2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet subtle design, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model featured a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, although these options were not available in Canada. The MDX Type S was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, which stood for subtlety rather than ostentation. Its exterior was marked by chicane-design LED lights, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and 21-inch wheels that provided a commanding stance. Inside, the MDX Type S Ultra boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, creating a luxurious atmosphere. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls difficult to use, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a more understated exterior, with the RX 350h Luxury model looking nearly identical to the standard RX 350, save for a badge on the liftgate. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. The RX's design was not traditionally beautiful, with a blunt nose and a wheelbase stretch that made it appear smaller than its predecessor. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalist approach, with fewer controls and a new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a darker interior with artificial suede and aluminum trim. The RX Hybrid models offered a comfortable and luxurious experience, with the RX 350h being more fuel-efficient and the RX 500h providing a sportier drive.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was distinguished by its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed more, which affected its performance. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of the engine's power to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues like an indecisive transmission, poor brake pedal modulation, and squealing tires. Its fuel economy was also disappointing, averaging 13.9 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h used a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, with an expected fuel economy of 6.5 L/100 km. It accelerated to 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in around 6 seconds but had a higher fuel consumption of 8.6 L/100 km. The RX 500h included an adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and a Dynamic Rear Steering system, making it more engaging to drive. However, accessing driving modes required navigating the infotainment system, which could be cumbersome. The RX 350h was more fuel-efficient, averaging 7.4 L/100 km, and offered a quieter and more comfortable ride.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided ample functionality with its three rows of seats and flexible second-row seating options. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather. However, the seats were firm and didn't hold occupants in place as well as expected. The MDX offered seven-passenger seating, with the option to remove the centre section of the second-row seat for easier access to the third row. The third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The MDX's cargo area was spacious, with 461 litres of space behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded. However, the interior design prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage options in the centre console.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim, which featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats with premium leather and a three-zone automatic climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger side bolsters and standard-grade leather. The RX's battery pack was located under the rear seat, providing excellent leg support but limited headroom due to the lower roofline. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the back seat folded, an improvement over the previous model. The RX's cargo space was comparable to the standard RX 350, with no encroachment from the hybrid drivetrain.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system was not touch-sensitive and required the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. This design choice limited storage space and was less intuitive than traditional touchscreens. The MDX offered Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality. The MDX also included a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) with navigation instructions and driving assistance status.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, the Lexus Interface, which required a subscription for full functionality. The system included a cloud-based navigation system and an Intelligent Assistant digital voice assistant. The RX's touchscreen display was large but could only show one menu at a time, requiring frequent navigation through the menus. The RX also offered a head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be challenging to use with polarized sunglasses. Despite these issues, the RX's infotainment system was a significant improvement over previous models.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. It also included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received high safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. However, the MDX's safety systems occasionally issued false warnings, such as mistaking an overhead exit sign for an obstacle.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced driver assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also offered Proactive Driving Assist, which maintained a safe following distance and recharged the battery through regenerative braking. The RX's safety systems generally operated with accuracy, but some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist for low-speed, hands-free driving.