OUTRIGHT PERFORMANCE

WITH PLENTY OF PUNCH AND LOTS OF SPACE, THESE TWO JAPANESE SUVs BRING PERFORMANCE AND VERSATILITY

- MIGUEL CORTINA

In the automotive world, “having it all” is a cliché. There are vehicles that sacrifice everything for comfort and luxury and those that prioritize performance over a polished ride. These days, vehicles have been getting bigger and more spacious, and although high performance isn’t necessarily a priority for most SUVs, nearly every automaker offers speedy variants on the theme.

Case in point, a decade ago no one thought we’d have a Type S SUV, yet the 2024 Acura MDX Type S is the first such vehicle from Acura to wear the coveted sports badge, bringing a dose of athleticism to a popular family vehicle. The 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport is another example. The RX is known for its reliability and approachable character, and this SUV takes a different approach to deliver that extra push, with a hybrid powertrain.

At first glance, these players might not seem like the natural competitors. The MDX has three rows and a twin-turbo V-6 engine, while the RX is a midsize two-row hybrid. But look closer, and you’ll find similarities. The Acura makes 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, while the Lexus delivers 366 hp and an eye-popping 406 lb-ft of torque thanks to its electric motors. Their pricing is also close. The MDX we tested reached $75,295, and the RX tagged for $71,080.

On paper they line up, but how are they on the road?

Traditionally, the MDX and RX have been tasked with transporting families comfortably and safely, yet the Type S and F Sport badges connote a healthy dose of oomph. These SUVs went through significant development and testing, their respective engineering teams investing more time to make them edgier. But neither of them is insanely quick.