2024 Lexus TX vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX, available in standard and Type S versions, offered a range of trim packages that enhanced its equipment levels. The standard MDX came with base specifications and optional Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the MDX Type S was available in standard spec or with an Advance package. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, excluding a destination charge of $1,195. The test vehicle, a Type S Advance trim, featured extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, with an MSRP of $74,995. Despite its high price, the MDX Type S aimed to deliver quality, luxury, and driving dynamism, but it fell short in some areas. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, with subtle design elements like chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels. Inside, it featured perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, with the Type S Advance adding open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. While the MDX Type S was visually appealing, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it challenging to use certain controls.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with upscale styling. The test model, equipped with Luxury trim, featured striking 22-inch wheels that enhanced its appearance. The TX's design was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who found previous designs off-putting. The 2024 Lexus TX came in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, including a $1,350 destination charge. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD. The test vehicle, with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950, including destination, and featured a Convenience Package, Technology Package, and a 21-speaker surround-sound audio system. The TX 350 Luxury model's interior, with premium semi-aniline leather and a Peppercorn interior, felt luxurious, though the dark cabin could be overwhelming even with the panoramic sunroof. Overall, the TX 350 Luxury model's interior met expectations for a Lexus SUV.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, a significant increase over the standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the Type S was 285 pounds heavier than the lightest standard MDX with AWD. The twin-scroll turbo V6 engine used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, powering all four wheels through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This system could direct up to 70 percent of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The engine's power increase over the standard V6 was not substantial, resulting in disappointing fuel economy. During testing, the MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, falling short of the EPA's 19 mpg combined rating. The MDX Type S was mostly agreeable in Normal mode but exhibited delays in engine response and unrefined transmission behavior. The turbocharged V6 provided quick acceleration but consumed fuel at a high rate. The MDX Type S faced challenges as a driver's SUV, with transmission confusion and unsatisfactory paddle shifters. The Electro-Servo brakes, inspired by the NSX, failed to deliver consistent pedal feel, making it difficult to trust the MDX Type S during spirited driving. The Continental self-sealing performance all-season tires squealed early, and the suspension lacked compliance, resulting in a lack of cohesion in the driving experience. Overall, the MDX Type S did not meet expectations as a performance-oriented SUV.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's grating note and hints of torque steer with FWD were drawbacks, it performed adequately for typical driving situations with up to four passengers. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350 FWD had an EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg in combined driving, slightly better than the old RX L with a 3.5-liter V6. During testing, the TX 350 FWD averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, available for an additional $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension, commendable body motion control, and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway. The test vehicle, an early-build pre-production model, had a soft brake pedal, but it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with flexible second-row seating options and a spacious cargo area. The test vehicle, fully equipped with available upgrades, featured a triple-zone automatic climate control system and 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The seats, wrapped in quilted leather, provided comfort but lacked the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX accommodated seven passengers, with the option to remove the center section of the second-row seat for easier access to the third row. However, the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The cabin's design prioritized style over storage, with limited storage space in the front center armrest bin. The cargo area offered 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The MDX's cargo solutions, including hooks for grocery bags and a hands-free liftgate, proved practical for family use.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. The front seats lacked a massage function but provided a supportive driving position. The second-row seat, with a relatively flat lower cushion, offered triple-zone climate control and USB charging ports. The TX's third-row seat was habitable for adults, with stadium-style seating and large side windows. However, sliding the second-row seat forward for third-row comfort compromised second-row legroom. The TX offered numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. The cargo area provided 20.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with both rear rows down, making it more spacious than other Lexus SUVs.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI, accompanied by return and home buttons, a volume knob, and a tuning rocker switch, aimed to improve driver interaction but had drawbacks. The TTI design reduced center console storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa Built-In for voice commands. Additional features included SiriusXM satellite radio, a native navigation system, and AcuraLink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription. The MDX's top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers delivered impressive sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) with navigation instructions and driving assistance status. However, the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to incorrect speed limit displays.

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, and a semi-autonomous parking assist system. However, the package replaced marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, requiring drivers to reference the head-up display, which was often invisible with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen display, offered a complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription with cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system provided impressive audio quality.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems, including 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 included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking. While Acura Watch systems were generally accurate, the lane departure warning's steering wheel wobble was less preferred. During testing, the MDX issued a collision warning and braked unexpectedly due to a misinterpreted overhead exit sign. The MDX received good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact protection.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, provided braking and steering assistance but was not entirely transparent in operation. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system allowed for hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways. LSS+ 3.0 generally performed smoothly and accurately, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration for following drivers.