2025 Acura MDX vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model, adorned with Luxury trim, featured striking 22-inch silver wheels, an expensive option that significantly enhanced its visual appeal. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's aesthetics. The TX lineup included the 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 seller, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD options. The test vehicle, priced at $67,869, featured FWD, Luxury trim, and various packages, though its dark interior felt somewhat oppressive despite the panoramic sunroof.

In contrast, the 2025 Acura MDX underwent subtle styling updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened lights, enhancing its sporty and performance-oriented versions. Interior changes were more significant, with a new touchscreen infotainment system replacing the previous touchpad interface, providing more storage space. The MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance trims received seats from the previous Type S model, while the Type S got a new seat design. Acura improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated glass. The MDX's controls were logically placed, with a volume knob and quick-access buttons for convenience. The new A-Spec Advance trim combined luxury with a sportier look, and the test vehicle, with extra-cost paint and a $1,350 destination charge, had an MSRP of $69,950. The MDX lineup started at $50,900, with various trims offering increasing levels of luxury and performance, culminating in the Type S Advance at $74,950 plus destination.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism about its suitability for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, it performed adequately in typical driving situations with up to four passengers. The engine's grating note and hints of torque steer with FWD were minor irritations. 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 EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg in combined driving, a slight improvement over the previous RX L model. During testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, costing $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's suspension provided a balanced ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The 2025 Acura MDX positioned itself as a performance-oriented luxury SUV, with the A-Spec design and Type S engineering featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Acura's SH-AWD system was optional on lower trims and standard on higher ones. The MDX offered various driving modes, with Sport mode providing the best powertrain response. However, frequent use of Sport mode reduced fuel economy, with the A-Spec Advance rated at 21 mpg in combined driving but averaging 18.4 mpg during testing. The MDX handled twisty roads confidently, with smooth body motions and predictable behavior. It offered a firm and communicative ride in the city, with swift acceleration and a comfortable highway experience. While not designed for off-roading, the MDX Type S Advance featured an air suspension for increased ground clearance.

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, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The standard second-row bench seat could be replaced with heated and ventilated captain's chairs. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they provided a supportive driving position. The second-row seat, though comfortable, had a relatively flat lower cushion. The TX's third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering better leg support and visibility than previous models. However, sliding the second-row seat forward to accommodate third-row passengers compromised second-row comfort. The TX offered numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage programs in the MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance trims. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, with a fold-down middle section for cupholders and storage. The outboard second-row seats provided ample legroom and thigh support, with side window shades for privacy. The third-row seat was less accommodating for adults, with limited leg support and foot space. In-cabin storage included a new center console tray, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and small storage areas in the armrests and door pockets. Cargo volume measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, with a sizable well and hidden storage compartment. Folding the third row provided 39.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including 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 properly 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, offered a cloud-based navigation system and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system provided impressive audio quality.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Alexa Built-in, and Google Built-in, offering complimentary access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play for three years. The system replaced the previous True Touchpad Interface, providing a more intuitive experience. AcuraLink connected services and an AT&T 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The MDX featured Bang & Olufsen audio systems with 19 or 31 speakers, depending on the trim. The new infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, offering two themes and a graphic representation of the MDX. A 10.5-inch head-up display provided comprehensive data, though it lacked blind-spot monitoring alerts. The MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance trims included a surround-view camera system for enhanced visibility.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), featuring adaptive cruise control with curve speed adjustment, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, 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, offered braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't entirely transparent in operation. The TX also included 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 provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways, though no higher-speed hands-free system was available.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured the AcuraWatch collection of driver assistance features, with hardware upgrades for improved accuracy and refinement. All MDX models included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and Traffic Jam Assist were standard, with front and rear parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking starting with the MDX Technology trim. AcuraWatch 360, exclusive to the MDX Type S Advance, added front cross-traffic alert, evasive steering warning, active lane-change assist, and cornering speed assist. The standard AcuraWatch features performed well during testing, though the lane-departure warning notification was less favored. The 2025 MDX retained the 2024 model's five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet commented on the 2025 model.