2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Lexus GX

$51,200 · Crossover

$64,735 · SUV

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura MDX sprints into the segment offering sharp, composed handling, launching with 290 hp and an appealing MSRP of $51,200. Conversely, the 2025 Lexus GX enters with a far more rugged persona, boasting a commanding 349 hp and massive 479 lb-ft of torque, though this strength comes at a higher cost of $64,735. The MDX shines with efficiency, achieving a combined 22 MPG compared to the GX's 17 MPG, making the Acura easier on the wallet long-term. While both utilize 10-speed automatics, the MDX’s FWD setup and lighter footprint likely translate to a more agile feel against the GX’s standard 4WD system. The trade-off for the GX's brute force is less accessible utility; the MDX offers 18.1 cu ft of cargo space versus the GX's 10.3 cu ft. Ultimately, the choice balances accessible performance and efficiency (MDX) against raw power and off-road readiness (GX).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Acura MDX

The MDX wins for commuters due to its superior 22 MPG combined fuel economy versus the GX’s 17 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Acura MDX

The MDX offers significantly more usability with 18.1 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GX's 10.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus GX

The Lexus GX delivers overwhelming power with 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, far exceeding the MDX’s output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX is the clear value leader, saving buyers $13,535 upfront while still providing 290 hp.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

You prioritize lower running costs, leveraging the 5 MPG advantage over the Lexus GX.
You need maximum usable cargo space, as the MDX provides 18.1 cubic feet.
You prefer a lower entry price point, starting at just $51,200 compared to the GX's premium pricing.

Choose the Lexus GX if...

You demand serious power for towing or spirited driving, thanks to the 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque.
You require the assured traction of standard Four Wheel Drive for adverse conditions or off-road use.
You enjoy a taller, more commanding presence provided by the GX’s 75.6-inch height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura MDX	Lexus GX
Length	198.4"	197.1"
Width	78.7"	78.0"
Height	67.9"	75.6"
Wheelbase	113.8"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	3.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	290 hp @ 6200 rpm	349 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	479 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	four wheel drive
4WD System Type	—	Full Time
Transfer Case Gearing	—	Manual Hi-Lo
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	15/21 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	17 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/481.0 mi.	316.5/443.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	21.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	14.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	11	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Front Head Room	38.5 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 in.	41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	59.5 in.
Front Hip Room	59.3 in.	56.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	43.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.5 in.	36.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	57.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.8 in.	56.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/55R19	✓
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Dimensions	—	20 x 7.5 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Full Size Matching
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura MDX and 2025 Lexus GX.

What is the biggest functional difference between the 2025 Acura MDX and the 2025 Lexus GX?

The primary functional difference lies in their capability focus; the MDX is a road-biased crossover optimized for efficiency (22 MPG combined) and offers more luggage room at 18.1 cu ft. The GX is a body-on-frame SUV built for durability and power, boasting 349 hp and standard 4WD.

Is the extra power in the Lexus GX worth the fuel penalty compared to the Acura MDX?

The GX offers substantially more power (349 hp vs. 290 hp) and torque (479 lb-ft vs. 267 lb-ft), but this performance requires running on required premium fuel and drops fuel economy to 17 MPG combined. The MDX runs on recommended premium and achieves 22 MPG combined.

How much less expensive is the Acura MDX compared to the Lexus GX?

The 2025 Acura MDX starts at $51,200, making it significantly more attainable than the 2025 Lexus GX, which has an MSRP of $64,735. This represents an initial savings of $13,535 by selecting the Acura.

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling luggage on a road trip?

The Acura MDX is superior for pure cargo hauling, offering 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The Lexus GX is comparatively constrained, providing only 10.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the same configuration.

Both vehicles use a 10-speed automatic transmission; does this mean their driving feel is similar?

While the transmissions are the same count, the driving experience will differ greatly due to drivetrain. The MDX utilizes FWD biased dynamics, favoring nimble road manners, whereas the GX’s 4WD system is tuned for robust traction and a taller ride height.