2023 Lexus GX vs 2024 Acura MDX

The 2023 Lexus GX had a grand visual presence with its colossal spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches, contributing to its imposing road presence. The front end's aggressive styling, particularly the massive headlights, gave it a distinctive and commanding face. The GX Black Line Special Edition made a return in 2023 with a limited production of only 3,000 units available in three paint colors: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and an exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Walking along its sides revealed the GX's relatively short 109.8-inch wheelbase, shorter even than a two-door Jeep Wrangler. Despite its luxury badge, the GX’s modest overhangs and flared fenders gave away its engineering roots tailored more toward off-road capability than boulevard cruising. The hood dropped away quickly from view, much quicker than in Toyota’s 4Runner or Tundra, aiding in technical driving maneuvers, especially on inclines. Inside, however, the Lexus GX housed a disappointing amount of plastic for a vehicle of its price and luxury segment. To keep the model viable despite its low sales, Lexus seemingly opted for easy manufacturing processes. Nonetheless, the GX still featured luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery. In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX had a contemporary and sporty exterior design. The large shield grille flanked by rakish headlights and intake vents below gave the MDX a refined, modern appearance. The lower bumper added to its sophisticated look. Inside, the MDX boasted a high-tech, albeit busy, interior with numerous controls clustered in the center console. The sophistication continued across different trims or "packages" as Acura called them. The lineup ranged from the base model to the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages. We tested the Type-S Advance, which featured a 26-speaker sound system and very comfortable massaging front seats. The MDX’s interior was well-thought-out, with standard features including tri-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and heated front seats. Although the center console's control layout was perplexing at first, its overall design boasted a forward-thinking and user-friendly approach.

The 2023 Lexus GX's performance was overshadowed by its V8 engine. The naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, managed by a six-speed automatic transmission. However, it didn't shine much on paper compared to modern competitors. For instance, the newer 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrids in Toyota's line produced significantly more power and had better fuel efficiency. The GX's V8 managed an unimpressive 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. Despite its 6,500-pound towing capacity, the GX remained less efficient and less powerful compared to other three-row SUVs. The GX’s weight affected its handling, causing it to roll through corners. Fortunately, its controllable and predictable roll made it manageable. The steering was somewhat vague off-center, but the feedback from the road was perceptible. Strong and predictable brakes provided confidence, especially during high-speed stops. With a Torsen limited-slip differential ensuring power distribution across the standard 4WD system, the GX was tailored for complex terrains, offering a 40:60 front: rear split, adaptable based on wheel slip. This aided in managing snow, mud, and off-road conditions effectively. The 2024 Acura MDX offered different performance metrics. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engined produced 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S variant boasted a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that delivered 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup enabled consistently strong acceleration and efficient power delivery. The MDX Type-S featured Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension that automatically adjusted ride height. The Integrated Dynamics System provided various modes, including Sport, Comfort, Normal, Snow, and even Lift mode, for added off-road ground clearance. The vehicle navigated corners with the finesse of a luxury sedan while maintaining a refined ride across city streets and highways. Despite a 5,000-pound towing capacity (3,500 pounds in FWD models), the MDX remained a preferable choice for long drives and daily commutes.

The 2023 Lexus GX had practical cubby storage and physical controls favoring ease of use. While the center console bin was deep, the cubicle ahead of the shifter was apt for phones, and the door pockets were compatible with small water bottles. Despite the multitude of hard buttons, their presence simplified control over various functions, avoiding unnecessary touchscreen menus. The sliding center console lid was adjustable to fit different-sized passengers. The second row featured captain’s chairs with cupholders or an available three-across bench. The third row, unfortunately, was cramped, making it more of an emergency-use feature than a daily option. Cargo space in the GX was severely limited, offering just 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded, which fell short compared to larger SUVs. The 2024 Acura MDX provided a more versatile interior space. With three rows of seating, the first two rows afforded commendable comfort and support, while the third row, although small, was better suited for children. The cargo area presented 16.3 cubic feet with all seats in place, expandable to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. This made the MDX substantially more capacious than the GX. The power liftgate, available as a hands-free option on higher trims, added convenience. The second-row bench with a fold-down center console and integrated cupholders enhanced usability, while strategically placed charging ports and storage options improved the overall user experience.

In the technology department, the 2023 Lexus GX had its ups and downs. Its 10.3-inch touchscreen was a significant upgrade but still fell short compared to newer systems. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were notable inclusions, but the presence of the archaic Remote Touch Interface and a CD player dated the system. Despite these tech limitations, the GX packed substantial off-road-oriented technology, featuring a genuine 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case, downhill and hill-start assist, traction and stability control, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). The Off-Road Package added further capabilities like multi-terrain monitors, transmission coolers, and crawl control. The 2024 Acura MDX, meanwhile, struggled with an unintuitive infotainment system. While the 12.3-inch display seemed promising, its reliance on a clumsy touchpad control set it back significantly. However, the MDX did feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The thoughtfully positioned charging ports and leather handrest around the touchpad showcased Acura’s attention to detail, yet the overall user experience suffered due to the interface issues. Despite the promising tech setup, this flaw made it harder to recommend the MDX for tech-savvy consumers.

The 2023 Lexus GX, built on a 2010 model year platform, lacked contemporary crash test ratings. However, it came equipped with a respectable set of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite the absence of features like lane-tracing assist and road-sign recognition, the GX’s safety tech was relatively modern against its aging foundation. In comparison, the 2024 Acura MDX excelled in safety features and ratings. Its suite of high-tech driver assistance systems included standards like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and much more. The Technology Package enhanced safety with parking sensors and rain-sensing windshield wipers, while the Advance Package added a 360-degree parking camera system and a head-up display. With five-star overall ratings from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS for its 2022 model, these credentials extended to the 2024 MDX, reinforcing its strong safety proposition.