When reliability tops their wish list, most luxury buyers head straight to Lexus. That makes sense given that the brand has built its reputation on Toyota engineering wrapped in a premium package, but it’s far from the only Japanese luxury automaker that does it reliably. off-road vehicles.
One model in particular flies under the radar despite offering the same convenience. while Lexus RX two rows and asking about $52,000 for a hybrid setup, this alternative gets you three rows, up to 355 horsepower and reliability for about the same money as a Lexus.
It doesn’t have the sales figures or the focus of the RX, but that’s exactly what makes it a bargain.
An overlooked luxury SUV worth considering
Acura’s top sellers deserve more attention
This is an SUV we are talking about Acura MDXand deserves more attention than it gets. It’s Acura’s best-selling model in the U.S. and combines Lexus-like reliability with the kind of size and practicality that makes it easy to live with every day.
It also offers the performance, comfort and premium features you’d expect from a European luxury SUV, just without the higher ownership costs that typically come with a car.
Built to go the distance
The Lexus RX has long been one of the brand’s hallmarks, and the Acura MDX deserves to be mentioned in the same breath. according to iSeeCarsThe MDX has an estimated life of 153,225 miles, or 11.2 years, and a 22.9 percent chance of reaching 200,000 miles.
A big reason for those numbers is Honda’s proven J-series V-6 engine family, whether you choose the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter in the MDX Type S or the turbocharged 3.0-liter. These engines have a reputation for lasting well beyond the average ownership period.
The RX is still superior, especially in hybrid form RX 350h It’s projected to last 166,936 miles, or 14.3 years, and has a 29.6 percent chance of reaching 200,000 miles. The turbocharged RX 350 also has 148,840 miles or 12.8 years, giving it a 19.2 percent chance of hitting the same milestone, while iSeeCars has yet to release data for the RX 500h F Sport Performance.
Lower costs than European competitors
Reliability is only part of the story, as the Acura MDX is also affordable to own. CarEdge It estimates it will cost about $10,565 in maintenance and repairs over the first 10 years, which is $1,888 less than the average luxury SUV, while giving it just a 29 percent chance of needing a major overhaul during that time.
The difference is even more obvious when compared to the BMW X5. CarEdge It estimates the X5 will run up $19,460 in maintenance and repair costs over the same period — more than $7,000 more than the segment average — and gives it a 56 percent chance of requiring a major overhaul, meaning you could spend nearly twice as much to keep it on the road.
A lot of SUV for the money
The MDX also makes a strong case for value. Starting at $51,800, it’s priced almost as much as a two-row Lexus RX, yet it gives you three rows, a standard V-6, and more power, with the MDX Type S’s 355 horsepower comfortably besting the RX 350’s 275 horsepower.
Despite this, the MDX never achieved the same popularity as the RX. Lexus simply carries more prestige, but if you step beyond the badge, the MDX deserves to be mentioned in the same conversation thanks to its blend of performance, practicality and everyday usability.
Why does the Acura MDX deserve more attention?
It’s faster, more spacious and more reliable than the Lexus RX
If the Lexus RX is already on your list, the MDX deserves a place there too. If you’re looking to buy a luxury hybrid, the RX still makes the most sense, but if you’re after a gas-guzzling SUV, the MDX is arguably the more attractive all-around package.
Sharp styling inside and out
No matter which MDX you choose, you’re getting a midsize luxury SUV with a sporty edge, but the A-Spec, A-Spec Advance and Type S trims are where the styling really comes alive. They add a more aggressive front bumper, dark-colored 20-inch wheels and additional exterior details, while the Type S goes a step further with unique styling touches and larger 21-inch wheels.
The cabin won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it still has a lot going for it. A wide center console and sculpted fascia give it a sporty feel, and while the generous use of gloss black trim isn’t as elegant as some rivals, the rest of the interior makes the MDX more practical than many rivals, with quality materials and a usable third row.
Still a V-6 worth owning
This is where the MDX starts to make a stronger case against the RX. Thanks to Honda’s J-series setup, the V-6 is smooth and durable, long considered one of the most refined V6s in the business.
Step up to the Type S, with its 355-hp 3.0-liter turbo V-6 and a truly powerful soundtrack, and things get more serious. Our colleagues are here TopSpeed have driven it and described it as a properly sporty, well-sorted SUV, aided by Brembo front brakes and adaptive dampers that keep things under pressure.
The 10-speed automatic isn’t as sharp as BMW’s excellent ZF unit, but overall it still does a solid job. All in all, the MDX manages to balance everyday comfort with better driver appeal than most competitors in its class.
- Main Trim Engine
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3.5L V6 ICE
- Main Trim Transmission
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10-speed automatic
- Basic Trim transmission
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Front wheel
- Base Trim Horsepower
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290hp @6200rpm
- Main Trim Torque
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267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
- Base trim fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
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19/26/22 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
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Lead acid battery
- to do
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Acura
- Model
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MDX
The non-Type S versions are still very attractive, esp Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) adding an appreciable fold of the rear axle torque vector. Even so, the MDX remains impressively balanced, feeling sporty when pushed but comfortable enough for everyday use.
The Type S further enhances this contrast with adaptive dampers that sharpen the distinction between comfort and performance modes. The V6 isn’t the most efficient in the segment, especially compared to BMW’s B58 inline-six in the X5, but there’s still plenty to like.
Overall, the MDX stands out by combining three-row practicality with genuine driver appeal in a way that few competitors in this class can manage.
