2026 Lexus RX vs 2026 Acura MDX: Specs, Features, and Which One to Buy
The 2026 Lexus RX delivers 25 MPG combined, beating the Acura MDX's 22 MPG combined on every fuel-economy metric. The RX also offers a plug-in hybrid variant, while the MDX runs on premium gasoline only across its entire lineup. This page compares both SUVs on performance, space, tech, and ownership value, with RX inventory available at Lexus of Riverside.
The Short Answer
The 2026 Lexus RX is the stronger choice for buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency, hybrid powertrain flexibility, and a refined five-passenger experience. The 2026 Acura MDX earns its place for families who need a third row and genuine towing capacity. Neither is a weak choice, but they serve different primary needs.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Spec | 2026 Lexus RX 350 | 2026 Acura MDX (base) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L turbo inline-4 | 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 |
| Horsepower | 275 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| EPA City MPG | 22 | 19 |
| EPA Hwy MPG | 29 | 26 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 25 | 22 |
| Seating | 5 | 7 |
| Cargo (behind 2nd row) | 29.6 cu ft | 39.1 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 46.2 cu ft | 71.4 cu ft |
| Length | 192.5 in | 198.4 in |
| Hybrid option | Yes (RX 350h, RX 450h+, RX 500h) | No |
| Plug-in hybrid option | Yes (RX 450h+) | No |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | 6 yr / 70,000 mi | 6 yr / 70,000 mi |
Performance and Powertrain
The RX 350's 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 317 lb-ft of torque, which is 50 lb-ft more than the MDX's 3.5-liter V6 at 267 lb-ft. That torque advantage translates to a more immediate response off the line, even though the MDX edges the RX on peak horsepower by 15 hp (290 vs 275).
The MDX's V6 requires premium gasoline across every trim. The RX 350 runs on the same premium fuel, but the RX lineup's breadth is the bigger story: the RX 350h and RX 500h add gas-electric hybrid drivetrains, and the RX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid that lets Riverside commuters cover daily miles on electric power alone. No MDX trim offers any hybrid option.
The RX 500h pairs its turbocharged four-cylinder with hybrid assistance and comes standard with AWD. The MDX's top-tier Type S Advance uses a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 making 355 hp, so shoppers focused purely on maximum horsepower will find the MDX's flagship compelling.
For towing, the MDX with SH-AWD is rated at 5,000 lbs, while max towing for the Lexus RX is rated at 3,500 lbs across all models.
Interior, Space, and Cargo
This is where the two SUVs diverge most clearly. The MDX is a three-row vehicle seating seven. The RX seats five across two rows. If a third row matters, the MDX is the only choice between the two.
The MDX carries up to 71.4 cu ft of max cargo with all rows folded, versus 46.2 cu ft in the RX. Behind the second row with passengers seated, the MDX holds 39.1 cu ft against the RX's 29.6 cu ft. Families hauling gear through the Inland Empire will notice that gap.
On interior refinement, the RX punches hard. It comes standard with 64-color ambient lighting across 14 themes, a 12-speaker audio system, wireless charging, and a power tilt/telescoping steering column. The MDX's Iconic Drive ambient lighting system offers 27 color themes on higher trims but requires stepping up from the base trim to access it. The RX delivers that ambient experience more consistently across the lineup.
Seat material on the base MDX is leatherette, while the RX's interior presentation stays consistent with Lexus's luxury positioning throughout its trim range.
Technology and Safety
Both SUVs are well equipped from a tech standpoint, but they take different approaches.
The RX uses the Lexus Interface system with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to 14 inches on higher trims. A 12.3-inch digital multi-information display is standard on every RX. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and wireless charging is included on all 2026 RX models.
The MDX counters with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Google Built-In with three years of unlimited data, which gives it native Google Maps and Google Assistant. The MDX also adds a Wi-Fi hotspot and a 10.5-inch head-up display on Advance-level and above trims. The RX does not list a head-up display in the provided specs.
Audio buyers should note: the MDX offers a 31-speaker Bang and Olufsen Ultra Sound System on the Type S Advance, while the RX's standard 12-speaker system is solid but not at that ceiling.
On safety, the RX carries Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 standard across all trims. That package includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, all-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-centering steering, emergency steering assist, oncoming vehicle detection, automatic high beams, blind spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and road sign recognition.
The MDX includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane departure steering assist, blind spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, road sign recognition, and automatic high beams. The MDX adds traffic-jam assist, which the RX brief does not list specifically.
The RX's inclusion of front and rear parking sensors and emergency steering assist as standard features gives it a slight depth advantage in standard active safety content.
Value and Ownership
Warranties are identical: both carry a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. Neither vehicle has a coverage advantage on paper.
The fuel economy gap is meaningful over time. The RX 350 returns 25 combined MPG on regular driving; the MDX averages 22 combined. Drivers in Riverside and surrounding areas who put significant annual miles on their SUV will find the RX's efficiency advantage adds up. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid extends that further for buyers with home charging access.
The MDX demands premium gasoline as the only fuel option across every trim. The RX's hybrid trims also require premium, but the plug-in RX 450h+ can significantly reduce fuel spend for buyers charging at home.
Both vehicles offer strong standard technology content, but the RX bundles wireless charging and a full suite of parking sensors across all trims, reducing the need to step up in trim to access those conveniences.
Which One Should You Buy
Choose the 2026 Lexus RX if:
You want a five-passenger luxury SUV with the best fuel efficiency in this segment, hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain flexibility, a quieter and more refined daily driver, and strong standard technology without trim-jumping. The RX suits Riverside commuters, weekend travelers, and buyers who want a Lexus's long-term ownership reputation.
Choose the 2026 Acura MDX if:
Your household needs seven seats and a legitimate third row. The MDX's 5,000-lb towing capacity with SH-AWD also makes it a better fit for buyers who tow boats, trailers, or equipment regularly. The MDX Type S Advance's 355 hp will satisfy buyers chasing performance at the top of the lineup.
If your search starts and ends with "needs a third row," the MDX wins that specific requirement outright. For every other comparison point on this page, the RX holds an equal or better position.
See the 2026 Lexus RX at Lexus of Riverside
Riverside drivers comparing these two luxury SUVs can see the full 2026 RX lineup, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid trims, in stock now at Lexus of Riverside. The team can walk you through every trim, run side-by-side specs on any configuration, and match the right RX to your daily route and driving needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Lexus RX get better gas mileage than the Acura MDX?
Yes. The RX 350 returns 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG, compared to the MDX's 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG. EPA fuel economy comparison
Does the 2026 Acura MDX have a third row?
Yes. The MDX seats seven passengers across three rows. The Lexus RX seats five across two rows with no third-row option.
Does the 2026 Lexus RX offer a hybrid?
Yes. The RX lineup includes the RX 350h (gas-electric hybrid), the RX 450h+ (plug-in hybrid), and the RX 500h (turbocharged gas-electric hybrid). The MDX has no hybrid option.
Which SUV has more cargo space?
The MDX has significantly more cargo room: 39.1 cu ft behind the second row and 71.4 cu ft maximum, versus the RX's 29.6 cu ft behind the second row and 46.2 cu ft maximum. The MDX's three-row layout accounts for most of that difference when the third row is folded.
Do the 2026 Lexus RX and Acura MDX have the same warranty?
Yes. Both carry a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Which SUV has more standard safety features?
Both are well equipped. The RX includes Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 standard on all trims, covering emergency steering assist, oncoming vehicle detection, front and rear parking sensors, and lane-centering steering in addition to the core collision-avoidance features the MDX also provides. The MDX adds traffic-jam assist as a standard item.
Can I find the 2026 Lexus RX near Riverside, CA?
Yes. Lexus of Riverside carries the 2026 RX in multiple trims. Check Current RX Inventory