2025 Lexus GX vs 2026 Acura MDX

$64,735 · SUV

$51,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 Lexus GX and the 2026 Acura MDX is the $12,935 difference in MSRP, with the MDX starting at $51,800 versus the GX's $64,735. Performance metrics show the GX offering significantly more output, boasting 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, while the MDX provides 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is another major split; the MDX achieves 22 MPG combined compared to the GX's 17 MPG combined, translating to substantial long-term running cost differences, especially given the GX requires premium unleaded. Dimensionally, the GX is taller at 75.6 inches versus the MDX's 67.9 inches, reinforcing its more traditional SUV stance, although the MDX offers superior cargo space at 18.1 cu ft versus the GX's 10.3 cu ft. This comparison pits premium capability against accessible efficiency and utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Acura MDX

The 2026 Acura MDX offers a 5 MPG combined fuel efficiency advantage (22 MPG vs 17 MPG) and is FWD, optimizing it for daily point-to-point travel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura MDX

The MDX provides 18.1 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the GX's 10.3 cu ft, which benefits most family hauling needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus GX

The 2025 Lexus GX dominates on power with 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, substantially higher than the MDX's output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX undercuts the Lexus GX by $12,935 in base MSRP while providing better fuel economy metrics.

Choose the Lexus GX if...

Maximum towing or off-road capability is required, indicated by its dedicated four-wheel drive system.
Higher engine output is prioritized, specifically the 479 lb-ft of torque available.
A traditional, taller SUV structure (75.6 inches high) is preferred over a crossover design.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

Lower ownership costs are critical, supported by a $51,800 MSRP and 22 MPG combined efficiency.
Maximum accessible cargo space (18.1 cu ft) is necessary for utility.
Driver engagement relies on lighter daily dynamics, favored by the FWD setup and lower curb weight implied by its crossover dimensions.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling 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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

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

Drive Train

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

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	61.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	59.3 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
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	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus GX and 2026 Acura MDX.

What is the primary difference in drivetrain setup between these two vehicles?

The 2025 Lexus GX comes standard with four-wheel drive, emphasizing rugged capability. In contrast, the 2026 Acura MDX utilizes a front-wheel drive (FWD) platform, which is generally optimized for on-road efficiency and handling.

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

The 2025 Lexus GX has a starting MSRP of $64,735, which is $12,935 more than the 2026 Acura MDX's base price of $51,800.

Which vehicle offers superior acceleration potential based on horsepower figures?

The Lexus GX offers significantly superior power with 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the Acura MDX's 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque.

Are there fuel type requirements that impact running costs?

Yes, the Lexus GX explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel. The Acura MDX only lists premium fuel as recommended, potentially allowing for standard unleaded use.

Which vehicle has better usability for larger families regarding storage?

The Acura MDX provides 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space, making it significantly more practical for hauling than the Lexus GX, which lists only 10.3 cubic feet of capacity.

Do the exterior dimensions favor one vehicle for maneuverability?

The MDX is slightly longer (198.4 inches vs. 197.1 inches) but considerably shorter in height (67.9 inches vs. 75.6 inches), suggesting the MDX may fit into lower clearances more easily.