Honda and Toyota are both known for outstanding reliability since their introduction to the U.S. market, so it only makes sense for their luxury divisions to follow suit. In that regard, we can expect some of the best out of Acura and Lexus, right? Well, according to industry reliability analysis by J.D. Power, Lexus remains at the top of the charts with only 151 problems per 100 vehicles, while Acura falls below the industry average at 233 problems per 100 vehicles. Of course, that recent study for 2026 takes into account all models from both brands' lineups.What about Acura's most reliable SUV versus its Lexus rival? In this article, we take a look at the latest iteration of the Acura MDX, and put it head-to-head against the closest competitor from Lexus. We'll discuss each model's overall specs and engines, their customer complaints, recalls, and more. Here's everything you need to know about Acura's most reliable SUV model, and how it stacks up to the best in the business. The Most Reliable New Acura SUV is... 2026 Acura MDX Overview AcuraThe Acura MDX is currently the brand's largest model, and it happens to be its most reliable. Under the hood is a tried-and-true 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V6 that makes 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque — that's the same engine found in the Honda Pilot (which this Acura model shares a platform with), the Honda Ridgeling pickup truck, and others over the last decade or so. Honda and its luxury division have had more than enough time to sort out its issues since the powertrain was initially integrated into their lineups.Of course, that's not to mention the Type S variant's more powerful 3.0L turbocharged unit. While that boosted engine might be a reliable choice, we would stick to the time-tested 3.5L option. We had a blast driving the Type S variant, but the standard trims get better fuel economy, cost less overall, and carry a reliable drive system.The Acura MDX has been around since 2001, having undergone changes and updates over the years until we reach the fourth generation, which was introduced for the 2022 model year. Excluding its second generation, almost every MDX version could be bought with a 3.5-liter V6. In this article, we'll focus on the latest generation's reported complaints and official recalls. Fourth-Generation Acura MDX Reliability Fourth-Gen Acura MDX Reported Problems Acura For being such a popular SUV with plenty of sales, the fourth-generation MDX lacks many customer complaints. That's great news for its reliability. Like we said earlier, this model's 3.5-liter V6 has been around the block a few times, giving Honda a chance to work out any issues over the years. However, there are some complaints to address.Firstly, the 2022 model has a couple dozen complaints regarding the SUV's AWD system failing or malfunctioning in slick conditions — some people have honed in on the problem as the transfer case's splines wearing down and failing to send power to the rear wheels. Almost all model years from this generation also have reported electrical issues that vary from blank screens to the car stalling while driving. All-in-all, though, the volume of complaints for these model years is low enough to not be concerning.For more peace-of-mind, know that RepairPal scores the MDX in general at a 4 out of 5 with excellent reliability. It also explains how the estimated annual maintenance and repair costs come out to about $571. Fourth-Gen MDX Recalls AcuraAs we continue to focus on the MDX's fourth and current generation, we see the SUV has been affected by three recalls since its 2022 model year. Here they are in chronological order from the earliest to the most recent: Airbag May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash. Affecting 750,114 Honda and Acura units, including the 2022 Acura MDX, is a recall pertaining to the front passenger seat weight sensor, which may crack and short circuit, thereby failing to suppress the airbag as intended. In other words, it might be set off in the event of a crash when it's not needed. Rear-view Camera Image May Not Display. Affecting 9,221 units of the 2025 Acura MDX is a recall that pertains to the touchscreen in the center console, which may go blank, resulting in the rear-view camera image not displaying as intended. Brake Pedal May Shift Out of Position. Affecting 259,033 Honda and Acura Units, including the 2023–2025 MDX, is a recall pertaining to the brake pedal pivot pin, which was not secured properly. This can cause the pedal to shift out of position, increasing the probability of a crash. Lexus' Answer to Rival Acura's Best SUV 2026 Lexus TX Overview LexusLexus has a wide range of SUVs with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options that fit everybody's needs. The model that best rivals the Acura MDX is the Lexus TX. This three-row SUV shares a platform with the Toyota Grand Highlander. Our first drive event allowed us to experience all three of the TX's powertrains. On the inside, buyers can expect a nicely-appointed Toyota, rather than a high-end, luxurious Lexus like some other SUVs from the brand. Nevertheless, it's proving reliable so far. It still has plenty of time to prove itself, though, since the TX was just introduced for the 2024 model year.We still feel comfortable comparing it to the MDX, though, since the 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine (and its hybrid variant) has been around for far longer. That engine is used in a host of other models, like the Toyota Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Crown, Highlander, Grand Highlander, and 4Runner. It's also used in the Lexus NX and RX. So, even though the TX hasn't been around for too long, there is plenty of data from tons of other models that back this powertrain up as being one of the most reliable Toyota/Lexus engines of our time. First-Generation Lexus TX Reliability First-gen Lexus TX Reported Problems LexusLike we said earlier, the TX has only been around for a few years. Therefore, there hasn't been much time to judge reliability as accurately as we'd like to. There have been, however, plenty of other vehicles with this powertrain to judge. Before we get into the powertrain itself, we can let you know about a few complaints directed at the TX: the 2024 model year has 32 complaints related to the airbags, with the vast majority of those pertaining to a recall that we'll get to next. Otherwise, the remaining complaints thus far are negligible.Other sources tell us the TX is quite reliable — as much as we can expect from a modern Lexus. J.D. Power gave the TX an 81 out of 100 in terms of quality and reliability for 2025. CarEdge estimates its 10-year maintenance and repair costs to be roughly $7,948, which beats the industry average by $4,546. First-Gen TX Recalls LexusThe Lexus TX has been affected by four recalls since it debuted. Most of them are harmless to the SUVs reliability, but for the sake of being thorough, here are all four in chronological order from the earliest to the most recent: Curtain Airbag May Deploy Improperly. Affecting 145,254 Toyota and Lexus units, including the 2024 Lexus TX350, TX500 Hybrid, and TX550 Hybrid+, is a recall that pertains to the driver and front passenger side curtain airbags failing to unroll properly in the event of a crash. Instrument Panel Failure. Affecting 591,377 Toyota and Lexus units, including the 2024–2025 Lexus TX, is a recall that pertains to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup; the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights. Rear-view Camera Image May Not Display. Affecting 1,024,407 Toyota and Lexus units, including all TX units equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system, is a recall that pertains to a software error that may cause the rear-view camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. Rear-view Camera Image May Not Display. Another 144,200 Toyota and Lexus models, including the 2024–2026 TX350, are affected by a recall pertaining to a rear-view camera that may not display an image when in reverse. Which Would You Rather Drive? 2026 Lexus TXNo matter which brand you end up with, most buyers are sure to love their Lexus or Acura SUV for their driving characteristics, comfort features, and low maintenance costs. The MDX and TX both have some very minor issues that shouldn't be very expensive to solve. All recalls are easily taken care of at your local dealership, too. All that's left is to see how each SUV ages, and if their reliability continues. So, which would you rather take home?