Which Luxury SUV Fits Your Lifestyle, the 2026 Acura MDX or 2026 Lexus RX
The 2026 Acura MDX and 2026 Lexus RX stand out in the premium SUV market. Although both offer advanced technology, a smooth driving experience, and exceptional comfort, they cater to different needs. The MDX features three rows of seating for larger families, while the RX prioritizes an outstanding level of comfort for five people. Our team at Acura of Huntington has compiled this Acura MDX vs. Lexus RX specs comparison to help you decide which one is best for your lifestyle.
What's New for 2026?
The 2026 Acura MDX comfortably seats seven people across three rows, making it a great choice for larger families, while the Lexus RX accommodates five in a more compact two-row setup. The MDX starts at an MSRP of $51,800, while the RX begins at $51,175.
The MDX's 3.5-liter V-6 engine produces 290 horsepower, surpassing the RX's 275-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder option. This difference can have a significant impact on the towing capabilities. The MDX can tow up to 5,000 pounds vs. the RX's 3,500-pound limit.
The MDX offers a generous 71.4 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the RX's maximum of 46.2 cubic feet. For 2026, Lexus has made improvements that focus on soundproofing, added insulation, sound-absorbing materials, acoustic glass in the back doors, and technology designed to reduce vibration.
Exterior and Interior Features
The MDX presents a sporty appearance with a Diamond Pentagon grille, Jewel Eye LED headlights, and muscular lines. It's 198.4 inches long, 78.4 inches wide with the mirrors, and 67.1 inches tall. The Lexus RX features a signature spindle grille and a sleek, coupe-like roof. At 192.5 inches long, 75.6 inches wide with the mirrors, and 67.3 inches tall, it's smaller but still attracts attention.
The MDX offers 139.1 cubic feet for passenger space compared to the RX's 97 cubic feet. Behind the third row, the MDX offers 18.1 cubic feet of storage room, which expands to 95 cubic feet with all the seats folded. The RX provides 29.6 cubic feet in the back and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Performance and Powertrain
A Lexus RX vs. Acura engine comparison reveals distinct differences. The MDX's 3.5-liter V-6 engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which produces 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Base models accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. The Type S version has a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine that generates 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The RX's turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 275 horsepower and has a 0-to-60 mph sprint time of 7.2 seconds.
The MDX uses Super Handling All-Wheel Drive to actively shift power between the wheels, which improves grip during Long Island downpours. The RX's all-wheel drive focuses on simple traction. The RX Performance trim delivers 366 horsepower and sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, while the plug-in hybrid achieves this in 6.2 seconds.
The Lexus RX edges ahead in fuel economy. The MDX gets 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, while the RX 350 delivers 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The RX 350h hybrid averages 36 mpg combined.
Technology and Safety Features
The MDX features a 12.3-inch touch screen with Google built-in, as well as a 12.3-inch digital display. The Lexus starts with a 9.8-inch screen, while the Premium models offer a 14-inch display. Lexus also adds a 10.5-inch head-up display that projects vehicle information onto your windshield.
Both SUVs have performed well in safety tests. The MDX earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, while both SUVs received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Both the Acura MDX and Lexus RX feature forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign detection.
Luxury and Comfort
The MDX with the Advance Package offers heated and ventilated leather sports seats with 16-way power-adjustable controls and nine massage functions, which is perfect after a long day or during a Gulf Coast road trip. In the Lexus RX, leather seats, heating, and ventilation for the front row, and heated back seats all cost extra. This difference adds up when you're comparing final prices for equally equipped models.
The MDX features a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system for an immersive audio experience. Although the Lexus's 12-speaker setup is good, it doesn't match the depth of the Acura system. The MDX includes a standard power panoramic sunroof that floods the interior with Florida sunshine, while Lexus charges extra for this feature. These extras make the MDX stand out as a smarter, more appealing choice overall.
Warranty Coverage and Reliability
Although both the Acura MDX and Lexus RX offer four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection and six-year/70,000-mile powertrain coverage, the free maintenance plans differ. Acura provides two years or 24,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance with the MDX, while Lexus only offers one year or 10,000 miles with the RX. The additional year of free oil changes and service can mean significant savings for MDX owners. Both brands include four-year roadside assistance.
Both SUVs have received similar reliability scores, and both manufacturers have a strong reputation for building durable cars with satisfied owners who tend to remain loyal to the brands.
Discover Your Perfect Luxury SUV at Acura of Huntington
Choosing the right SUV will depend on your family's needs. The MDX is perfect if you need more space, while the smaller RX is more fuel efficient for your road trips. If you're in Huntington, New York, you can visit us to experience the 2026 Acura MDX firsthand. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive. Our team will help you find the best model for your lifestyle.