Acura MDX vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Acura MDX was available in several trim levels, including the base model and various upgrade packages such as Technology, A-Spec, Advance, A-Spec Advance, and Type S Advance. Prices ranged from $53,150 to $77,200, with the A-Spec Advance Package model tested in Southern California priced at $70,850. This model featured blacked-out wheels, exterior trim, and a bold interior with leather and artificial suede. The MDX's design was sleek, with a diamond pentagon grille and minimal SUV-like cladding. Inside, the MDX offered a car-like interior with high-quality materials and bold color options, though some design choices compromised functionality, such as limited storage space due to the transmission controls and wireless charging pad.

The 2026 Lexus TX was offered in various trims, including the TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The 550h+ featured a panoramic glass roof and Matador Red Mica paint, with 22-inch wheels. The TX retained a large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, with LED lighting spanning the rear. Inside, the TX offered two interior color options, with the PHEV adding a dark brown called Peppercorn. While ambient lighting and suede trim added warmth, the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles were a unique feature, though some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail.

The 2026 Acura MDX was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system improved handling and increased towing capacity to 5,000 pounds. The Type S model featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, along with adaptive air suspension. The MDX offered a comfortable and responsive driving experience, with a solid structure and good acceleration. However, the lack of a hybrid powertrain option was a drawback, with observed fuel economy at 17.9 mpg.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. It offered multiple drive modes, including electric-only and hybrid options, with a charge mode to use the gasoline engine for charging. The TX provided a smooth and quiet ride, with a capable AWD system and Trail Mode for slippery surfaces. The suspension absorbed bumps well, making it suitable for long road trips. The TX's adaptive suspension and rear steering in the 500h hybrid offered better handling, though it had 38 fewer horsepower than the plug-in hybrid.

The 2026 Acura MDX's interior featured 16-way power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, along with a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The second row offered supportive seating with a removable center section, while the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was practical, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control and heated seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and USB-C ports. The second row had a one-touch button for easy third-row access, though folding the seats flat was complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2026 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.5-inch head-up display available. The infotainment system included Amazon Alexa and Google Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A three-year subscription to Google services was standard, though SiriusXM was not included. The Bang & Olufsen sound system was impressive, and the head-up display provided useful information.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch touchscreen, though some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. The steering wheel buttons were multi-functional but confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occurred. The TX offered a back-up camera with a bird’s-eye view and an Advanced Park system. Seven USB ports and wireless charging ensured devices stayed powered.

The 2026 Acura MDX included AcuraWatch, with features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. AcuraWatch was more refined than in previous years, though lane-centering assist cycled on and off on winding roads. The MDX received a five-star rating from the NHTSA for FWD models, and the 2025 model was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured Safety System+ 3.0, with forward collision warning, lane centering, and traffic sign recognition. Proactive Driving Assist was a feature often turned off due to its random activation. Adaptive cruise control worked well, though it was slow to resume speed. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the TX earned "Acceptable" and "Good" scores from the IIHS.