2026 Acura MDX and Lexus RX Compared

Which Premium SUV Fits Your Palm Beach Lifestyle?

Choosing the right premium SUV is a significant decision for families and professionals alike, especially in vibrant communities such as Palm Beach Gardens and Wellington, FL, where style, performance, and practicality must align seamlessly with everyday life. The 2026 Acura MDX and Lexus RX are two standout contenders in this segment, each offering a distinctive blend of luxury, technology, and capability. Understanding how these models compare can help you decide which vehicle better complements your lifestyle and driving needs.

The Acura MDX has long been celebrated for its balanced approach to luxury and performance, making it a favorite among West Palm Beach residents who seek versatility without compromise. It offers spacious seating for seven passengers and generous cargo space, ideal for families heading to weekend outings or professionals transporting gear for golf or boating excursions. The MDX's design combines refined aesthetics with a focus on driver comfort and advanced technology, ensuring every journey is both enjoyable and efficient.

On the other hand, the Lexus RX appeals to those who prioritize a more conservative yet elegant driving experience. Known for its smooth ride quality and upscale interior, the RX typically accommodates five passengers with available two-row seating configurations, which suits smaller families or couples who value a sophisticated cabin environment. Palm Beach drivers often appreciate the RX's quiet, composed handling and its reputation for reliability and refined craftsmanship.

Both SUVs incorporate family-friendly features, but they cater to subtly different priorities. The MDX shines in offering additional passenger capacity and adaptable cargo solutions, which is particularly beneficial for larger families or those with active lifestyles. In contrast, the RX focuses on delivering a plush, serene atmosphere with a slightly smaller footprint, making it easier to maneuver in tighter urban settings like Lantana.

Ultimately, your choice between the 2026 Acura MDX and Lexus RX should reflect your specific needs-whether you require more passenger space and dynamic performance or prefer a quieter, more traditional luxury SUV experience. At our Acura dealership, located at 6870 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33411-2510, our knowledgeable team is ready to help you explore our MDX models and find the perfect fit. Feel free to reach out.

Article Table of Contents

 
• Engine Power and Driving Performance: Acura MDX vs Lexus RX
• Dimensions and Interior Space: How the MDX and RX Accommodate Your Family
• Fuel Efficiency and Economy: Evaluating the 2026 MDX and RX
• Technology and Interior Features: Acura MDX's Advanced Comfort vs Lexus RX
• Pricing and Value: Understanding the Cost Differences Between the MDX and RX

Engine Power and Driving Performance: Acura MDX vs Lexus RX

When evaluating the 2026 Acura MDX against the Lexus RX, engine power and driving dynamics play a pivotal role in determining which premium SUV aligns better with your lifestyle, especially for drivers in Palm Beach Gardens and Lantana who prioritize spirited performance and confident handling on diverse roads. The Acura MDX stands out with its robust 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination not only provides brisk acceleration but also ensures relaxed cruising during long commutes or weekend trips around Jupiter's scenic routes.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus RX 350 is equipped with a 2.4-liter inline-four engine that produces 275 horsepower and pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While this setup offers sufficient power for daily driving, it falls short of the MDX's more dynamic output, which is particularly noticeable when merging onto highways or navigating Palm Beach's suburban streets where quick responsiveness enhances safety and driving enjoyment.

Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system further elevates the MDX's driving performance by actively distributing torque to wheels with the most grip, enhancing cornering precision and stability in wet or uneven conditions-a significant advantage for drivers experiencing Florida's coastal weather. The Lexus RX's all-wheel-drive option lacks torque vectoring, which can result in less agile handling in challenging conditions.

Additionally, the MDX features a double-wishbone front suspension that contributes to superior ride comfort and sharper handling compared to the RX's MacPherson strut setup. Tire sizes also reflect this performance focus; the MDX rides on wider 255/55 R19 tires, offering more traction and a confident grip than the RX's narrower 235/60 R19 tires.

Overall, for those in West Palm Beach and nearby areas seeking a premium SUV that blends powerful engine performance, agile handling,

Dimensions and Interior Space: How the MDX and RX Accommodate Your Family

The 2026 Acura MDX and Lexus RX cater to families seeking both luxury and practicality, but their dimensions and interior layouts reveal distinct approaches to space and comfort. The MDX measures approximately 198.4 inches in length and 78.7 inches in width, offering a slightly more compact footprint compared to the Lexus RX, which stretches to about 192.5 inches long and 74.6 inches wide. This difference translates into the MDX providing more generous shoulder room in the first and second rows, enhancing passenger comfort for families in suburban areas like Palm Beach Gardens where longer drives and group outings are common.

A key advantage of the MDX is its standard third-row seating, allowing it to accommodate up to seven passengers comfortably. This feature is ideal for larger families or those needing occasional extra seating for friends or extended family. In contrast, the RX accommodates five passengers with two rows, which may suit smaller households or those prioritizing cargo space over passenger capacity. The MDX's cargo volume also significantly outpaces the RX's, with up to 71.4 cubic feet available when rear seats are folded, compared to the RX's 46.2 cubic feet, making the MDX better suited for hauling sports gear, groceries, or luggage for weekend trips around Jupiter or Lake Worth Beach.

Overall, the MDX's design balances maneuverability with spaciousness, while the RX's slightly smaller interior emphasizes a more streamlined, two-row luxury experience.

Pricing and Value: Understanding the Cost Differences Between the MDX and RX

The 2026 Acura MDX and Lexus RX present distinct pricing strategies reflecting their unique value propositions. The MDX SH-AWD with the Advance Package starts at $66,900 MSRP, offering a blend of enhanced horsepower, expansive cargo space, and advanced standard features such as a panoramic moonroof and integrated Google services. In comparison, the Lexus RX 350 Luxury AWD starts at an MSRP of $62,720, appealing to buyers prioritizing refined luxury with a slightly more conservative feature set. While the MDX's price is higher, its comprehensive standard amenities and performance capabilities deliver exceptional value for West Palm Beach drivers seeking a dynamic and tech-forward premium.