2025 Acura MDX vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a bold departure from its predecessor, the GX 470, with a more angular and aggressive design. The new model featured a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving it a more vertical and assertive front end. The hood's design, with its raised sides, was not only aesthetic but functional, aiding drivers in maintaining positional awareness during off-road adventures. The side profile of the GX was sleek, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline to enhance visibility. The SUV was available in six trims, with the Luxury models focusing on opulence and the Overtrail trims emphasizing off-road capabilities. Inside, the GX combined luxury with practicality, offering heated and ventilated seats, a 14-inch touchscreen, and robust materials suitable for rugged use.

In contrast, the 2025 Acura MDX underwent subtle exterior updates, including a new grille and revised bumpers, enhancing its sporty appeal. The interior saw more significant changes, with the introduction of a new touchscreen infotainment system that replaced the previous touchpad interface, providing more storage space. The MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance trims received upgraded seats from the Type S model, offering enhanced comfort and support. Acura also improved cabin quietness with additional sound insulation. The MDX maintained its reputation for quality, though the gloss black plastic trim was prone to collecting dust and smudges. The controls were logically placed, ensuring ease of use, and the new A-Spec Advance trim offered a blend of luxury and sportiness, with a price tag nearing $70,000.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provided more power than its predecessor, with torque available low in the rev range, making it adept at off-road driving. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis, enhancing stability both on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential ensured robust off-road capabilities. The Overtrail trims featured additional off-road enhancements, including a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), which improved wheel articulation. Despite its size, the GX handled well on-road, with minimal body roll and effective braking.

The 2025 Acura MDX offered a performance-oriented experience, particularly with the Type S model's turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. However, most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-liter V6, which delivered 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The MDX's 10-speed automatic transmission and optional Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided a balanced driving experience. The MDX offered various driving modes, including Sport, which enhanced powertrain response but reduced fuel efficiency. The SUV handled well on twisty roads, with smooth body motions and reliable braking, though some fade was noted during aggressive driving. The MDX excelled in typical driving situations, offering a comfortable and quiet ride, but it was not designed for off-roading, with limited ground clearance and performance tires.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was a departure from its predecessor, with a minimalist and sophisticated design. It retained essential physical controls, including rotary knobs for climate control and buttons for off-road features. The GX offered ample space for front and second-row passengers, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was cramped for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models offered even more cargo capacity, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions in the Advance and A-Spec Advance trims. The second row could be configured as a bench or individual seats, with a removable center section for added versatility. The outboard second-row seats were comfortable, with ample legroom and thigh support. The third row was less accommodating, suitable mainly for children. The MDX offered adequate in-cabin storage, with a new center console tray and wireless charging pad. Cargo space measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with it folded, and a total of 71.4 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included Drive Connect and Remote Connect services, with a three-year trial subscription. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the subscription costs after the trial period were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa and Google Built-in, offering complimentary access to Google services for three years. The system replaced the previous touchpad interface, providing a more intuitive experience. The MDX featured AcuraLink connected services and an AT&T 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The base model's sound system was upgraded to 11 speakers, with Bang & Olufsen audio systems available on higher trims. The new infotainment system and sound systems performed well, with seamless integration of smartphone connectivity. The MDX also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 10.5-inch head-up display, though blind-spot monitoring alerts were absent.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway driving. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the modern GA-F architecture and comprehensive ADAS instilled confidence in the GX's safety.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured the AcuraWatch suite of driver assistance features, with improved accuracy and refinement. The new AcuraWatch 360, exclusive to the Type S Advance, added front cross-traffic alert, evasive steering warning, and active lane-change assist. The MDX's standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX retained its five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though SH-AWD models lacked a rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2025 model, but the 2024 MDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating.