When shopping for a luxury SUV, we find that modern drivers are more concerned about safety and fuel efficiency than anything else, because what they’re really looking for is a family vehicle that’s a stylish, practical alternative to a minivan.
If you’re in Los Angeles and need an SUV for the whole crew, it’s important to look at all the details and compare models before deciding. Our one-to-one comparison of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 and the 2017 Lincoln MKX reveals some significant differences between these two luxury family vehicles:
Safety and Tech
Lexus RX 350
Lexus cares about the safety of you and your family, so every model of the 2017 RX is equipped with the Lexus Safety System+, which includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and intelligent high beams. Additionally, all models come with a backup camera, bi-LED headlamps, LED foglamps and daytime running lights, and a Lexus Enform Safety Connect emergency assistance plan.
Further, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Lexus SUV a Top Safety Pick+ and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it a best-possible 5-Star Overall Rating.
Lincoln MKX
If you want driver assistance technology, you’ll need to upgrade to the most expensive trim (Reserve), and even then, the features that are standard on all models of the RX are available only as options. The 2017 MKX Reserve comes available with a 360-degree camera with Split-View Display, Adaptive Cruise Control, Adaptive Steering, Blind Spot Information System, Enhanced Park Assist, Forward Sensing System, Lane-Keeping System, and Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection.
While the NHTSA gave the 2017 MKX a 5-Star Overall Rating and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick, the Lincoln SUV didn’t score well enough in IIHS tests to earn that + on the title.
Performance and Efficiency
Lexus RX 350
The 2017 RX 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, making 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The RX 450h is a hybrid model that combines a 3.5-liter V6 with a 123-kW electric motor, making a net 308 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. The RX 350 has optional all-wheel drive, while it’s standard on the hybrid model.
The EPA estimates that the RX 350 FWD gets 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, and the RX 450h gets 31 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.
Lincoln MKX
The 2017 MKX comes standard with a 3.7-liter V6 engine, making 303 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, or optional with a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that makes 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and come with the option for all-wheel drive.
According to EPA estimates, the regular V6 AWD guzzles up to 16 MPG city and 23 MPG highway, while the twin-turbocharged AWD option gets up to 17 MPG city and 24 MPG highway.
Pricing
Lexus RX 350
Starting at $43,220 MSRP
Lincoln MKX
Starting at $38,260 MSRP
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