Every non-Type S 2026 MDX uses a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft through a 10-speed automatic, with front-wheel drive on the base and Technology trims and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive standard everywhere above. The MDX Type S Advance turns the dial to a 355-horsepower turbocharged V6 with 354 lb-ft and an adaptive air suspension. EPA ratings run 19/26/22 with front-wheel drive and 19/25/21 with SH-AWD.

The RX spreads across four powertrains. The RX 350's 2.4-liter turbo makes 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft through an 8-speed automatic, the RX 350h hybrid produces 246 net combined horsepower and an EPA-estimated 36 MPG combined, the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid is rated 304 net combined horsepower, and the RX 500h performance hybrid tops the range at 366. Electrification is the RX's clearest advantage, and the RX 500h holds this matchup's highest output; the MDX answers with naturally aspirated V6 character, the higher tow rating, and the only third row here. Both brands recommend premium fuel.

Acura standardized the big hardware with the MDX's refresh: every trim carries a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bang & Olufsen audio arrives at the Technology trim with 19 speakers, and the Type S Advance runs a 31-speaker, 1,760-watt version. A 10.5-inch head-up display comes on Advance trims.

The RX gives every grade a 12.3-inch digital cluster but starts its touchscreen at 9.8 inches, with the 14-inch unit standard from Premium+ up and on every RX 450h+. A 21-speaker Mark Levinson system is available on upper grades, and Lexus Interface includes wireless smartphone integration across the board. The practical split: Acura's flagship screens and premium audio show up lower in the lineup, while the RX holds its largest screen for the upper grades.

AcuraWatch is standard on every MDX and includes Collision Mitigation Braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Blind Spot Information with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor. The Type S Advance upgrades to AcuraWatch 360 with front corner radars and lane-change assistance.

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard on every RX and counters with the Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection, Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist, with Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert standard alongside the suite. Both brands put their full core suite on the base vehicle, so this section is closer than most cross-shops expect.

This is where the two part ways. The MDX seats up to seven across three rows, with a removable second-row middle seat, 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 behind the second, and 71.4 behind the first. Heated 12-way power front seats are standard, ventilation arrives at A-Spec, and Advance trims add 16-way massaging front seats and heated second-row seats.

The RX is a five-passenger, two-row cabin with 29.59 cubic feet behind its second row and 46.19 with it folded. NuLuxe upholstery and heated front seats are standard, leather arrives at Premium+, and the Luxury grade brings semi-aniline hides and heated, power rear seats. If everyone you carry fits in two rows, the RX's space works; if you ever need row three, only the MDX has one.

The MDX is the physically larger vehicle at 198.4 inches long on a 113.8-inch wheelbase, and it works like one: SH-AWD models are rated to tow 5,000 pounds and front-drive models 3,500 with the Acura accessory hitch. A panoramic moonroof is standard on every trim, and the Type S Advance rides on an air suspension that can raise itself for rough pavement.

The RX measures 192.5 inches on a 112.2-inch wheelbase and is rated to tow 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes across all four powertrains, gas and hybrid alike. Visit Jenkins Acura of Ocala to walk both footprints in person, because six inches of length reads differently in a garage than on a spec sheet.