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  • The Lexus RX is more affordable
  • The Acura MDX offers more power and features
  • Lexus offers the RX midsize luxury SUV with a hybrid powertrain

Is the newly designed 2022 Acura MDX a better option for you compared to the 2022 Lexus RX? The RX is a luxury midsize crossover SUV that hasn’t changed much since 2015, taking on the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. Has the MDX created a new benchmark of quality and luxury for this class, or is the RX the SUV you should drive? Let’s find out.

2022 Lexus RX2022 Acura MDX
Price Range$46,645 – $65,000$48,000 – $72,050
Engine Options3.5-liter V6 | 3.5-liter V6 + 3 electric motors3.5-liter V6 | 3.0-liter turbo V6
Horsepower 295 horsepower | 308 horsepower290 horsepower | 355 horsepower
Torque267 lb.-ft. | 247 lb.-ft.267 lb.-ft. | 354 lb.-ft.
Transmission8-speed automatic | CVT10-speed automatic
MPG Rating20/28 mpg | 30/28 mpg19/26 mpg | 17/21 mpg
Data Source Kelley Blue Book

Based on this chart, you see the Lexus RX is more affordable across the board. The RX also offers a hybrid powertrain with a V6 attached to three electric motors to give you plenty of power. The Acura MDX might be more expensive at the top, but it offers a lot more power for your drive.

Does the 10-speed automatic transmission make a difference to you? If so, the new MDX could be the SUV you want to drive. Are you looking for more versatility inside your midsize luxury SUV? The RX comes in a two-row regular wheelbase version and a three-row longer-wheelbase model.

Which luxury crossover SUV has a roomier cabin?

A white 2022 Lexus RX in a city.
2022 Lexus RX | Lexus

Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX brings you 44.1 inches of legroom in the front, 38.0 inches for the second row, and 23.5 inches for legs in the third row. The cargo area measures 7.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 23.0 cubic feet when the rearmost seats are down, and the maximum cargo room reaches 585 cubic feet in the RX L models. The standard version of the RX gives you 16 cubic feet in the rear and up to 32.7 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded.

Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX gives us 41.6 inches of legroom up front, 38.5 inches for the second row, and 29 inches in the rear. As long as you don’t put adults in that rear seat, everyone should be comfortable. The cargo area measures 18.1 cubic feet with all seats up, 48.4 cubic feet when the third row folds down, and 95.0 cubic feet behind the front row of seats.

It’s pretty clear the Acura MDX has a more spacious cabin for you and your passengers to feel comfortable compared to what the Lexus RX offers.

Can the 2022 Acura MDX tow more than the 2022 Lexus RX?

Red 2022 Acura MDX posed
2022 Acura MDX | Acura

Yes, the new MDX luxury midsize SUV can tow more than the RX. The maximum tow rating for the Lexus RX is 3,500 pounds with the AWD version of this luxury SUV. The tow rating for the Acura MDX arrives at 3,500 pounds for the FWD model and increases to 5,000 pounds when you have an AWD model.

What tech does each of these midsize luxury SUVs offer?

The Acura MDX, performance SUV.
Acura MDX | Jesse Grant via Getty Images

Lexus RX

You’ll find a suitable package of tech features in the RX. This package includes:

  • 8.0-inch touchscreen
  • Apple Car Play/Android Auto
  • Blind-spot detection
  • Rear cross-traffic alerts
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
  • Power front seats
  • Dual-zone climate controls

Some items are optional for the RX, including:

  • 12.3-inch infotainment screen
  • Head-up display
  • Mark Levinson audio system
  • Power Moonroof
  • Wireless charging

Acura MDX

Looking at the new Acura model, we see standard equipment that includes:

  • 12-way power front seats with memory
  • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
  • 12.3-inch infotainment screen with a touchpad
  • Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
  • Tri-zone climate controls
  • Nine-speaker audio system
  • Wireless device charging
  • Forward-collision warning
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Collision mitigation braking
  • Blind-spot detection
  • Rear cross-traffic alerts
  • Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist

The Acura offers several packages of upgrade tech and features to give you more options as you climb through the trim levels of this SUV.

It doesn’t take long to see the Acura MDX offers more tech and features than the Lexus RX when you’re comparing these two luxury midsize SUVs.

Should you drive the 2022 Lexus RX or the 2022 Acura MDX?

A white 2022 Lexus RX against a white background.
2022 Lexus RX | Lexus

Unfortunately for the RX, there doesn’t seem to be much of a comparison between these two SUVs. They share a class, are similarly sized, and come from respected names, but the MDX has everything the RX doesn’t. The Lexus RX is due for a refresh. Once complete, it could be interesting to revisit this comparison. The Acura MDX has the upper hand in nearly every category until then.

Next, check out six reasons you don’t want to buy the 2022 Nissan Titan, or watch these two luxury SUVs compared in the video below:

This article was updated on 8/16/2022.

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MotorBiscuit Contributor

Nathaniel Ehinger

Nathaniel joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with eight years of experience as an autos writer under his belt. From model reviews to industry politics to new innovations and development, he covers a wide range of topics. Through careful research, attention to detail, and a desire to tell a story, Nathaniel found an unexpected enthusiasm for covering anything related to cars, trucks, SUVs, and everything in between.