Acura MDX Vs. Lexus RX 350 - Which Is The Better Buy For 2024?
Smooth, svelte, and sizzling with style, the Acura MDX vs. Lexus RX 350 are two midsize luxury SUVs serving top-level confidence. The question is, will you prefer the three-row spaciousness and V-6 power of an Acura trim or the smaller two-row cabin and four-cylinder engine of a Lexus SUV?
Let's find the SUV that ticks every box on your wish list. Dive into our luxury comparison to see which model and trim will accompany you through life's adventures.
Acura MDX vs. Lexus RX 350 Specs
Acura MDX vs. Lexus RX 350 Seats
The 2024 Acura MDX takes the lead with seating for seven passengers. Even families with two or three children will appreciate the Acura SUV's spacious three rows, giving each kiddo their own space and minimizing car-ride arguments.
The Lexus RX 350 seats only five, making it much more difficult to fit a family with small children, especially those still needing car seats, into only one back row. Clearly, these two SUVs approach luxury differently.
Acura MDX vs. Lexus RX 350 Engines
The new Acura MDX for sale packs a punch with agile handling and two athletic engine options. Choose a well-equipped 3.5-liter V-6 with 290 horsepower, or upgrade to a 3.0-liter TwinScroll Turbo and bring the heat with 355 horsepower.
The Lexus RX 350 engine lags behind with a single 275-horsepower 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. Its 317 pound-feet of torque is admirable, but its eight-speed transmission isn't as smooth as the Acura SUV's 10-speed variety with paddle shifters.
Acura MDX vs. Lexus RX 350 MPG
Fuel economy is quite comparable between these two SUVs, with the Acura MDX delivering only slightly lower ratings. Choose a FWD Acura MDX for an EPA-estimated 19/26 MPG,1 or take home an AWD model for up to an EPA-estimated 19/25 MPG.1
The Lexus RX 350 gives you one or two more miles to the gallon with an EPA-estimated 22/29 MPG2 in FWD and 21/28 MPG2 in AWD, but keep in mind that the Acura SUV has a larger gas tank, so your visits to the fuel pump likely won't be any different.
| Specifications | 2024 Acura MDX | 2024 Lexus RX 350 |
| Engine | - 3.5L V-6 - 3.0L TwinScroll Turbo 6-Cylinder |
2.4L Turbo Inline 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | - 290 (Standard Engine) - 355 (Type S Engine) |
275 |
| Torque | - 267 lb-ft (Standard Engine) - 354 lb-ft (Type S Engine) |
317 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or SH-AWD | FWD or AWD |
| EPA-Estimated MPG (City/Hwy) | - 19/26 MPG (FWD) - 19/25 MPG (SH-AWD) - 17/21 MPG (SH-AWD Turbo) |
- 22/29 MPG (FWD) - 21/28 MPG (AWD) |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gal | 17.8 gal |
| Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs3 | 3,500 lbs4 |
| Passenger Seating | 7 | 5 |
| Cargo Capacity (Standard/Max) | 16.3 - 18.1 / 39.1 - 48.4 / 71.4 - 95 cu ft | 29.6 / 46.2 cu ft |
Acura MDX vs. Lexus RX 350 Interior & Exterior
Acura MDX vs. Lexus RX 350 Cabin Design
Heated, power-adjustable sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel outfit every Acura MDX, so choose your favorite of six trims and ride in style and comfort. Keep everyone happy with Tri-Zone Climate Control, power up devices with wireless charging and multiple USB ports, and use Natural Language Voice Recognition to control media, navigation, and more. The second row is multifunctional and has a removable middle seat for ultimate customization, and third-row passengers can climb in easily with One-Touch Smart Slide Walk-In access.
Inside the new Lexus RX 350, you'll find synthetic NuLuxe upholstery on the heated, power-adjustable front seats. The steering wheel is leather-trimmed, and Multi-Zone Climate Control regulates temperature. You can use voice command and charge via USB in the Lexus RX 350, but you'll need to purchase an extra package to gain the wireless charging of the Acura MDX. Touch screens are also larger in the Acura SUV, which gives you dual 12.3-inch displays as opposed to the 9.8-inch interface in the RX 350.
Acura MDX vs. Lexus RX 350 Dimensions
These SUVs fit nicely into their midsize automotive class with highly parkable exterior dimensions. The seven-seat Acura MDX is 198.4 inches long and 78.4 inches wide, giving front-seat passengers 41.6 inches of legroom. The Lexus RX 350 is smaller at 192.5 inches long and 75.6 inches wide and offers a tighter 41.1 inches of front legroom.
Second-row Lexus legroom is also smaller, making it more possible for young children to kick the driver's seat. The 2024 Acura MDX, however, has that helpful third row with plenty of space for one or two children to enjoy their car ride in peace.
Acura MDX vs. Lexus RX 350 Cargo Space
As a three-row SUV, the Acura MDX also gives you more cargo space. With all three rows full of passengers, you'll have up to 18.1 cubic feet of trunk space, but lay the third row down and enjoy up to 48.4 cubic feet. Max out your storage by folding both back rows and bring home large items in the Acura MDX's 95 cubic feet of total cargo capacity.
With only two rows to play with, the new Lexus SUV has a standard trunk space of 29.6 cubic feet, but folding down the back seat will only buy you 46.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo storage. If you occasionally need to repurpose your SUV as a moving vehicle, the Lexus RX 350 likely isn't the choice for you.
Launch Your SUV Adventure in an Acura SUV
Whether you drive home in the roomy seven-passenger Acura MDX or prefer a five-seat SUV like our stylish RDX crossover, you can find all the juicy details in our Acura MDX vs. Acura RDX comparison. We also carry a wide selection of premium sedans like the Acura TLX and Integra, so you can shop confidently for your favorite body style and trim.
At Muller's Woodfield Acura, we want to equip you to make the best automotive decision for your needs. That's why we provide such detailed comparisons like the 2024 Acura MDX vs. 2024 Lexus RX 350. If you're considering other Acura options and want to see how they stack up to Lexus offerings, take a peek at our Acura RDX vs. Lexus NX 360 guide. No matter which vehicle you choose, our top priorities are your safety and happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Lexus model is equivalent to Acura MDX?
Only two Lexus SUVs have a similar V-6 engine and three rows like the 2024 Acura MDX: The Lexus GX and the Lexus LX. However, these two Lexus models come at a much higher price point and only marginally increase your horsepower and torque. The best bang for your buck is an Acura MDX, which delivers nimble handling and powerful engines at a more accessible price.
Is Acura MDX bigger than Lexus RX?
Yes, in a comparison of 2024 Acura MDX vs. 2024 Lexus RX 350 dimensions, the Acura SUV is longer, wider, and more spacious than the Lexus RX 350. The Aura model also provides three rows of seating, while the Lexus SUV has only two. Drivers who need to fold back rows and haul multiple boxes will love the Acura MDX's 95 cubic feet of max cargo space.
Which model offers better fuel efficiency, the MDX or RX 350?
Fuel efficiency in the new Acura MDX and the new Lexus RX 350 is similar, with AWD Acura models gaining an EPA-estimated 19/25 MPG1 and the Lexus RX 350 giving you an EPA-estimated 21/28 MPG2 in AWD. Although the Lexus MPG is slightly higher, the Acura fuel tank is larger, so your trips to the pump will likely balance out.
1Based on 2024 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.
2EPA-estimated MPG ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
3Towing requires the addition of the Acura accessory trailer hitch and hitch ball. Please see your Acura dealer for details. Added cargo weight in the vehicle may reduce max towing capacity, see Owners Guide for details.
4Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up properly and you have any necessary additional equipment. If gross trailer weight is above 5,000 lb (2,268 kg), it is necessary to use a weight-distributing hitch with sufficient capacity. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions and cautions from your trailer-hitch manufacturer and vehicle Owner's Manual. The maximum amount you can tow depends on the total weight of any cargo, occupants and available equipment. See Owner's Manual for limitations.