Three Rows, Two Very Different Luxury Bets: 2026 Acura MDX vs 2026 Lexus RX

The MDX is a seven-seat, three-row SUV starting at $68,480*, while the RX 350 seats five and starts at $60,885*. The Lexus wins on price, but the Acura counters with an extra row, considerably more maximum cargo capacity, and a stronger horsepower figure, the kind of differences that matter once you're actually using the space.

Horsepower Meets Stronger Torque

The 2026 Acura MDX produces 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, while the 2026 Lexus RX 350 generates 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Acura has the horsepower advantage, giving the MDX 15 more horsepower, while Lexus counters with 50 lb-ft more torque. Neither setup is short on output. They simply emphasize different numbers, with the Acura leaning toward horsepower and the Lexus delivering the stronger torque figure.

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Fuel Economy favours the Lexus

Fuel consumption is one area where the 2026 Lexus RX 350 posts the lower numbers. It is rated at 11.2 L/100 km city, 8.3 highway, and 9.9 combined, while the 2026 Acura MDX is rated at 12.6 city, 9.4 highway, and 11.2 combined. The RX 350 is more efficient on paper, while the Acura MDX is also carrying the versatility of a larger three-row, seven-passenger layout. That context makes the comparison more meaningful than looking at the fuel numbers alone.

Same Screen Size Different Sound

Technology is strong in both cabins, and neither skimps on screen real estate. The 2026 Acura MDX includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 2026 Lexus RX 350 also uses a 12.3-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration. The bigger difference comes through the audio systems. Acura features a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system, while the Lexus RX 350 uses a 12-speaker surround-sound system. The MDX also includes navigation, in-car Wi-Fi, wireless charging, and memory seats, giving its technology package plenty of depth beyond the display itself.

Cargo Space Changes With the Seats

The 2026 Acura MDX offers 513 litres behind the third row, expands to 1,368 litres with the third row folded, and reaches a substantial 2,690 litres of maximum cargo capacity with all rear seats down. The 2026 Lexus RX 350 starts with a larger 838 litres behind its rear seats, which makes sense in a two-row layout, and expands to 1,308 litres maximum. The Lexus provides more cargo space while all five seats remain available, while the Acura becomes dramatically more spacious once its rear seating is folded. That flexibility is one of the strongest practical differences in the 2026 Acura MDX vs 2026 Lexus RX 350.

Five-Star Safety on Both Sides

Both SUVs post an NHTSA overall safety rating of 5 stars in the supplied reference data. The 2026 Acura MDX and 2026 Lexus RX 350 each receive 5 stars for side impact, 4 stars for rollover, and 4 stars for frontal crash performance. Both also feature eight airbags, including front, side, side-curtain, and knee airbags. This is one area where neither vehicle needs to take a back seat, with both delivering strong published crash-test results.

Make Room for More at Burrard Acura

The 2026 Acura MDX vs 2026 Lexus RX 350 is a good example of two luxury SUVs delivering value in very different ways. Visit Burrard Acura to experience the 2026 Acura MDX firsthand and see how much flexibility its three-row cabin can bring to everyday driving.

*All pricing is based on BC MSRP and does not include taxes and fees. Dealer pricing may differ. Prices are subject to change at any time without notice.

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