2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Acura MDX delivered a striking and modern design. Its large shield grille, complemented by rakish headlights and intake vents, created a refined presence. Inside, the MDX combined high-tech innovation with a somewhat busy layout, featuring a plethora of controls concentrated in the center console. The interior felt upscale with standard tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. Acura offered multiple trim levels, which they called packages, including the Technology Package with ambient cabin lighting, navigation, and a 12-speaker ELS premium stereo system. The A-Spec Package flaunted a sportier style and an upgraded 16-speaker audio system. The Advance Package upped the luxury with a heated steering wheel, remote start, and heated second-row seats.

We drove the Type-S Advance, which incorporated features from both the Technology and A-Spec packages and added exceptional elements like a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats with perforated leather upholstery. These massaging seats provided a firmer, more refreshing experience compared to other luxury models. Even though the overall cabin design couldn't match that of a Mercedes-Benz GLS, the MDX excelled in specific comfort areas.

The 2024 Lexus GX, in contrast, radically departed from its softer, more rounded predecessor. Adopting geometric styling from the headlight to taillight, the GX showcased a modern yet aggressive look with its less pronounced "spindle" grille and standard triple-beam LED headlights. Its front end stood more vertical, and the character lines along its sides, combined with a low window beltline, enhanced visibility. The 2024 model felt sturdier, built to handle off-road expeditions, with features like standard running boards and the availability of powered units in the higher trims.

Lexus offered six trim levels, including the off-road-oriented Overtrail and Overtrail+ models, which used tougher eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery. Models aimed at luxury, like the Luxury+ trim, boasted 22-inch wheels and illuminated doorsills, providing a plush feel with durable materials. Inside, the GX presented a balance of luxury and utility with flat, upright dashboards and fewer physical buttons, making it easy to navigate. A 14-inch touchscreen was at the center, with vital controls within easy reach. While less luxurious than rivals like the Land Rover Defender or Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the GX felt like a premium SUV designed for hard use.

The Acura MDX came standard with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S model we tested offered a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, either driving the front wheels or Acura's available Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System (AWD).

During our test drive, the MDX Type-S Advance demonstrated strong acceleration, feeling energetic and responsive in most situations. While it didn't offer neck-breaking performance, it consistently delivered ample power for daily driving needs. The adaptive air suspension with Brembo performance brakes and automatic leveling ensured a light and comfortable ride, even over bumpy roads. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered various drive modes, including Sport+, Comfort, and an off-road-friendly Lift mode. Despite its luxury orientation, the MDX Type-S handled corners well and felt agile for its weight. Properly equipped, it could tow up to 5,000 pounds (3,500 pounds for FWD models).

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a new twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This represented a significant power increase over the previous V8 model. The GX's power delivery was smooth and quick, thanks to low-end torque and a well-matched 10-speed automatic transmission from the Toyota Tundra, offering confident gear changes without unnecessary shifts.

Built on the GA-F truck platform, shared with models like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Tacoma, the GX felt significantly stiffer, providing stability on-road and capability off-road. Standard full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential ensured excellent traction, enhanced further by the Overtrail trims' locking rear differential and advanced Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS). Although we couldn’t fully test the GX's off-road systems due to weather conditions, the GX maintained composure and control on-road and handled both acceleration and braking effectively. However, its over 5,000-pound weight was noticeable, particularly during braking.

The 2024 Acura MDX provided a family-friendly layout with standard three-row seating. The first two rows were supportive and comfortable, while the third row felt cramped, best reserved for children. Cargo space was practical, offering 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The maximum cargo capacity was 71.4 cubic feet, plus additional storage underneath the cargo floor. A power liftgate was standard, and the hands-free version came with the Advance Package.

Our test vehicle had a second-row bench with integrated cupholders and an armrest, though no captain's chairs were available. The center console housed ample storage space, but the cluttered arrangement of controls, including the finicky touchpad for the infotainment system, detracted from the otherwise practical design.

The 2024 Lexus GX offered a fresh, minimalist interior with fewer physical buttons compared to its predecessor. Essential knobs for climate control and off-road features remained, while a sleek 14-inch touchscreen took center stage. In terms of space, the GX accommodated six-foot-tall adults comfortably in the first two rows, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury trims, was tight and suited only for children with its 31.7 inches of legroom.

The GX led in cargo capacity, offering 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded. Total cargo space was an impressive 76.9 cubic feet. The Overtrail models were even more spacious, boasting 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 90.5 cubic feet. This made the GX a practical choice for those needing ample cargo space.

The Acura MDX’s biggest drawback was its awkward infotainment system. The 12.3-inch display atop the dash wasn’t a touchscreen; instead, a touchpad below the shifter controlled it. This setup proved unintuitive and cumbersome. Despite this, the MDX boasted a range of standard tech features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Multiple USB ports, a fully digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging were also standard. Clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad added convenience. However, the overall infotainment experience was frustrating compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

In contrast, the Lexus GX excelled with its 14-inch touchscreen and intuitive Lexus Interface infotainment system. Standard features included Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, multiple USB-C ports, wireless charging pads for front-seat passengers, and a 120-volt outlet in the trunk. The GX also offered Drive Connect and Remote Connect services, integrating intelligent voice control and remote functionalities with an initial three-year trial. Premium audio came standard on higher trims, with the Luxury+ boasting a superior 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the subscription model for some features might deter long-term owners, the overall tech package was user-friendly and comprehensive.

The Acura MDX came equipped with a thorough suite of driver assistance features. Standard amenities included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, driver attention monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like reverse automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system. The 2022 MDX earned high marks from the NHTSA and IIHS, making it a top safety pick.

The Lexus GX improved drastically in safety for 2024, incorporating Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard. This included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and road-sign recognition. A proactive driving assist feature further enhanced safety during highway driving. Although crash-test results from IIHS and NHTSA were pending, the new safety systems and robust GA-F architecture gave confidence in the GX's safety credentials.