I have a 2014 Tech, and love it. Today, I was asked to pick up my sister in law at the Lexus Dealer as she has a older 2009 RX, and was in for service. While waiting around, I poked around in the showroom, and sat in all the Lexus models, including the 2014 RX.
Here is what I immediately noticed...
1. The seats are in fact more plush as soon as you sit in them. However, after sitting in them for 5min, it's hard to tell the difference. I do feel that the 2014 MDX seats are also nice, and much improved vs the 2012 MDX. Although, the Lexus maybe one up here.
2. The leather is a bit softer all around. Seats, and doors. But, it looks no better in anyway then that of whats in the MDX.. and who knows, it may even ware faster as a result.
3. Plastic galore in the RX. A lot of it. Especially where the radio is etc.. and the radio itself was a joke in terms of looks, and cheap buttons. Very very much Toyota corolla in terms of look and feel.
4. The A-pillars, and head liner were very nice to the touch, more so then on the MDX. No rear air controls on the RX tho. Weird.
5. The wood trim was also nice, but so was the MDX's.. and if it's real wood on the Lexus.. then it looks just as fake as the MDX. In fact.. I was REALLY disappointed on the GS, and the ES cars they had in the showroom.. I felt they felt very cheap in this regard too.. and has a plastic feel with leather on-top etc..
Over all, I was not impressed but yet can say they are comparable in different ways. The MDX's center armrest is nicer.. but, I do wish the cup holder area was trimmed like the new TLX will be in the pics I have seen!? I find it strange that the new TLX will have a more luxurious interior then the MDX. I can only hope that the MMC 2016 / 17 MDX will have this too. But, I also think it's unlikely they would change something like that inside the car.
Granted I have never driven an RX.. but, I felt like a "chic" in this car (I am a 33yr old man)... lol.
I can see where Lexus is a comparable brand to Acura.. but, for all of you thinking it is a premium brand over Acura.. I have to say, that it maybe.. but, only in certain places.. and not overall. There is plenty of places where the plastic, and cheapness come to life.. and it removes the "luxury" from the total package somewhat.
Also, FWIW.. when the new infotainment system came out on the '14 MDX I was not a fan at all. In fact, I almost did not buy the car just because of how it looked etc.. NOW.. after a month of driving it, and using it.. I can't imagine it without it. and would never go back. Granted it's poking sometimes.. but. it works well.. and with AcuraLink its a really cool system that is MUCH better then what I saw with Lexus. It looks now much more "luxury / tech" then the old school plastic buttons on the Lexus, which is found in all of their cars..
Glad I went with Acura
Here is what I immediately noticed...
1. The seats are in fact more plush as soon as you sit in them. However, after sitting in them for 5min, it's hard to tell the difference. I do feel that the 2014 MDX seats are also nice, and much improved vs the 2012 MDX. Although, the Lexus maybe one up here.
2. The leather is a bit softer all around. Seats, and doors. But, it looks no better in anyway then that of whats in the MDX.. and who knows, it may even ware faster as a result.
3. Plastic galore in the RX. A lot of it. Especially where the radio is etc.. and the radio itself was a joke in terms of looks, and cheap buttons. Very very much Toyota corolla in terms of look and feel.
4. The A-pillars, and head liner were very nice to the touch, more so then on the MDX. No rear air controls on the RX tho. Weird.
5. The wood trim was also nice, but so was the MDX's.. and if it's real wood on the Lexus.. then it looks just as fake as the MDX. In fact.. I was REALLY disappointed on the GS, and the ES cars they had in the showroom.. I felt they felt very cheap in this regard too.. and has a plastic feel with leather on-top etc..
Over all, I was not impressed but yet can say they are comparable in different ways. The MDX's center armrest is nicer.. but, I do wish the cup holder area was trimmed like the new TLX will be in the pics I have seen!? I find it strange that the new TLX will have a more luxurious interior then the MDX. I can only hope that the MMC 2016 / 17 MDX will have this too. But, I also think it's unlikely they would change something like that inside the car.
Granted I have never driven an RX.. but, I felt like a "chic" in this car (I am a 33yr old man)... lol.
I can see where Lexus is a comparable brand to Acura.. but, for all of you thinking it is a premium brand over Acura.. I have to say, that it maybe.. but, only in certain places.. and not overall. There is plenty of places where the plastic, and cheapness come to life.. and it removes the "luxury" from the total package somewhat.
Also, FWIW.. when the new infotainment system came out on the '14 MDX I was not a fan at all. In fact, I almost did not buy the car just because of how it looked etc.. NOW.. after a month of driving it, and using it.. I can't imagine it without it. and would never go back. Granted it's poking sometimes.. but. it works well.. and with AcuraLink its a really cool system that is MUCH better then what I saw with Lexus. It looks now much more "luxury / tech" then the old school plastic buttons on the Lexus, which is found in all of their cars..
Glad I went with Acura