2018 Acura MDX vs 2018 Lexus RX: Which is Best?

2018 Lexus RX vs 2018 Acura MDX ・ Photo by Lexus / Acura

The 2018 Acura MDX and 2018 Lexus RX are two popular luxury crossovers. Each has the flexibility to carry people or cargo in a stylish and comfortable package. They also have a wide range of amenities to appeal to a variety of customers and have a selection of trims to fit multiple budgets.

These two competing vehicles have lots to offer, but which one is the better choice to fit your needs? Let’s take a closer look at the 2018 Acura MDX and 2018 Lexus RX to see how they stack up in a head-to-head comparison.

Pricing

The base model Acura MDX starts at $44,200 and includes a 10-way power driver’s seat, 8-way power front passenger’s seat, and 8-speaker premium audio. It also comes standard with a 50/50 split-folding third row and tri-zone automatic climate control to keep everyone comfortable. Pricing on the base Lexus RX 350 starts lower at $43,270 and includes 10-way power adjustable seats for both driver and passenger as well as a 9-speaker premium audio system. The RX offers a third row of seating, but you can’t get it on the base model. Instead, you need to move up to the RX 350L with a price jump to $47,670. Despite the slightly better amenities, the MDX is a better value. Acura MDX

Photo by Acura

Safety

The Acura MDX is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2018 Top Safety Pick. It received their highest rating of Good in all crash tests and was rated as Superior for its available crash avoidance technologies. It received Acceptable ratings for headlights and for the ease of use of its LATCH system. The Lexus RX also received Good ratings in all crash tests and is a 2018 Top Safety Pick. It received the same Acceptable headlight rating, but it beat out the MDX with a Good for its LATCH system because it has additional positions. These are well-matched vehicles, but the RX comes in slightly ahead due to its better LATCH system. Lexus RX

Photo by Lexus

Seating

There's standard seating for seven passengers in the Acura MDX with a 60/40 split-folding second row that slides forward and back roughly six inches. This provides more legroom for the third row when it’s in use or makes the second row expansive when that third row is empty. The second row also reclines for added comfort and is available with captain's chairs. The Lexus RX has standard seating for only five passengers with a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench seat with greater flexibility for cargo. A third row is available in select trims at an additional cost. This expands available seating to seven passengers with the option for second-row captain’s chairs. The standard third-row in the MDX wins. Acura MDX

Photo by Acura

Fuel Economy

EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2018 Acura MDX equipped with front-wheel drive is 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. Those numbers take a dip by one mpg if you choose all-wheel-drive MDX. The hybrid version of the MDX offers 26 mpg city/27 mpg highway/27 mpg combined. The Lexus RX gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with all-wheel drive models dropping to 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. There is also a hybrid version of the RX with all-wheel drive and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 31 mpg city/28 mpg highway/30 mpg combined. No matter which version of the RX you choose, it comes out ahead of the MDX.

Lexus RX

Photo by Lexus

Cargo

The Acura MDX has a total of 15.0 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, 38.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 68.4 cubic feet behind the first row. There are large storage cubbies on the sides of the cargo area and underfloor storage for items best kept out of sight.

The numbers take a big drop in the Lexus RX. There are only 7.45 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, 23.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 58.5 cubic feet behind the first row. It does offer additional flexibility with its 40/20/40 split-fold rear seats versus the 60/40 split-fold seats in the RDX, but that’s not enough to overcome its reduced overall capacity.

Acura MDX

Photo by Acura

Infotainment

The standard infotainment system in the Lexus RX features an 8-inch screen and 9-speaker premium audio system. Available upgrades include navigation with a 12.3-inch screen and Lexus Enform App Suite, 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, and remote touch navigation controller.

The Acura MDX also comes standard with an 8-inch color display but has only an 8-speaker audio system. Upgrades include a 12-speaker ELS audio system and navigation, however, the screen remains 8 inches with nothing larger available. Smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the MDX and not available at all on the RX. Despite the smaller screen, we give the win to the MDX for its better smartphone integration. Acura MDX

Photo by Acura

Versatility

The beauty of a crossover is that it does double-duty. It’s designed to comfortably accommodate people and make the switch to cargo without a fuss. Both the Acura MDX and the Lexus RX offer a good combination of features to keep passengers happy and cargo easily stowed, but the difference comes in the standard third-row found in the MDX. The MDX provides better access to the third row with more room for those passengers. It also offers more cargo room when you fold those seats flat. Although the RX has an available third row, it’s something of an afterthought. The MDX was designed to be a three-row vehicle making it a more versatile vehicle. Acura MDX

Photo by Acura

Performance

Power for the Acura MDX comes from a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine with 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. You also have your choice of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The base Lexus RX powertrain is also a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine with a slightly higher 295 horsepower and a perfectly matched 267 lb-ft of torque. It gets an 8-speed automatic transmission and the same choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. This one is close. The 9-speed transmission will offer a slightly smoother ride in the MDX, but if you crave peak performance then the RX comes out on top. Lexus RX

Photo by Lexus

Handling

A crossover isn’t a sports car, but that doesn’t mean it has to be dull. Both the Acura MDX and Lexus RX offer solid handling that won’t leave you feeling like you’re driving a sloppy, top-heavy vehicle. If you’re searching for a more performance-oriented drive from your crossover, however, Lexus has a special version of the RX just for you. The F-Sport trim has the same horsepower as the base RX, but with the addition of a sport-tuned adaptive variable suspension system. This improves driving dynamics and makes for a smoother, more controlled ride. As a bonus, the F-Sport also gets sporty styling enhancements and a unique instrument cluster to add to its appeal. Lexus RX

Photo by Lexus

Verdict

The 2018 Lexus RX and 2018 Acura MDX are two very competitive luxury crossovers. The RX is a stronger offering for those who want only seating for five passengers or those whose focus is power and handling, but the Acura MDX is a more well-rounded choice. Standard seating for seven makes it a more versatile vehicle and its larger interior make it better for hauling cargo. It also has better connectivity options and comes in at a more affordable price point for those in need of a three-row crossover. Acura MDX

Photo by Acura