MDX vs Lyriq
Two brands, one target. The MDX from Acura and the Lyriq from Cadillac compete head to head for midsize luxury suv shoppers. The data doesn’t leave much room for doubt: 1 of 3 areas go to the Lyriq, and the gap is widest in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Lyriq wins
- Space & Practicality Trade-off
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price MDX wins
- Engine & Performance0.9
- Space & Practicality5.0
- Engine & Performance2.6
- Space & Practicality3.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Lyriq has 72% more cargo space
On cargo (behind rear seats), the Lyriq posts 28 cu ft against 16.3 cu ft for the MDX, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The Lyriq has 75 hp more power
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 365 hp for the Lyriq versus 290 hp for the MDX. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The MDX has room for 7 seats
The Lyriq lists 5 seats; the MDX comes in at 7 seats. That’s not a rounding error. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
-
The Lyriq has 58 lb-ft more torque
At 325 lb-ft versus 267 lb-ft, this is a decisive lead for the Lyriq, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The MDX has 17% more maximum cargo space
If cargo (seats folded) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the MDX leads clearly with 71.4 cu ft to the Lyriq’s 60.8 cu ft. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Design & Size
Dimensionally, these two are near twins.
Dimensions
| Spec | MDX | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.4 in | 196.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.7 in | 77.8 in |
| Height | 67.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 121.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Lyriq leads
In this area the Lyriq has a lead the MDX can’t close. The Lyriq brings 75 hp more power. The Lyriq’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. If engine & performance is your priority, the Lyriq is the car to pick.
Total system output
MDX: 290 hp Lyriq: 365 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
MDX: 267 lb-ft Lyriq: 325 lb-ft The Lyriq’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Trade-off
The MDX and the Lyriq split the space & practicality section, the MDX with room for 7 seats and the Lyriq with 72% more cargo space. On space & practicality, the better choice comes down to your own priorities.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
MDX: 16.3 cu ft Lyriq: 28 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Seats
MDX: 7 seats Lyriq: 5 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the off-road & towing section. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | MDX | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | Single-motor electric |
| Total system output | 290 hp | 365 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SH-AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | MDX | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 26 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 326 mi |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | MDX | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats (winner) | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 16.3 cu ft | 28 cu ft (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 71.4 cu ft (winner) | 60.8 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | MDX | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | MDX | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | MDX | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.4 in | 196.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.7 in | 77.8 in |
| Height | 67.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 121.8 in |
Price
| Spec | MDX | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $51,800 (winner) | $58,595 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
In launch price, the two are close: the MDX came in $6,795 lower. If $6,795 isn’t a stretch, the Lyriq gives you 72% more cargo space and 75 hp more power.
These are US launch prices, recorded launch; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the MDX if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you move bulky items now and then (71.4 cu ft vs 60.8 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you’re working to a firm budget and $6,795 matters
Choose the Lyriq if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (28 cu ft vs 16.3 cu ft)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (365 hp vs 290 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (325 lb-ft vs 267 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the MDX or the Lyriq?
The Lyriq wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you care more about room for 7 seats than anything else.
Is the MDX bigger than the Lyriq?
Neither by much. The MDX and the Lyriq have nearly identical dimensions.
Is the MDX cheaper than the Lyriq?
Going by launch prices, the MDX costs $6,795 less than the Lyriq. Prices as of launch; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
I love a proper cross-brand matchup, and the MDX against the Lyriq is exactly that. To me, the standout is that the Lyriq offers 72% more cargo space. And the Lyriq doesn’t stop there; it also offers 75 hp more power. The MDX has a trump card of its own in room for 7 seats.
Fit matters more than scores here. The MDX suits buyers focused on passenger space; the Lyriq suits those focused on engine & performance.
My pick: the Lyriq, though the MDX makes sense if you need room for 7 seats, which only the MDX offers.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.