MDX vs TX 350
Rivals in the midsize luxury suv class rarely match spec for spec, and the MDX and the TX 350 are no exception. Here the verdict on paper is fairly clear. The TX 350 takes 3 of 5 areas against the MDX, starting with space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range TX 350 wins
- Space & Practicality TX 350 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech TX 350 wins
- Price MDX wins
- Engine & Performance0.9
- Fuel Economy & Range7.9
- Space & Practicality5.0
- Off-road & Towing5.5
- Engine & Performance1.2
- Fuel Economy & Range8.6
- Space & Practicality7.1
- Off-road & Towing5.5
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 TX 350 has 24% more cargo space
It’s a lopsided result (20.2 cu ft for the TX 350, 16.3 cu ft for the MDX) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The TX 350 has 36% more maximum cargo space
The spread here is large: 97 cu ft on the TX 350 versus 71.4 cu ft on the MDX. Expect to notice it. Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
-
The TX 350 has 50 lb-ft more torque
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the TX 350 makes its strongest case: 317 lb-ft against 267 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The MDX has 15 hp more power
The TX 350 comes close with 275 hp; the MDX does slightly better with 290 hp. The MDX’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The TX 350 has a bigger 14 in touchscreen
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 14 in for the TX 350, 12.3 in for the MDX. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Design & Size
- MDX 198.4 in × 78.7 in × 67.9 in
- TX 350 203.2 in × 78.4 in × 70.1 in
If you already know the size you like, the MDX and the TX 350 should suit you equally.
Dimensions
| Spec | MDX | TX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.4 in | 203.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.7 in | 78.4 in |
| Height | 67.9 in | 70.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 116.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
The engine & performance section doesn’t produce a winner so much as a choice: 15 hp more power (MDX) or 50 lb-ft more torque (TX 350). On engine & performance, the better choice comes down to your own priorities.
Torque
MDX: 267 lb-ft TX 350: 317 lb-ft The TX 350’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
MDX: 290 hp TX 350: 275 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
TX 350 leads
By a small margin, the TX 350 is the stronger of the two in this area. Here the TX 350 offers better city fuel economy. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the TX 350 has the better rating here. In short, the TX 350 is the better-equipped car for fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (city)
MDX: 19 mpg TX 350: 21 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the TX 350 starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
TX 350 leads
The TX 350 wins the space & practicality section decisively. The TX 350 has the edge with 24% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. Anyone shopping mainly on space & practicality should start with the TX 350.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
MDX: 16.3 cu ft TX 350: 20.2 cu ft The TX 350’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Cargo (seats folded)
MDX: 71.4 cu ft TX 350: 97 cu ft The TX 350 can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
TX 350 leads
The TX 350 edges the safety & tech section, though the MDX stays close. The TX 350 takes this one with a bigger 14 in touchscreen. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read. The takeaway: on safety & tech, the TX 350 is the stronger car.
Largest touchscreen
MDX: 12.3 in TX 350: 14 in The TX 350’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | MDX | TX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.4L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 290 hp (winner) | 275 hp |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SH-AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | MDX | TX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg | 21 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 26 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal | 17.8 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | MDX | TX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 16.3 cu ft | 20.2 cu ft (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 71.4 cu ft | 97 cu ft (winner) Most room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | MDX | TX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | MDX | TX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | 14 in (winner) |
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | MDX | TX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.4 in | 203.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.7 in | 78.4 in |
| Height | 67.9 in | 70.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 116.1 in |
Price
| Spec | MDX | TX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $51,800 (winner) | $56,940 |
“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
Price is almost a tie, with the MDX launching $5,140 below the TX 350. The MDX saves $5,140, but the TX 350 answers with 24% more cargo space and 36% more maximum cargo space.
Launch prices (US) as of launch. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the MDX if…
- you want more power (290 hp vs 275 hp)
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($5,140 less)
- you already use other Acura products
Choose the TX 350 if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (20.2 cu ft vs 16.3 cu ft)
- you move bulky items now and then (97 cu ft vs 71.4 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (317 lb-ft vs 267 lb-ft of torque)
- you want the bigger touchscreen (14 in vs 12.3 in)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the MDX or the TX 350?
We’d point most buyers to the TX 350. The main exception is if you know that 15 hp more power would make a real difference in your routine.
Is the MDX bigger than the TX 350?
Size is essentially a tie. The official dimensions of the MDX and the TX 350 differ only marginally.
Is the MDX cheaper than the TX 350?
The TX 350 launched at $5,140 more than the MDX, based on prices as of launch.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on Acura’s MDX versus Lexus’s TX 350. Practically speaking, the TX 350’s biggest advantage is 24% more cargo space. And if that weren’t enough, the TX 350 has 50 lb-ft more torque. Still, if you care most about 15 hp more power, the MDX deserves a look.
If you’d rather have strength in performance, go with the MDX. If fuel economy & range is what you’d miss, go with the TX 350.
My pick: the TX 350, unless you care more about 15 hp more power than anything else, in which case the MDX earns its place.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.