MDX vs R1S
Cross-brand comparisons are where priorities show. Acura’s MDX and Rivian’s R1S target the same midsize luxury suv space in different ways. The spec sheets tilt toward the R1S, which leads in 3 of 4 areas and opens its biggest gap on engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance R1S wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing R1S wins
- Safety & Tech R1S wins
- Engine & Performance0.9
- Off-road & Towing5.5
- Engine & Performance8.0
- Off-road & Towing9.3
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
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The R1S has 243 hp more power
Few buyers will miss this one. The R1S brings 533 hp to the table; the MDX brings 290 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The R1S has 343 lb-ft more torque
When it comes to torque, the R1S wins comfortably with 610 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.
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The R1S has 2,700 lb more towing capacity
It’s a lopsided result (7,700 lb for the R1S, 5,000 lb for the MDX) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. If you tow regularly, the R1S’s higher rating gives you more margin.
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The R1S has a bigger 15.6 in touchscreen
The spread here is large: 15.6 in on the R1S versus 12.3 in on the MDX. Expect to notice it. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
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The R1S has
On wheelbase, the R1S comes in at 121.1 in and the MDX at 113.8 in. A shorter wheelbase can make a car more agile in tight turns and parking lots.
Design & Size
If you already know the size you like, the MDX and the R1S should suit you equally.
Dimensions
| Spec | MDX | R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.4 in | 200.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 121.1 in |
Engine & Performance
R1S leads
This section belongs to the R1S. In engine & performance, it leads the MDX by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The R1S scores with 243 hp more power. The R1S’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. On engine & performance alone, the R1S gets the nod.
Total system output
MDX: 290 hp R1S: 533 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
MDX: 267 lb-ft R1S: 610 lb-ft The R1S’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Both the MDX and the R1S cover space & practicality equally well on paper. For space & practicality, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Off-road & Towing
R1S leads
The R1S clearly takes the off-road & towing round. Point to the R1S for 2,700 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. So if off-road & towing tops your list, lean toward the R1S.
Max towing
MDX: 5,000 lb R1S: 7,700 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
R1S leads
In the safety & tech category, the R1S is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. The R1S delivers a bigger 15.6 in touchscreen. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read. Prioritize safety & tech, and the R1S is where you should land.
Largest touchscreen
MDX: 12.3 in R1S: 15.6 in The R1S’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | MDX | R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | Dual electric motors (Dual Standard) |
| Total system output | 290 hp | 533 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft | 610 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | Single-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SH-AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | MDX | R1S |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | MDX | R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 16.3 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 71.4 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | MDX | R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 7,700 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | MDX | R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | 15.6 in (winner) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Not available (Rivian software) |
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | MDX | R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.4 in | 200.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 121.1 in |
Price
| Spec | MDX | R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $51,800 | N/A (not specified) |
“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.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the R1S if…
- you want more power (533 hp vs 290 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (610 lb-ft vs 267 lb-ft of torque)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (7,700 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you want the bigger touchscreen (15.6 in vs 12.3 in)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the MDX or the R1S?
On the specs compared here, the R1S makes more sense for most buyers; the MDX doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which is larger, the MDX or the R1S?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the MDX and the R1S is too small to matter.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the MDX and the R1S. Start with the headline difference (the R1S has 243 hp more power), and a lot of the decision falls into place. It also helps that the R1S has 2,700 lb more towing capacity.
If your days lean on the things a spec sheet can’t capture, I’d pick the MDX; if they lean on engine & performance, the R1S.
My pick: the R1S.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.