Compare the2024 Acura MDXVS 2024 Lexus TX

The Acura MDX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The TX doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Both the MDX and the TX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the Acura MDX is safer than the TX:

The Acura MDX has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned an “Acceptable” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The TX is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Acura pays for scheduled maintenance on the MDX for 1 year and 14,000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the TX (2/24,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 11 percent more Acura dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the MDX’s warranty.

As tested in Motor Trend the Acura MDX V6 is faster than the TX 350 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder:

As tested in Car and Driver the MDX Type S 3.0 turbo V6 is faster than the TX 500h 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the MDX’s fuel efficiency. The TX doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Acura MDX uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The TX requires premium, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

The MDX has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the TX 550h+’s standard fuel tank (18.5 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The MDX has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The TX doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Acura MDX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the TX.

For better stopping power the MDX’s standard front brake rotors are larger than those on the TX:

The MDX stops shorter than the TX:

For better traction, the MDX Type S’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the TX (275/40R21 vs. 255/55R20).

The MDX Type S’ tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the TX’s optional 45 series tires.

The MDX has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The TX doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires available on the MDX can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The TX doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

The MDX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The TX’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The MDX Type S has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The MDX’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The TX doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The MDX Type S handles at .87 G’s, while the TX 500h F Sport Performance Luxury 4dr Sport Utility pulls only .85 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The MDX Type S executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the TX 350 Luxury 4dr Sport Utility (27 seconds @ .66 average G’s vs. 27.6 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the MDX Type S has a 1.4 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the TX 500h F Sport Performance Premium 4dr Sport Utility (9.4 vs. 8 inches), allowing the MDX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The MDX is 4.7 inches shorter than the TX, making the MDX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The MDX has 2.8 inches more front hip room, 1.9 inches more front shoulder room, 1 inch more rear hip room and 1.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the TX.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the TX Premium/Luxury, the MDX offers an optional passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The MDX Type S Advance has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the TX.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Acura MDX, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Acura MDX outsold the Lexus TX by over seven to one during 2023.