Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The Lexus TX and Acura MDX represent the upmarket versions of their Toyota and Honda counterparts, and each has its own take on what a three-row SUV should represent.The TX focuses on a plush and luxurious interior with ample space for passengers and cargo, while the MDX is the sportier of the two, offering agile handling and more aggressive styling elements. We compare them in terms of pricing, performance, features and reliability to see just how these three-row luxury crossovers differ from each other.Lexus TXLexusView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementModel Years:2024–onModelTX 350TX 500h F Sport Performance LuxuryTX 550h+Engine2.4-liter turbocharged Inline-42.4-liter turbocharged Hybrid Inline-43.5-liter V6 Plug-In HybridPower275 hp366 hp404 hpTorque317 lb-ft406 lb-ftN/A (System Total)0-60 mph7.8 seconds (AWD) est6.1 seconds est5.9 seconds estFuel economy23 MPG combined (FWD)21 MPG combined (AWD)27 MPG combined (AWD)29 MPG combined / 76 MPGeBase MSRP$58,490$75,160Not available currentlyThe mid-size three-row TX SUV follows Lexus' usual formula of basing its models on a similarly sized Toyota offering, in this case it's the Grand Highlander, and then enhancing its comfort, luxury and performance to the next level. In base trim the TX 350 gets a 275-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four which sends its power to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.It delivers laidback performance figures but is responsive enough and well suited to the TX's comfortable and cosseting nature. All-wheel drive is available as an option on lower trims and standard higher up the range. A TX 500h is also available, and this model adds hybrid assistance to the base engine, upping performance and enhancing fuel economy, too. The short-lived 550h+ plug-in hybrid model is not currently available but may return for 2027.The interior is very well equipped across all trims and comes with a standard 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. It is comfortable, spacious enough for seven passengers, and the third row can accommodate adults on long road trips. With the second and third rows folded flat, cargo space reaches up to 97.0 cubic feet, which is very decent. You can choose from several trim tiers, with prices ranging from $58,490 to $75,160 for the top TX 500h model.Acura MDXAcuraView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementModel Years:2022–onModelMDX BaseType S AdvanceEngine3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-63.0-liter turbocharged V6Power290 hp355 hpTorque267 lb-ft354 lb-ft0-60 mph6.4 seconds est5.5 seconds estFuel economy22 MPG combined (FWD)21 MPG combined (AWD)17 MPG combined (AWD)Base MSRP$51,800 (FWD)$54,000 (AWD)$75,850 Acura's MDX shares its platform with the Honda Pilot, but has an uprated suspension, more advanced drivetrain components, and the option of a more powerful engine. It also seats seven occupants, like the TX, but has less interior space, so the third row is best reserved for shorter passengers. Cargo space totals 71.4 cubic feet with the two rear rows folded down, which is some way behind the more spacious Lexus TX.The base model features a naturally aspirated 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission, and FWD is standard on the two base trims. AWD is optional, with higher spec MDX models getting it as standard. The top model is the Type S, it gets a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 equipped with Brembo brakes and an adaptive air suspension, as well as most of the kit that is optional lower down the range.That said, even the base trim is decently equipped, and comes with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and 12.3-inch infotainment setup. With six unique trim levels to pick from, the MDX caters to a broad target market, and prices range from $51,800 to $75,850.MDX vs TX: ReliabilityLModelAcura MDXLexus TXPredicted Reliability Score (Consumer Reports)50 / 10065 / 100Quality and Reliability (J.D. Power)77 / 10080 / 100Being based on an existing model usually pays dividends when it comes to reliability, and the MDX and TX score well overall in their segments. However, owners of both vehicles have had issues with infotainment glitches, while the MDX has also had problems with smartphone wireless connectivity and brake and suspension noises. The TX has been less problematic, although it has been subject to a few major recalls, one for the side curtain airbag, and another for the rear axle carrier. Based on owner reviews and reliability studies by both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, the Lexus TX should be the one to give fewer problems in the long term.MDX vs TX: Passenger and Cargo SpaceLexusView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleDimensionAcura MDXLexus TXFirst Row Headroom38.5 in41.4 inFirst Row Legroom41.6 in41.6 inSecond Row Headroom38.1 in40.1 inSecond Row Legroom38.5 in39.5 inThird Row Headroom36.2 in37.2 inThird Row Legroom29.1 in33.5 inCargo Volume (Behind 1st Row)71.4 cu ft97.0 cu ftWhile both of these SUVs are classed as mid-size three-rows, and can seat up to seven, the Lexus TX is the more spacious overall. It is a lot more comfortable in the second and third rows for taller passengers and offers much more cargo space as well. The MDX is spacious enough in the first two rows, but if you need the extra space, the TX is the clear choice.MDX Vs TX: Which One Is Best?AcuraView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Acura MDX starts at a significantly lower entry price of $51,800 for the FWD base model and offers strong performance from its 3.5-liter V6. Adding AWD costs $2,200, and that still leaves some money aside for a few more options before you start approaching the base price of the Lexus TX 350. The higher MDX trims are more in line with Lexus' pricing, and both come with plenty of luxury features. Both models have premium feeling interiors, but the MDX looks a bit more upmarket overall.The range-topping offerings of both models both top $75,000 and highlight the very different approach that Lexus and Acura have taken here. The hybrid TX 500h F is quick, yet still very fuel efficient, and it is geared towards comfort rather than all-out sportiness. The MDX Type S Advance has more power and performance, but dismal fuel economy and not quite as many luxury features as its Lexus equivalent. It makes up for this with a far sportier driving experience.If generous cargo space, adult-friendly third-row seating, and available hybrid efficiency are your main priorities, then the Lexus TX is the easy pick here. However, if you prefer sportier handling, better performance, and a lower base entry price, the Acura MDX remains a compelling option. This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
+16 others
