Compare the2025 Acura MDXVS 2025 Lexus TX

The Acura MDX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The TX doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Acura MDX achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Lexus TX has not been tested.

Both the MDX and the TX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the Acura MDX is safer than the TX:

The Acura MDX achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2025 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated moderate overlap front crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The TX is not a “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

There are over 12 percent more Acura dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the MDX’s warranty.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Acura MDX V6 is faster than the TX 350 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the MDX’s fuel efficiency. The TX doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Acura MDX uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The TX requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The MDX has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the TX 550h+’s standard fuel tank (18.5 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The MDX has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The TX doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Acura MDX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the TX.

For better stopping power the MDX’s standard front brake rotors are larger than those on the TX:

The MDX stops shorter than the TX:

For better traction, the MDX Type S’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the TX (275/40R21 vs. 255/55R20).

The MDX Type S’ tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the TX’s optional 45 series tires.

The MDX has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The TX doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires available on the MDX can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The TX doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

The MDX Type S has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The MDX’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The TX doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The MDX Type S handles at .87 G’s, while the TX 550h+ Luxury pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The MDX Type S executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.9 seconds quicker than the TX 350 Luxury (25.7 seconds @ .72 average G’s vs. 27.6 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the MDX Type S has a 1.4 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the TX 500h F Sport Performance Premium (9.4 vs. 8 inches), allowing the MDX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The MDX is 4.7 inches shorter than the TX, making the MDX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The MDX has 2.8 inches more front hip room, 1.9 inches more front shoulder room, 1 inch more rear hip room and 1.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the TX.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the TX Premium/Luxury/F Sport, the MDX offers an optional passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The MDX Advance has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the TX.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Acura MDX and the Lexus TX, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Acura MDX outsold the Lexus TX by 71% during 2024.