2023 Acura RDX vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX was a vehicle that commanded attention with its imposing spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Standing at an overall height of 74.2 inches, it had a formidable presence on the road. The front end, with its massive headlights, gave the GX a distinctive and aggressive look. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with new paint options, including the exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to the blocky designs of its Toyota counterparts. However, the interior was marred by an abundance of plastic materials, which detracted from its luxury appeal. Nevertheless, it offered some luxury features like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX featured a sharp, angular style that was unique yet conventional enough to blend in with other SUVs. The signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights, gave the RDX a sporty and aggressive front end. The side profile was accentuated by a distinctive character line, while the rear design was more conventional. Inside, the RDX opted for a vertical dashboard layout, with a focus on performance through its gear-selector buttons and drive-mode dial. The interior, though not as modern as some rivals, offered a familiar and user-friendly experience. The RDX's cabin was more about delivering newer tech features in an older design, appealing to those who preferred a less digital cockpit.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its robust V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't excel on paper compared to more modern engines, the naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 provided a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. However, its performance was hampered by a 6,500-pound towing capacity and poor fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its rolling through corners, but its driving dynamics were improved with a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and a standard 4WD system. Despite its age, the GX offered a communicative road feel and strong brakes, making it manageable in various conditions.

The 2023 Acura RDX, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it offered a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds, which was average for its class. The RDX's turbo powertrain provided immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine sound. Its handling inspired confidence, with well-managed body roll and a comfortable ride. The advanced AWD system, known as "super-handling all-wheel drive," provided excellent traction, making the RDX sporty yet comfortable. The RDX's performance was complemented by a firm brake pedal and smooth ride over road imperfections.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, relying on older USB-A ports. The GX's interior featured hard buttons, which were a blessing for those who preferred physical controls over touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, with options for captain's chairs or a bench seat. Unfortunately, the third row was too tight for regular use, and the side-hinged trunk door posed challenges. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX provided generous front seat space, with additional power adjustments in top trims. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, and the panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's sense of space. The RDX offered 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 79.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The cargo area featured a deep bin with a center drain plug, adding versatility. For smaller items, the RDX provided various storage options, though the center stack's design took up unnecessary space.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen, an improvement over its predecessor, with integrations like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. However, the system felt dated compared to other Lexus models, with lagging performance and less crisp graphics. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and a CD player, but its infotainment technology was not its strong suit. Instead, the GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for improved driving dynamics.

The 2023 Acura RDX, however, struggled with its touchpad infotainment controller, which was challenging to use while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen, but the system improved with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Despite the interface issues, the RDX's infotainment system offered sharp graphics and quick responses. Standard features included a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote monitoring via the Acuralink app. The top A-Spec Advanced trim came with a 16-speaker ELS audio system, delivering potent bass and clear high notes.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were commendable, though it lacked some top-end features.

The 2023 Acura RDX received high safety ratings, with NHTSA awarding it five stars for overall and side crash protection. IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ with "good" scores across the board. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Technology package added parking sensors, while the Advance package included a surround-view camera system and head-up display.