2023 Acura MDX vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Acura MDX came in both standard and Type S versions, with each offering a variety of trim packages to enhance equipment levels. The standard MDX featured base, Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the Type S was available in standard spec or with an Advance package. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, excluding a destination fee of $1,195. Our test model was a Type S Advance, featuring extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid (white) interior. The MSRP was $74,995. Acura aimed to provide excellence in quality, luxury, and driving dynamics at this price point, but it sometimes fell short. This fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to bear the Type S badge. Its design was subtly aggressive, featuring chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam function, and 21-inch wheels. Quad exhaust outlets framed a rear diffuser panel. Inside, the Type S featured perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package including a black headliner and stainless steel pedal covers. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. Overall, it was visually appealing, but body tapering at the doors could sometimes create the illusion of a dent, and the gloss black plastic interior elements made some controls difficult to access. In stark contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX embraced a geometric design, departing from the softer corners of earlier models. The revised spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The front fascia was more vertically oriented, presenting a more aggressive look. The side profile appeared as if carved from a solid block of metal, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for better visibility. Standard running boards adorned the base, with power units available in the Luxury+ trim. Lexus offered the 2024 GX in six trims: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and Overtrail and Overtrail+. The Overtrail models were particularly off-road focused, sporting 18-inch wheels with large sidewalls on 33-inch all-terrain tires and eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery. The interior blended luxurious touches such as heated and ventilated front seats with utilitarian materials for durability. The GX's interior design aimed for minimalist sophistication, equipped with a 14-inch touchscreen and a centralized layout of physical controls for crucial functions. The dashboard sat flat and upright, contributing to the GX's premium yet rugged feel.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a unique turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, significantly higher than the standard 3.5-liter V6. The MDX Type S used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters connected to Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. This system could send up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. Despite these upgrades, the MDX Type S weighed 285 pounds more than the lightest standard MDX with AWD. The Type S also included an Integrated Dynamics System offering Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ modes, along with a special Lift mode increasing ground clearance to 9.4 inches using adaptive air suspension. However, the MDX Type S struggled to cohesively integrate its performance enhancements. Transmission inconsistencies, poor brake pedal modulation, and higher than anticipated fuel consumption detracted from the driving experience. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg in combined driving during testing, falling short of its EPA rating of 19 mpg. On the other hand, the 2024 Lexus GX upgraded from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, generating 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The GX employed a 10-speed automatic transmission, which performed confidently and assertively. The new GX came with standard full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) and offered a locking rear differential in the Overtrail trims. The GX’s GA-F truck platform provided a much stiffer chassis, contributing to a stable and composed ride both on-road and off. The Overtrail models included an advanced E-KDSS suspension system which improved wheel articulation and off-road maneuverability. During testing, the GX performed well, showcasing effective braking and a minimal body roll for its class. Though off-road testing was limited due to weather conditions, the GX’s potential in rugged terrains seemed promising based on available features.

The 2023 Acura MDX excelled in functionality, offering three rows of seats and multiple second-row configuration options. Our Type S Advance featured fully adjustable 16-way power front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though the seats could feel overly firm. The MDX provided a usable cargo area with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The cargo space was ample, complete with a practical underfloor storage bin and hooks for grocery bags. A hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function added convenience. Conversely, the 2024 Lexus GX offered a more minimalist and sophisticated cabin. Passenger space was comfortable in the first and second rows, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second. The third row was tight, best for children. The GX was a cargo-space champion, providing 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded. Total cargo capacity reached 76.9 cubic feet, with the Overtrail models offering up to 90.5 cubic feet. The GX and MDX both offered practical solutions for family road trips and hauling. However, the GX's superior cargo capacity made it the better option for those needing to transport larger loads.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. Unfortunately, it lacked touch capability, requiring users to operate it through a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. This design sacrificed storage space and usability, though it did offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Amazon Alexa Built-In. The MDX’s tech suite included SiriusXM satellite radio, a native navigation system, and AcuraLink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription. The optional ELS Studio 3D audio system offered superb sound quality. Meanwhile, the 10.5-inch head-up display provided key information easily. The 2024 Lexus GX was equipped with a 14-inch touchscreen, integrated seamlessly into its dash. It supported Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto, and an intelligent voice assistant via Drive Connect. GX Overtrail trims included additional USB-C ports and a 120-volt AC outlet for more power options. The GX’s Drive Connect and Remote Connect provided features such as remote locking/unlocking and vehicle diagnostics, free for three years. Post-trial, subscription costs ranged from $15 to $25 per month. The upscale Mark Levinson audio system in higher trims was a significant highlight.

The 2023 Acura MDX was equipped with the AcuraWatch suite, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors on higher trims. However, the MDX had a few inconsistencies with its safety tech, such as false lane-departure warnings and a moment where it mistakenly identified an overhead sign as an obstacle. Nevertheless, it earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a reliable choice. The 2024 Lexus GX made significant safety upgrades over its predecessor with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. This suite included pre-collision detection, lane-tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. New proactive driving assist enhanced safety during adaptive cruise control use. Despite the lack of crash-test results from the IIHS and NHTSA, the GX’s modern GA-F architecture and comprehensive safety features inspired confidence in its safety performance.