at a time, reflections affecting screen visibility, and the lack of a dedicated tuning knob. The HUD, coupled with unmarked dual-function touch control pads on the steering wheel, added distraction, particularly for drivers using polarized sunglasses.

The comprehensive Acura Watch suite in the 2023 MDX included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and Traffic Jam Assist. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and optional front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking added to the safety net.

While the systems generally performed well, occasional false lane-departure notifications and a notable malfunction with the collision warning system under certain lighting conditions were troublesome. Despite these issues, the MDX boasted strong safety ratings, including an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), featuring new enhancements like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assist, intersection turn assist with front cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with curve-speed reduction. Proactive Driving Assist, regenerative braking, and Traffic Jam Assist were also part of the package.

Although effective, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had quirks that could affect user experience. The driver monitoring system could become intrusive if natural driving behavior blocked its sensors. Overall, LSS+ 3.0 demonstrated considerable advancement in safety technology.