The Midsize Luxury SUV Showdown: Familiar Rivals, Fresh Twists
Out here in Detroit, where the Big Three’s influence is never far from mind, it takes a lot for an import SUV to stand out. Yet, year after year, the Lexus RX and Acura MDX manage to carve out loyal followings in the crowded midsize luxury crossover space. For 2025, both Japanese heavyweights stick close to their formulas refined rides, generous features, and a dash of personality while tweaking the details to keep buyers interested. Let’s get under the skin of these two and see how they really stack up when driven, lived with, and parked in the driveway.
Under the Hood: Powertrains and Real-World Punch
The 2025 Lexus RX enters with a portfolio of powertrains. The RX 350 brings a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 making 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. There’s also the RX 350h hybrid pairing a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four with electric motors for a combined 246 hp and the RX 500h F Sport Performance, which ups the ante to 366 hp and 406 lb-ft thanks to a more potent hybrid system. All-wheel drive is available on most trims; front-drive comes standard on base models.
The Acura MDX, true to form, keeps things simple but muscular. Most trims use a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 rated at 290 hp and 267 lb-ft, paired with a slick-shifting 10-speed automatic. If you want more spice, the MDX Type S brings a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that cranks out 355 hp and 354 lb-ft close in spirit to the RX 500h but delivered via traditional turbo thrust rather than hybrid assistance.
In city traffic, the Lexus turbo-four feels eager enough but lacks some of the old V6’s creamy smoothness; there’s a faint turbo whistle when you prod it, but power delivery is linear. The hybrid RXs are whisper-quiet off the line almost eerie at times but their acceleration is more adequate than exciting unless you spring for the RX 500h.
The MDX’s V6 remains one of the segment’s most satisfying engines: a faint mechanical hum under hard throttle, seamless shifts from the auto box, and enough muscle to haul a full load without fuss. The Type S adds urgency with a firmer exhaust note and noticeably punchier midrange response though it can’t quite match the instant torque surge of an electric motor. Both crossovers deliver solid passing power on Michigan highways; neither will set your hair on fire, but you won’t be left merging nervously.
Mileage Matters: Fuel Economy Head-to-Head
Efficiency has always been an RX strong suit. According to EPA estimates (as of June 2024), the RX 350 returns around 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway with front-wheel drive; opting for AWD drops those figures by about one mpg each. The RX 350h hybrid is thriftier still at an EPA-rated 37 city/34 highway a big selling point for commuters. The RX 500h lands at an estimated 27 city/28 highway.
The Acura MDX’s V6 posts EPA ratings around 19–20 mpg city and up to 26 highway (AWD models). The Type S is thirstier: expect roughly 17/21 mpg city/highway. No hybrid option here (at least for now), so if fuel bills top your priority list, Lexus wins this round handily.
Towing & Practicality: Weekend Warriors Welcome
If you need to tow a pair of jet skis or a small camper, both contenders can handle it but there are nuances. The RX tops out at a maximum tow rating of 3,500 pounds regardless of engine choice (hybrids included). That covers most light trailers but won’t cut it for heavier boats.
The MDX flexes its muscles here: standard models can pull up to 3,500 pounds with front-wheel drive and up to 5,000 pounds with SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive). That extra margin could make all the difference for families with bigger toys or utility needs.
Behind the Wheel: Steering Feel and Road Manners
Lexus has steadily improved steering feedback in recent years, and the current RX feels more direct than its predecessors though calling it \"sporty\" would be generous. There’s still plenty of boost at parking-lot speeds; at highway pace, effort firms up enough to inspire confidence on long curves but doesn’t invite you to attack twisty roads. On Michigan’s pockmarked pavement, ride quality is superb: soft yet controlled, with only big potholes sending thuds through the structure.
The Acura MDX counters with sharper reflexes. Its steering has real weight not heavy for heaviness’ sake, but enough that you know what’s happening at each tire patch. The chassis feels tauter than the Lexus; body roll is well contained through fast sweepers without sacrificing comfort over expansion joints or rough urban streets. The Type S dials everything up firmer dampers, quicker steering but never crosses into harshness (unless you crank it into Sport+ and find yourself dodging Detroit potholes).
If you crave isolation and serenity on your daily commute or if you’d rather not think about steering ratios Lexus will suit you fine. For those who enjoy even mild backroad engagement or want feedback through their fingertips, Acura holds an edge.
Inside Story: Where Buttons Meet Big Screens
Lexus interiors have long set benchmarks for quietness and fit-and-finish and that continues for ’25. Slip into an RX and you’re greeted by buttery-soft leather (or vegan-friendly options), subtle ambient lighting, and controls that move with satisfying resistance. A standard digital instrument cluster sits behind a thick-rimmed steering wheel; center stage goes to a high-res touchscreen (9.8-inch standard; available as a sprawling 14-inch unit). Lexus’ once-maligned touchpad controller is gone a blessed relief but some menu structures still require extra taps or swipes compared to old-school buttons.
Acura’s cabin feels more overtly athletic: contrast stitching pops against dark dash panels; metallic trim highlights grab attention without feeling gaudy. The seats strike a sweet spot between supportive and plush the sort that makes long drives less of an ordeal and there’s ample adjustment range for tall drivers like yours truly (6’2” in my boots). Acura’s infotainment uses a touchpad interface that divides opinion; it takes getting used to if you’re coming from knobs or direct touchscreens. At least physical climate controls remain present each click of the temperature toggles offers tactile feedback I wish every automaker still prioritized.
Cabin Space & Usability: Who Fits Where?
Here’s where priorities diverge sharply.
The Lexus RX continues as strictly a two-row SUV (after dropping its three-row L variant recently). That means stretch-out room for five adults but no third-row option even as families increasingly look for seven-seat versatility in this segment.
Cargo space behind the rear seats is generous enough for golf bags or luggage runs (about 29–30 cubic feet depending on trim), expanding easily thanks to split-folding seats.
The Acura MDX doubles down on practicality with standard three-row seating across all trims accommodating up to seven passengers. Third-row access is typical for this class: best suited for kids or shorter trips adults can tolerate in a pinch. With all rows up, cargo room shrinks (about 16 cubic feet); fold down row three and space opens dramatically (nearly matching or exceeding Lexus RX cargo volume).
Tech & Features: What You Get Out of the Box
Both SUVs come loaded from base spec with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, multiple USB ports front and rear, power-adjustable seats, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assists you know the drill.
Lexus leans luxury-first: available Mark Levinson audio absolutely sings; ventilated seats chill quickly on muggy days; head-up display is crisp even in glare.\nAcura leans tech-forward: ELS Studio sound system rivals anything in class; panoramic roof brightens up dreary winters; CabinTalk PA system keeps third-row riders looped in.\nIf safety tech matters most, both score top marks from IIHS/NHTSA as of this writing.
Price Tag Reality Check & Ownership Math
Lexus RX pricing starts around $49K for base trims (RX350 FWD) and climbs quickly with options or hybrid upgrades the plushest RX500h F Sport models easily crest $63K before destination fees.
Acura MDX base models open at roughly $51K (FWD); AWD adds about $2K; Type S rings in north of $68K fully optioned.\nResale values traditionally favor Lexus thanks to bulletproof reliability records and brand loyalty though recent studies show MDX holding its own over five years.\nMaintenance costs remain competitive for both: oil changes are straightforward; hybrid battery issues on Lexus models remain rare as hen’s teeth so far.\u0000a0Acura’s V6 has proven robust over multiple generations.
Neither model offers free maintenance beyond short trial periods as BMW or Genesis might.\u0000a0Insurance costs vary regionally but generally hover near average for luxury crossovers.\u0000a0Parts availability? In metro areas like Detroit or LA not an issue.\u0000a0Out in rural Montana? Give your local dealer advance notice before major service visits.
Final Thoughts from Detroit: Which One Makes Sense?
If I had just one sentence? The Lexus RX remains the sensible choice for buyers who value serenity, bulletproof reliability, fuel efficiency (especially hybrids), and handsomely understated luxury for five passengers max.
The Acura MDX appeals more to drivers who want athletic road manners without sacrificing comfort or need genuine three-row flexibility.
Both crossovers represent decades-long refinement from brands that understand American tastes better than most imports.
Ultimately? Your winner depends on your real-world needs and maybe whether you’d rather hear nothing but silence…or just enough engine note to remind you why driving still matters.
