The Lexus TX arrives for 2024 as an all-new midsize 3-row luxury SUV aimed at car shoppers who value space, refinement, and seating flexibility. It’s available with no less than three powertrain choices, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.
Standard is a 275-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard; all-wheel drive is optional. The hybrid models make AWD standard and come loaded with comfort, tech, and safety features. Even the base 2024 Lexus TX 350 has plenty of standard luxury touches.
Will the 2024 Acura MDX, already an established midsize luxury SUV, let this upstart Lexus crash the party? Not without a fight, that’s for sure.
The MDX remains a smart pick in a crowded field, backed by a handsome exterior, sharp handling, and a strong powertrain. Its 3.5-liter V6 sends a healthy 290 horsepower to the MDX’s front (or all four) wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. A more potent turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 355 horsepower is fitted to the sporty and AWD-only MDX Type-S model.
Let’s see how the 2024 Lexus TX and the 2024 Acura MDX compare:
2024 Lexus TX
The Lexus TX rides on the same vehicle platform as the new Toyota Grand Highlander. Starting at $53,700, excluding destination charges, the luxurious TX shines in a multitude of areas, most notably in its cabin space, interior quality, and powertrain variety.
Lexus TX Highlights
Powertrain choices: We found the base 275-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder in the TX 350 to have plenty of performance. In FWD configuration, the TX takes 7.8 seconds to reach 60 mph. Meanwhile, the 366-horsepower Lexus TX 550h hybrid shaves that down to 6.1 seconds while returning EPA combined fuel economy of 27 mpg. We’ve yet to get behind the wheel of the TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, which arrives later in 2024. With 404 horsepower and 33 miles of pure electric driving range, the TX PHEV holds lots of promise.
Passenger room, seating flexibility: A second-row bench seat is standard in the TX, which offers seating for seven. Optional are dual captain’s chairs that provide simpler access to the rear seats while also being available with a handy removable mini center console. The really big news, though, is this: Adults won’t feel squashed in the TX’s third row. With more than 33 inches of legroom back there, it’s one of the roomiest midsize luxury SUVs.
Interior quality: Soft-touch surfaces and user-friendly tech make the TX cabin an inviting place. Standard features include a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity and device charging, heated and power-adjustable front seats, ambient lighting, and much more. As expected of Lexus, it all feels exceptionally well-engineered and built to last.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Lexus TX models for sale near you.
2024 Acura MDX
The Acura MDX has long been a go-to choice among 3-row luxury SUVs, thanks mainly to its eager driving dynamics, excellent style, and good overall value. Starting at $49,850, not including destination fees, the 2024 MDX undercuts many of its direct rivals — including the Lexus TX. Yet the MDX is about much more than saving money.
Acura MDX Highlights
Sporty driving feel: Unlike many competing 3-row luxury SUVs, the Acura MDX is downright fun to drive. This is true with either the standard 290-hp V6 or the pokier 355-hp turbo V6 found in the Type S. Features like Acura’s well-regarded Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system improve the handling and composure of the MDX in all types of driving conditions, wet or dry.
High feature content: Even though the MDX has a base price that’s thousands less than many of its competitors, Acura equips its largest SUV with many standard features. Highlights include a 12.3-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a powered tailgate, Amazon Alexa, wireless device charging, and a panoramic moonroof.
Interior space: The MDX’s front seats are supportive, and there’s plenty of room for adults of all shapes and sizes in the second row. Space in the third row is fine for adults if the journey isn’t too long. We think it’s best for kids or smaller folks. Behind the third row, the MDX has 16.3 cubic feet of room.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the MDX models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Indiana-built Lexus TX and Ohio-built Acura MDX are remarkably evenly matched as midsize luxury SUVs with three rows of seats. Each offers more than one choice of powertrain, both are smooth and relaxing to drive, and each offers the passenger space and cargo volume that SUV shoppers demand.
Conclusion
Both the TX and MDX have their distinct advantages. Working in favor of the Lexus TX are its roomier third row and efficient hybrid variants, plus a larger (and more intuitive) infotainment touchscreen and more cargo space behind the third row. The standard turbo 4-cylinder engine also gets the job in a relaxed fashion, aided by good low-end torque.
The Acura MDX battles back with a significantly lower starting price, sportier driving dynamics, strong V6 engines, and excellent reliability, resale, and safety scores.
If you’re looking for a luxurious 3-row midsize SUV, the Acura MDX and Lexus TX are both savvy options. While the MDX has the edge in driving enjoyment, the new TX shines as a better people hauler with more cargo room and a handy 14-inch multimedia touchscreen.
| 2024 Lexus TX | 2024 Acura MDX | |
| Starting Price | $53,700 | $49,850 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.4-liter 4-cyl | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 275 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 290 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft @ 1,700-3,600 rpm | 267 lb-ft @4,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 combined | 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined |
| Also Available | Turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid, Turbo 4-cyl. Plug-In Hybrid, AWD | Turbo V6, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | TBD | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 116.1 inches | 113.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 203.1 inches | 198.4 inches |
| Width | 78.3 inches | 78.4 inches |
| Height | 70.1 inches | 67.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.0 feet | 40.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.1 inches | 38.1 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 37.2 inches | 36.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.6 inches | 41.6 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.5 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 33.5 inches | 29.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.0 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 59.0 inches | 60.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 57.4 inches | 55.2 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 20.2/57.4/97.0 cubic feet | 16.3/39.1/71.4 cubic feet |
