Acura MDX vs. Lexus TX 350: Which Luxury 3-Row SUV Is Right for You?

October 12th, 2026 by

Shopping for a luxury three-row SUV in Acadiana means weighing school runs, weekend drives to Baton Rouge, and the occasional trip to Lake Charles against price and driving feel. This guide puts the 2026 Acura MDX next to the 2026 Lexus TX 350 so you can see why the MDX earns a spot at the top of your list.

In the Acura MDX vs. Lexus TX 350 matchup, the MDX starts at $51,800 MSRP with an estimated 290 horsepower from a 3.5L V6, while the TX 350 starts near $57,000 with 275 horsepower and up to 97 cubic feet of cargo space. Both seat up to seven and carry matching warranty terms.

Acura of Lafayette serves luxury SUV shoppers in Lafayette, Broussard, Scott, Youngsville, Baton Rouge, and Lake Charles, and we are part of the Fabre Automotive family with three decades in Louisiana auto retail. Below, we break down performance, seating, cargo, technology, and price, then help you decide which SUV fits your drive.

Key Points: Acura MDX vs. Lexus TX 350

  • The MDX delivers more horsepower for a lower starting price. The Acura MDX makes an estimated 290 horsepower from a 3.5L V6 and starts at $51,800 MSRP, while the Lexus TX 350 makes 275 horsepower and starts near $57,000.
  • The MDX is built around the driver. Available SH-AWD, available 16-way power front seats with massage, and Google built-in make every mile from Lafayette to Baton Rouge feel more engaging and more comfortable.
  • The TX 350 is the pick for maximum cargo. The Lexus lists up to 97 cubic feet of cargo space, compared with 71.4 cubic feet in the MDX, a real plus for shoppers who haul gear every weekend.

Acura MDX vs. Lexus TX 350 at a Glance for Lafayette Shoppers

A luxury three-row SUV is a premium vehicle that seats up to seven across three rows while keeping comfort and technology at a high level. Here is how the two SUVs compare on the numbers most Lafayette shoppers ask about first.

Specification 2026 Acura MDX 2026 Lexus TX 350
Starting MSRP $51,800 Approx. $57,000
Engine 3.5L V6 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower 290 hp 275 hp
Torque 267 lb-ft 317 lb-ft
Est. Fuel Economy (combined) Up to 22 mpg 23 mpg
Max Cargo Space 71.4 cu ft 97.0 cu ft
Cargo Behind Third Row 16.3 cu ft 20.2 cu ft
Length 198.4 in 203.1 in
Max Towing (as equipped) Up to 5,000 lbs (SH-AWD) Up to 5,000 lbs
Basic / Powertrain Warranty 4 yr/50,000 mi / 6 yr/70,000 mi 4 yr/50,000 mi / 6 yr/70,000 mi

Prices are manufacturer starting MSRP before options, taxes, fees, and dealer charges. Fuel economy figures are EPA estimates and vary by drivetrain and driving conditions. Contact Acura of Lafayette through our contact page for current availability and pricing.

Here is what stands out. The MDX starts roughly $5,000 below the TX 350 and still brings more horsepower, which leaves room in the budget for packages like Technology or Advance. The TX 350 earns credit for its larger cargo area, higher torque, and slightly better fuel economy. Both SUVs share the same warranty terms and the same 5,000-pound towing rating, so those points come out even. The MDX is also about 4.7 inches shorter, which helps in busy Lafayette parking lots and standard home garages.

How Do the Acura MDX and Lexus TX 350 Drive? 

The Acura MDX is the more power-forward of the two, with an estimated 290 horsepower from its 3.5L V6 and a 10-speed automatic. Acura engineers the MDX around the driver, and it shows in the details: a double-wishbone front suspension, selectable drive modes, and available SH-AWD. SH-AWD is Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, an Acura system that can send power to individual rear wheels to help the SUV stay planted through turns.

Want even more? The MDX Type S adds a turbocharged 3.0L V6 with an estimated 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, a level of power the TX 350 does not offer.

The Lexus TX 350 uses a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, and its pull starts low in the rev range. It also earns an estimated 23 mpg combined. For shoppers who want a sharper, more responsive feel, the MDX is the one to drive first.

Seating and Cargo Space: How Much Room Does Each SUV Offer?

The Lexus TX 350 is the larger SUV, and it shows in the numbers. It lists up to 97.0 cubic feet of maximum cargo space and 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row.

The Acura MDX offers up to 71.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo space and 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row. That is plenty of room for a stroller, a weekend of luggage, or a full grocery run, and the MDX seats up to seven while staying easier to park and maneuver. Its third row suits younger passengers on shorter trips.

If you haul coolers or crawfish pots often, load them on a test drive and see how each SUV packs.

Inside the MDX: Seats, Sound, and Google Built-In

The Acura MDX interior is where the SUV pulls ahead. The Advance Package adds 16-way power front seats with heated and ventilated leather and nine massage functions, plus heated outboard second-row seats. On a long drive down I-10, that kind of seat makes a difference you feel.

Technology keeps pace. Google built-in brings Google Maps, Google Play apps, and Google’s Gemini assistant to a 12.3-inch center display, paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Available features include a head-up display and a Bang & Olufsen audio system with 19 speakers, with more speakers on the Type S Advance.

The Lexus TX 350 answers with a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard equipment. Acura includes its AcuraWatch driver-assistance suite on every MDX. Features vary by trim, so confirm your package on the window sticker.

What Does Each SUV Cost, and Where Does the Value Land?

The 2026 Acura MDX starts at $51,800 MSRP for the front-wheel-drive model. SH-AWD trims climb from there through the Technology, A-Spec, Advance, A-Spec Advance, and Type S packages, so you can add the features you want without moving into a different price tier. The Lexus TX 350 starts near $57,000, with higher trims adding leather seating and power-folding third-row seats.

The MDX gives you a lower entry price for a driver-focused luxury SUV with room to grow into more features. For current offers on new MDX models, see our new specials page.

Which Luxury 3-Row SUV Fits Your Acadiana Drive?

Your daily routine usually points to the right answer. A few ways to think about it:

  • You want a sharper driving feel and a lower starting price: The Acura MDX delivers 290 horsepower and starts at $51,800 MSRP.
  • You spend a lot of time behind the wheel: The MDX’s available 16-way massaging front seats suit long runs to Baton Rouge and Lake Charles.
  • You want a tech-rich cabin: The MDX brings Google built-in, a 12.3-inch display, and available Bang & Olufsen audio.
  • You park in tight spots or a standard garage: The MDX is about 4.7 inches shorter than the TX 350.
  • You want serious power on the menu: The MDX Type S offers an estimated 355 horsepower.
  • You need maximum cargo space or more room in the back row: The Lexus TX 350 offers up to 97 cubic feet of cargo and a larger overall footprint.

Both are strong three-row SUVs. The best way to know which one fits your family is to drive them back to back, and we think the MDX will earn your vote.

Test Drive the Acura MDX at Acura of Lafayette

Acura of Lafayette is on Johnston St in Lafayette, LA, at [Dealership Address], and we welcome drivers from Broussard, Scott, Youngsville, Baton Rouge, and Lake Charles. Browse our new Acura MDX inventory or explore all new Acura models online. Then stop by for a test drive, or reach out through our contact page and our team will set up a time that works for you.

Posted in Uncategorized