LEXUS RX VS ACURA MDX, MERCEDES GLC, AND BMW X5: WHICH IS BEST?

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LEXUS RX VS ACURA MDX, MERCEDES GLC, AND BMW X5: WHICH IS BEST?

Posted on April 12, 2022

The demand for luxury crossovers in Edmonton has never been higher as drivers try to decide between the Lexus RX 350,  Acura MDX, Mercedes GLC, and BMW X5. The question is: which SUV is the best?

  

We compared these four luxury crossovers in terms of their performance, interior and available features, cargo capacity and fuel economy. Depending on your priorities, you will be able to make an informed decision and choose the right SUV for you.

LEXUS RX 350 VS. ACURA MDX

 

Our first luxury crossover match-up is between the Lexus RX 350 and Acura MDX. The competition is fierce. With the Acura MDX undergoing a transformation for a new year, we wanted to see how it stood up against the Lexus RX 350, a long-standing fan favourite in Edmonton.

LEXUS RX 350 VS. ACURA MDX: PERFORMANCE

 

The 2022 Acura MDX comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 which puts out 290 hp of power and 267 lb-ft of torque. The MDX no longer offers a hybrid powertrain so those looking for a greener, more fuel-efficient option will be disappointed. New for 2022 is a 3.0-litre V6 that gives off an impressive 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of peak torque but this engine is offered in the MDX Type S model only. All MDX engines come standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

 

The Lexus RX 350 offers a 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces 295 hp and 268 lb-ft of peak torque in the 350 trims, edging out the base engine in the MDX by a few muscle points. What also sets the RX 350 apart is the option of the hybrid electric powertrain and both are available in front-and all-wheel drive. If you opt for one of the 450 trims for more space, it is only available with AWD and the hybrid powertrain.

The obvious winner between these two in the performance department is the Lexus offering more power off the base engine and a very tempting hybrid powertrain that takes the edge off rising fuel prices.

LEXUS RX 350 VS. ACURA MDX: INTERIOR AND FEATURES

In the 2022 Acura MDX, buyers will find a mix of standard features commonplace in most luxury vehicles. This includes creature comforts like 12-way power-adjustable front seats with memory function as standard. Drivers also enjoy a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with tri-zone climate control. The MDX also comes with a nine-speaker audio system with wireless charging.

When moving over to the Lexus RX 350, it offers luxury elements such as standard electrically adjustable front seats and a dual-zone climate control system. Additional offerings like the 12.3-inch infotainment, a head-up display, premium Mark Levinson audio system, power moonroof, and wireless charging are all available features depending on the trim level and package you choose.

While there may be more standard base-level features in the MDX, we find the Lexus RX outperforms in terms of standard safety equipment. The RX comes with Lexus Safety System 2.0 which includes Pre-collision Safety System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist and Automatic High Beams.

LEXUS RX 350 VS. ACURA MDX: CARGO CAPACITY

 

Comparing the Lexus RX and Acura MDX in terms of size finds the Lexus with the clear advantage once again. In the MDX you can fit 512 liters behind the third row and fold those seats down and it jumps to 1654 liters. Meanwhile in the RX 350 L you can fit 212 liters behind the third row and that increases to 631 with the third row folded down, and 1656 with the second row folded down as well.

If space is your priority, we highly recommend the Lexus RX 350 L AWD with seating for up to seven and a standard power liftgate with the option of a hands-free power liftgate as well.

LEXUS RX 350 VS. ACURA MDX: FUEL ECONOMY

Thanks to an industry-leading power electric hybrid powertrain, the 2022 RX truly outshines the Acura MDX by all accounts offering drivers 7.5 and 8.4 L/100km in the city and highway respectively.

 

When compared to the MDX’s standard V6 giving you roughly 12.6 and 9.4 L/100 km to the tank, the Lexus RX is the clear choice for buyers looking to reduce their fuel spend and carbon footprint. When both V6 gasoline engines are compared, the RX still outperforms the MDX with a 12.2 and 9.0 L/100 km report card.

LEXUS RX 350 VS. MERCEDES GLC

The Mercedes GLC has always been a worthy competitor for the Lexus RX. Offered in two styles: the standard GLE SUV and the GLE Coupe, both have seating for five but you can add two more passengers in the GLE. Meanwhile the 2022 Lexus RX has standard seating for five as well, with the Lexus RX L adding a third-row seat for seating up to seven.

 

While both these SUVs are viable options for families there is something to be said for the long history of awards won for Lexus’s reliability. In fact, the Lexus RX ranks highest among Midsize Premium SUVs in the J.D. Power 2020 Resale Value Awards and first in the 2021 Initial Quality Study (IQS). It’s worth noting the Mercedes-Benz GLE did not make the list for either of these highly reputable tests. But we digress. Let’s compare these two SUVs across all fronts.

LEXUS RX 350 VS. MERCEDES GLC: PERFORMANCE

 

By now you know the Lexus RX 350 comes with a standard V6 engine that produces 295 hp and 268 lb-ft of peak torque with front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The RX 450h models are hybrids. They combine a V6 engine with three electric motors. All-wheel drive is standard on the RX 450h models, though they achieve that via front- and rear-drive electric motors rather than a conventional driveshaft as on the RX 350.

 

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 F Sport and RX 450h F Sport offer Sport S+ Drive Mode that heightens shift response for a more thrilling drive. Also included in this upgrade is exclusive Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) which makes automatic and continuous adjustment to shock absorber settings, helping to keep RX planted to the driving surface for exceptional handling and cornering performance. Let’s just say you have to drive it to understand the rush.

 

Comparing these two SUVs in terms of performance means gauging what your priorities are as a driver. In the  Mercedes-Benz GLE 580, you get the option of a V8 engine. Meanwhile the GLE 350 and GLE 450 both offer three turbocharged engines. The GLE 53 models also have a sport-tuned suspension with self-leveling air springs and adaptive damping.

LEXUS RX 350 VS. MERCEDES GLC: INTERIOR AND FEATURES

The Lexus RX 350 comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment while 12.3-inch touchscreen display is optional. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is included with both setups Additional upgrades include factory navigation, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, and a wireless charging pad. Six USB ports are standard, including two in the back seat. Convenience and connectivity are at your fingertips with standard Lexus Display Audio with Remote. This includes Enform Remote, Enform Safety Connect, and Enform Service Connect for the ultimate peace-of-mind.

Every 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment interface backed by the Mercedes-Benz User Experience platform. Smartphone integration and factory navigation are standard. Among the available options is an augmented video feature for the navigation system that makes it easier to pinpoint unfamiliar locations. The 2022 Mercedes GLE comes with five USB ports. You can get two additional ports to go with the optional third-row seat.

While you will read in the next segment that the GLC does offer more cargo capacity than the RX L, the Lexus gives passengers a better driving experience in terms of space and comfort.

The Lexus RX offers 39.4 inches in headroom in the front and 39.1 inches in the back. The Mercedes-Benz 300 is noticeably less with 37.8 inches of headroom up front and 38.5 inches in the back. When it comes to legroom, the difference is even bigger with the Lexus RX giving passengers 44.1 inches of legroom up front and 38.1 inches in the back while the Mercedes-Benz 300 offers just 40.8 inches of legroom in the front and 37.3 inches for back seat passengers.

Final verdict? The spacious interior of the Lexus RX 350 offers more head, leg, and shoulder room than the GLC 300 in both rows of seating. The driver will especially enjoy the RX’s extra 3.3 inches of legroom on longer drives.

LEXUS RX 350 VS. MERCEDES GLC: CARGO CAPACITY

The Lexus RX offers a maximum cargo volume of 925 liters while the RX L offers 1656 liters. In the Mercedes-Benz,  the maximum cargo capacity for the 2022 GLE SUV is at 2120 litres. While this is obviously more than the Lexus model, it bears noting that Mercedes uses a different measuring standard than Lexus. So while  the GLE is larger than the RX L, the difference in cargo volume is not as great as it looks on paper.

LEXUS RX 350 VS. MERCEDES GLC: FUEL ECONOMY

 

Lexus Self-Charging Hybrid Electrics are electrified vehicles with some potent differences over pure Battery Electrics Vehicles (BEV). With a Lexus Hybrid Electric, you never need to plug-in, worry about where the next charging station might be, or change your driving habits in any way. Just get in and go.

 

The RX 450h with Self-Charging Hybrid Electric engine gives Edmonton drivers an impressive 7.5 and 8.4 in the City/Highway. Compare that with the Mercedes standard V6 and you get 11.3 L/100 km City and 8.5 L/100 KM highway, the notable difference here being the difference in the city. That being said, when the two gasoline engines are compared, you will be making approximately the same amount of stops at the pumps to fuel up.

LEXUS RX 350 VS. BMW X5

The Lexus RX 350 and BMW X5 have both been around for over three decades and are recognized as two of the best options in the luxury midsize SUV segment. We compared the 2022 BMW X5 and the 2022 Lexus RX to see where these crossovers stack up for a new year.

LEXUS RX 350 VS. BMW X5: PERFORMANCE

 

The 2022 Lexus RX has standard seating for five while the Lexus RX L offers buyers three rows of seats and can accommodate seven. The Lexus RX comes in RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, RX 350L, RX 450h, RX 450h F Sport, and RX 450hL models. You have two powertrain options in the 2022 Lexus RX: a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 295 hp and 267 pound-feet of torque and a 3.5-liter V6 engine coupled with two electric-drive motors. The combined output is 308 horsepower.

 

The 2022 BMW X5 comes in four basic models. There's a base 6-cylinder model that comes in rear-wheel-drive X5 sDrive40i and all-wheel-drive (AWD) X5 xDrive40i versions. Next is the BMW X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid, which combines a 6-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. All-wheel drive is standard on the plug-in hybrid X5.

If power is a priority, buyers might be inclined to go with the BMW. The X5’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 27 more horsepower (335 vs. 308) than the RX 450h’s standard 3.5 V6 hybrid. Keep in mind, you pay for that power. The 2022 BMW starts at $79,100 while the 2022 Lexus RX comes in at a much more competitive price point of $57,500.

LEXUS RX 350 VS. BMW X5: INTERIOR AND FEATURES

 

The 2022 Lexus RX comes standard with 18-inch wheels, LED headlight, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, keyless entry with push-button start, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment touch screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

There are additional upgrades buyers can include like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Luxury Package is extremely popular, offering things like 20-inch wheels, ambient lighting and a beautiful wood and aluminum interior trim that elevates the interior.

In the 2022 BMW X5, standard features include 19-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable, heated front seats, keyless entry with push-button start, a digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and a 10-speaker audio system. While these offerings are slightly improved over the Lexus RX at the base level, Lexus offers these additional features on higher trim levels which still come less in price than with the BMW. So in terms of value, we say the Lexus RX 350 is a better choice. 

LEXUS RX 350 VS. BMW X5: CARGO CAPACITY

 

The 2022 BMW X5 offers 956 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 2047 litres with the seats folded. Meanwhile, in the RX 350 L you can fit 212 liters behind the third row and that increases to 631 with the third row folded down, and 1656 with the second row folded down. With 40/20/40-split folding rear seats the Lexus RX has the flexibility to carry all types of goods. New parents will be happy to know the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also gave the 2022 Lexus RX the highest rating of Good+ in their LATCH system, which lists it as among the easiest and most versatile to use for car seats.

LEXUS RX 350 VS. BMW X5: FUEL ECONOMY

 

The 2022 BMW X5 gives drivers 11.4 and 9.2 L/100 km in the city and on the highway, The BMW X5 offers a plug-in hybrid variant with 50 kilometres of EV range. In the 2022 RX, drivers can expect 12.2 and 9 L/100 km City/Highway.

WHICH IS THE BEST SUV? THE WINNER IS THE LEXUS RX 350 

If you are trying to decide between the Lexus RX, Acura MDX, Mercedes GLC, and BMW X there are a lot of things to consider.

 

In terms of the Lexus RX and Acura MDX comparison, the RX outperforms the MDX in key elements: power and performance and standard safety features.

 

The Mercedes GLC and Lexus RX comparison is tight with both SUVs bringing luxury, performance and fuel efficiency to the table. However, the Lexus gives passengers a more comfortable drive.

With the BMW X5 and Lexus RX, there is a lot to love. While the BMW might offer more in terms of power and interior features, the Lexus brings with it accolades of its own in terms of resale value and reliability, not to mention that enticing price point for a luxury SUV – and far less than the BMW.

 

In terms of overall offerings and value, the 2022 Lexus RX 350 continues to be the best luxury SUV available in Edmonton. Not only is it Lexus’ best-selling model, but it also reigns as the best-selling luxury SUV in the US and second in Canada. If you are interested in booking a test drive of the Lexus RX 350, shop online today or contact us at 780-989-222. Our team of professionals is more than happy to assist you with all your needs.