The Lexus RX and Acura MDX have long stood in adjacent corners of the luxury SUV market, each offering unique takes on comfort, technology, and utility. For 2025, the rivalry continues, with both models emphasizing their strengths and addressing their few previous weaknesses. The RX remains a popular choice among five-passenger luxury crossovers, while the MDX continues to serve families and buyers seeking premium three-row versatility.
Under the hood, the 2025 RX offers a much broader range of powertrains than the MDX, providing several options for performance and efficiency. Acura simplifies things with the MDX by offering just two powertrain choices but emphasizes driver engagement, especially with the sportier Type S variant.
Interior design and technology in both models have been refined, though each approaches them differently. The RX emphasizes simplicity and ease of use with physical controls and a clear infotainment layout. At the same time, the MDX introduces a new, fully integrated Google-based interface on a sizable 12.3-inch touchscreen.
Passenger space further defines their roles. The MDX offers more second row legroom and a usable third row, providing an advantage for larger families. The RX, on the other hand, emphasizes two-row comfort and efficiency. While both aim for a premium feel, the RX and MDX achieve this in significantly different ways. This comparison will help you decide which might be right for you.
2025 Lexus RX 350 Premium
The 2025 Lexus RX lineup offers a variety of options. Those who prefer traditional gasoline power can choose from six models: RX 350, RX 350 Premium, RX 350 Premium+, RX 350 Luxury, RX 350 F Sport Design, and RX 350 F Sport Handling AWD.
For hybrid enthusiasts, options include the RX 350h AWD, RX 350h Premium AWD, RX 350h Premium+ AWD, RX 350h Luxury AWD, RX 350h F Sport Design AWD, RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD, and the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition. There is also the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) RX 450h+ Luxury AWD.
The front-wheel-drive (FWD) RX 350, priced at $50,575, is the most affordable model in the lineup, while the RX 450h+ PHEV starts at $72,710. Prices include the $1,450 destination charge.
The 2025 Lexus RX includes a four-year roadside assistance package and offers complimentary LexusCare scheduled maintenance for up to 10,000 miles. All 2025 RX SUVs come with a three-year Lexus Safety Connect trial that features stolen vehicle tracking, GPS-enabled roadside assistance, and automatic emergency response. Additionally, a 10-year Service Connect subscription is included, giving access to vehicle health reports. The RX also provides a 30-day or 3-gigabyte free trial of the Wi-Fi hotspot.
For the 2025 model year, the Acura MDX offers three trim levels: MDX, MDX A-Spec, and MDX Type S. The base MDX is available in FWD and all-wheel drive (AWD) and can be equipped with the Technology package. Buyers can also add the Advance package to the AWD version. The A-Spec and Type S are only available with AWD. The A-Spec can be equipped with the Advance package, and the Type S comes only with this package (confused yet?).
The base MDX is the most affordable with a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $52,550, while the sporty Type S is the top trim with an MSRP of $77,200. Prices include the $1,350 destination charge.
Acura provides MDX buyers with complimentary roadside assistance for four years or 50,000 miles and free scheduled maintenance for one year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. MDX buyers also receive the Basic connectivity package at no cost and a three-year trial of the Remote package.
Advantage: Neither
Why? The RX provides buyers with more options, but the MDX options are arguably more appealing.
2025 Acura MDX
The Lexus RX ranks second in the Midsize Premium SUV segment in the JD Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership.
The RX also ranks second (in a tie) in its segment in the JD Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), which tracks problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days.
The 2025 Lexus RX comes with a standard warranty of four years or 50,000 miles, a powertrain warranty of six years or 70,000 miles, and an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty for the hybrid vehicle system.
The Acura MDX does not rank among the top three models in the Midsize Premium SUV segment in either the 2025 VDS or the 2025 IQS. It provides warranty coverage similar to that of the RX.
Advantage: Lexus RX
Why? The RX outperforms the MDX in initial quality and vehicle dependability.
2025 Lexus RX 350 Premium
For 2025, the Lexus RX offers a range of powertrain options, including conventional gasoline, hybrid, and PHEV choices. The non-hybrid models are equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 275 horsepower.
The hybrid RX 350h pairs a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 246 hp. The RX 500h features a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, combined with electric motors, for a total output of 366 hp.
The plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric drive motors, delivering a total of 302 hp, with an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-estimated 37-mile electric-only range.
The EPA rates the turbocharged RX 350 at 25 mpg combined, while the RX 350h hybrid achieves an estimated 36 mpg combined. The RX 500h hybrid has a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg.
The Lexus RX seats five passengers and provides 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 46.2 cubic feet when the 40/20/40 power-folding rear bench is folded flat. Buyers can also add heating and ventilation to the rear bench seat and operate the power liftgate using the key fob, dashboard controls, or directly. Most 2025 RX SUVs have a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
Most 2025 Acura MDX models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 290 hp and 267 pound-feet of torque. The MDX Type S is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 355 hp and 354 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Some trims come with standard FWD, while the higher trims include Acura’s advanced Super Handling AWD (SH-AWD).
The EPA estimates that the base Acura MDX with FWD gets 22 mpg combined, while the AWD models are rated at 21 mpg. The turbocharged Type S version has a combined fuel economy of 19 mpg.
The Acura MDX is five inches longer than the RX and offers seating for seven across three rows. The third row is best for children, but the extra seats can be handy. The cargo space measures 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 95.0 cubic feet when both rows are folded down. It has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds with AWD.
Advantage: Neither
Why? The RX offers buyers a much broader range of powertrains, while the MDX provides more interior space.
2025 Acura MDX Type S
At this point, it is reasonable for any consumer to expect a brand new vehicle to come with the following safety features:
So, how do the RX and MDX stack up? Let's take a look.
Every 2025 Lexus RX comes equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). In addition to standard ADAS functions, it also includes more advanced features. Proactive Driving Assist helps maintain safe distances from vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists by providing braking and steering support.
Meanwhile, Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, also known as automatic emergency steering, helps the driver steer around obstacles in the RX's path. The Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking—also referred to as intersection automatic emergency braking—alerts the driver and can automatically apply the brakes if a potential left-turn hazard is detected.
The 2025 RX achieved a maximum five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the RX a "Good" rating in two out of three crashworthiness categories tested. However, it did not earn the “Top Safety Pick” designation.
The Acura MDX features the Acurawatch ADAS technology suite. In addition to the features listed at the beginning of this section, it also includes cornering speed assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and traffic jam assist. The Type S features AcuraWatch 360, which adds active lane change assist, lane-change collision warning and assist, front cross-traffic warning, and active blind spot warning.
Like the RX, the 2025 Acura MDX earned a five-star rating in NHTSA’s crashworthiness program. Meanwhile, the IIHS named the 2025 MDX a “Top Safety Pick” for the 2025 calendar year, its second highest accolade.
Advantage: Acura MDX
Why? It's very close, but the MDX is an IIHS “Top Safety Pick,” while the RX is not.
2025 Lexus RX 350
The 2025 Lexus RX has a standard 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 14-inch display available on Premium trims and standard on Premium+ and higher models. Mainly developed in-house, the infotainment system is intuitive and offers a comprehensive range of features, with menus that closely resemble smartphone interfaces. The screen shows clearly labeled icons and includes a physical on/off and volume knob, which many users find very helpful. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both supported and work smoothly.
All 2025 RX crossovers include a three-year trial of Lexus Safety Connect, which offers features like stolen vehicle tracking, GPS-enabled roadside assistance, and automatic emergency response. In the event of a crash or emergency, the system can automatically notify a 24-hour response center to dispatch help to the vehicle's location. Through the Lexus app, Service Connect provides up to 10 years of free access to the vehicle’s mechanical reports. A 30-day or 3-gigabyte free trial of a Wi-Fi hotspot is also included.
The available Mark Levinson 21-speaker sound system, along with the 14-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen, works with Drive Connect’s cloud features to provide real-time traffic updates, current maps, and Google-powered points of interest. The Intelligent Assistant enables drivers to use natural voice commands and offers 24/7 access to live agents who can send points of interest directly to the vehicle’s navigation system.
After receiving warranted criticism for its previous system, the 2025 Acura MDX features a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, making it easier to access navigation, music, and apps directly from the display. Drivers can use Google Assistant for voice commands, Google Maps for real-time navigation, and download apps via Google Play, just as they would on a smartphone. In addition to providing much easier access, the system offers quicker responses than before.
The 2025 MDX offers various connectivity features through its AcuraLink app. The Basic package, available at no charge, includes vehicle notifications, health reports, roadside assistance, and the ability to send destinations to the vehicle's navigation system. Additionally, the MDX comes with a three-year free Remote package, providing vehicle location tracking, stolen vehicle recovery, remote start and stop, Amazon Alexa integration, and security alerts.
The 2025 MDX’s CabinTalk feature allows drivers to easily communicate with passengers in the second and third rows by broadcasting their voices through the rear speakers via the vehicle’s built-in microphone. When activated from the infotainment screen, the system automatically mutes the rear audio to ensure clear voice transmission. The volume can then be adjusted using the standard audio knob. The microphone can be turned on or off directly within the CabinTalk app.
Advantage: Neither
Why? Both the RX and MDX provide comparable yet different sets of infotainment and connectivity features.
2025 Acura MDX A-Spec
The Lexus RX and the Acura MDX have had a long rivalry. Still, they coexist with the RX being a top choice among five-passenger luxury SUVs and the MDX in the same space among seven-passenger luxury crossovers. Lexus recently introduced the TX three-row SUV to better compete with the MDX. The two Lexus SUVs bracket the MDX in terms of overall length, which allows the RX to focus on serving customers looking for five-passenger models.
The 2025 RX offers multiple powertrain options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a traditional hybrid system, and a plug-in hybrid system. These powertrains deliver a good balance of performance and efficiency, ensuring a smooth driving experience. They help the RX uphold its reputation for a refined, capable ride. Another benefit is that the infotainment system is easy to use, featuring intuitive menus and physical buttons for essential functions. This simplicity and user friendliness make the RX an attractive choice for buyers looking for a practical yet luxurious SUV.
While the RX offers a well-equipped interior, Acura has improved its cabin in recent years, significantly enhancing the MDX’s luxury status. Second-row passengers will find more legroom in the MDX than in the RX, and the third row, while a bit cramped for adults, provides advantages for those with several friends.
The MDX’s biggest upgrade is its infotainment system, which replaces its previous, difficult-to-use interface with a new Google-based system housed in a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The MDX Type S also offers more driving engagement than the RX, so enthusiast drivers are likely to prefer it over any RX variants.
Advantage: Neither
Why? The Lexus RX appeals to a broad range of luxury crossover buyers, while the MDX provides an extra row of seating and a fun-to-drive Type S trim.
To learn more about these premium midsize SUVs, read our expert reviews of the Lexus RX, Lexus RX PHEV, 2025 Acura MDX, and the Acura MDX Type S. To see how consumers rate these models, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Additionally, please note that while the information in this article was accurate and current as of July 23, 2025, it may have changed since then. Always verify product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of MotorTrend, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack currently hosts the Sports Byline Network program "America on the Road," available on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Audacy, Amazon Music, and other platforms.
With the 2027 Lexus TZ, Toyota Motor’s luxury division introduces its first three-row all-electric SUV, featuring a lounge-inspired interior, an enhanced all-wheel drive (AWD) system, and up to 300 ...See More
Read the Full Article
With the all-new 2027 Kia EV3 small crossover SUV, the Korean automaker continues to expand its all-electric lineup while keeping prices accessible.
Read the Full Article
Following a refresh for the 2026 model year, the 2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup brings back two familiar variants, the go-anywhere Trailhawk and the premium-yet-capable Overland, offering buyers ...See More
Read the Full Article
Chrysler, the company that launched the modern minivan segment in 1984, is giving its popular 2027 Chrysler Pacifica a nose job and introducing a special edition commemorating America’s 250th ...See More
Read the Full Article