The luxury SUV market is buzzing as two giants face off: the 2025 Lexus RX and Acura MDX. These premium rides pack comfort, power, and top-notch tech, but each brings something different to the table. We’re breaking down everything from looks to price tags to help you figure out which one might be your perfect match.
If you’re looking to test-drive the 2025 Lexus RX, give our team a call at 626-539-2955!
Design and Exterior Features
The 2025 Lexus RX and Acura MDX both have attractive exterior designs, though they speak to different tastes. The RX offers a clean, modern vibe with its distinctive spindle grille and sharp angles. Meanwhile, the MDX flexes a more athletic build with a bold front and sculpted body lines.
Both SUVs bring unique lighting to the game. The MDX shows off with Jewel Eye LED headlights, while the RX counters with striking daytime running lights. The MDX includes a panoramic sunroof standard in every model. If you’re eyeing the RX, you’ll need to pay more to get that same sky view.
Performance and Engine Specifications
Pop the hoods and you’ll find two different takes on power. The 2025 MDX houses a 3.5-liter V-6 with 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, while its Type S revs up to 355 horsepower and delivers 354 lb-ft of torque with a turbo 3.0-liter V-6. The RX counters with a 2.4-liter turbo making 275 horsepower but a stronger base 317 lb-ft of torque. It also offers a hybrid powertrain, which provides 246 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque with slower fuel consumption.
The MDX shifts with a 10-speed automatic versus the RX’s eight-speed. Both offer all-wheel drive (AWD), with Acura’s system featuring torque-vectoring. For fuel economy, the RX wins with up to 22/29/25 mpg (city/highway/combined), while the MDX trails at up to 19/26/22 mpg.
Towing capacity gives the MDX an edge at 5,000 pounds with AWD compared to the RX’s 3,500-pound max. However, the RX offers hybrid options, including a plug-in variant, appealing to fuel-conscious buyers (getting up to 37/34/36 mpg) and giving it versatility the MDX lacks.
Interior Comfort and Technology
When exploring these two impressive SUVs, their interiors reveal different priorities. The MDX fits seven with its standard third row — ideal for families. The RX seats five, maximizing space and comfort for fewer passengers.
The MDX offers 16-way power front seats with lumbar, thigh, and side adjustments, while the RX provides 10-way power seats. For cargo space, the MDX dominates with 71.4 cubic feet versus the RX’s 46.2, which can present a significant edge for frequent haulers.
Tech features shine in both SUVs. The MDX includes a 12.3-inch touch screen, while the RX starts at 9.8 inches but offers a 14-inch high-definition option in higher trims. Both feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibly. Your choice might depend on which interface feels more intuitive during a test-drive.
Safety and Driving Assistance
The 2025 Lexus RX and Acura MDX each include automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, traffic sign recognition, and traffic jam assist. Though their features look similar on paper, real-world performance will likely differ.
These SUVs earned five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Full Insurance Institute for Highway Safety test results aren’t available yet for these new models, but they might worth checking before making your final choice.
Pricing and Value
Money talks, and both SUVs speak a similar language in the luxury market, with a few key differences. The RX starts slightly cheaper, with the front-wheel-drive 350 priced at $50,475 and the AWD version at $52,075. The MDX asks a bit more: $51,200 for front-wheel drive and $53,400 for the Super-Handling AWD system.
Warranty-wise, it’s a dead tie. Both brands give you a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. Just remember that actual ownership costs depend on factors such as gas mileage, maintenance needs, and long-term reliability — areas where Lexus has built quite a reputation.
The value question gets interesting here. The MDX gives you more room, better towing muscle, and that third row, which are huge pluses for bigger families or if you need versatility. However, the RX gets better gas mileage, especially in hybrid versions, saving you money over time. Lexus cars also tend to hold their value better when you sell, which matters if you’re thinking about the long game and total ownership costs.
Making Your Ultimate SUV Decision
As you weigh these two luxury rides, think about what you really need day to day. The 2025 RX excels with better fuel economy, plus it provides hybrid options the MDX doesn’t have. With a lower starting price and optional 14-inch screen, it suits fuel-conscious, tech fans and those wanting a smaller luxury SUV.
Nothing beats sitting in the driver’s seat yourself. Contact us today at Longo Lexus in El Monte, California, to take the 2025 RX for a spin and see how it stacks up against the MDX.
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