The 2020 Lexus RX vs. the 2020 Acura MDX: Which luxury SUV is for you?

Fuel Efficiency: 2020 Lexus RX vs. 2020 Acura MDX

     

When it comes to large vehicles, fuel efficiency usually isn't their strong suit. But the 2020 Lexus RX and the 2020 Acura MDX will pleasantly surprise you because their base powertrain's both deliver 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway.

     

If you continue browsing options, however, you'll find that the Lexus RX pulls ahead in the fuel efficiency category. The RX F Sport trim receives an impressive 31 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, while the MDX Sport Hybrid only gets 26 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. So in this respect, the RX goes the extra mile - literally and figuratively.

Power & Capability:2020 Lexus RX vs. 2020 Acura MDX

     

A big appeal of SUVs is the muscle and response they offer for merging and overtaking cars on the highway, navigating through challenging terrain, and towing. The 2020 MDX's standard 3.5L V6 engine pushes 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, which is powerful but doesn't quite match up to the 295 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque on the RX's standard engine. Even if you look at the MDX Sport Hybrid's performance, which caps at 257 hp and 218 lb-ft of torque, the 2020 RX 450h outperforms it by a long shot at 308 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque.

     

Both the MDX and RX have a 3,500 lb towing capacity. When it comes to turning ratio, the RX adds a whole 4 inches, which could be the difference between a 2-point turn and a 4-point turn. Taking all of these factors into account, it's clear that the RX outperforms the MDX in the power and capability category as well.

           

Space: 2020 Lexus RX vs. 2020 Acura MDX

     

One of the most important considerations when purchasing a family vehicle is the amount of space available so that everybody can ride in comfort. Upfront, the Lexus RX has 39.5 in. of headroom and 44.1 in. of legroom, whereas the MDX has only 38.1 in. of headroom and 41.4 in. of legroom.

     

Equally important is the rear headroom and legroom, which is 39.1 in. and 38.0 in. in the RX and 38.3 in. and 36.6 in. in the MDX, respectively. This may seem like small differences, but trust us, your teenaged and adult passengers will be thankful for the additional wiggle room in the RX.

     

If you're also loading up with suitcases and bags for that long-awaited vacation, ample cargo space is absolutely necessary. The RX takes the cake in this category too, with 18.4 cu. ft. versus the 15.0 cu. ft. in the MDX. Go big or go home, right?

     

     

Technology: 2020 Lexus RX vs. 2020 Acura MDX

     

It wouldn't be a luxury SUV without the added convenience and comfort of advanced technology features. And although the 2020 Acura MDX has plenty of nifty features, it falls short next to the thoughtful and extensive tech in the 2020 Lexus RX.

     

For example, the MDX only has an 8-inch color display while the RX offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia display that's intuitively placed for easy navigation, climate control, and more. The Lexus Enform Services Connect also comes standard on the RX, which gives you important information about your vehicle's performance and maintenance needs. Unfortunately, there isn't any equivalent features like this offered on the MDX.

     

The RX also includes the extensive Lexus Safety System 2.0 that has helpful features like Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, and intelligent high beams. The MDX has many driving-assist features as well, but lacks in the amount of additional safety add-ons like Smart Stop Technology or the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management that's offered on the RX.

     

Even though both the MDX and RX are fine vehicles, it's clear that the 2020 Lexus RX is the better luxury SUV option when it comes to fuel efficiency, power, spaciousness, and technology. Add this with the hometown sales and service offered here at Bobby Rahal Lexus, and the decision is a no brainer for drivers of Lewistown, State College, and Harrisburg!