Battle Of The Lightweights: Lexus NX VS. Acura RDX Which Is The Best Entry Level Crossover?

If Pei Wei started making its $10 Mongolian beef as tasty as P.F. Chang’s $17 version, why would anyone go to the upscale eatery? Service, presentation, interior design, perhaps. But you’re rolling your eyes because it ain’t gonna happen. Cars are a different story.

Thanks to digital technology and engine downsizing, the “democratization of autos” is here.

Take the $27,000 Hyundai Elantra that I just drove. It has the same rear seat space as the $45,000 Acura RDX and $50,000 Lexus NX in my driveway. Same seat/mirror auto memory. Same heated rear seats. Same Apple Car Play/Android Auto connectivity. Actually, the RDX and NX don’t have the latter two. See what I mean?

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cidflekken - 3/3/2016 2:33:52 PM

0 Boost

I disagree with the article on a couple of points. The Acura dealerships I've been in look no different than Hondas, yet Lexus dealerships I've been in have absolutely have an upscale feel to them. Acura service, from my experience isn't anywhere near, say, Audi or BMW's service experiences. I don't know how Lexus' current service experiences are, but I hear they are stellar.

On service and dealer experience alone, Lexus would quite handily come out on top.

Regarding these two cars, I'd choose the RDX. From all reviews I've seen, the NX's ride is very firm and I don't want that in a non-performance SUV. I don't need my groceries jostling around in the cargo area. And, of the two, the RDX's styling is cleaner and more attractive to me, though, maybe not as dynamic.

ilovecar2015 - 3/3/2016 3:03:04 PM

-1 Boost

Agreed with you on the service department, Lexus has always been and STILL IS miles ahead of Acura. I actually think Lexus service is better than BMW (at least where I'm at BMW are arrogant), and on par with Mercedes.

As for the ride, I've driven both. Lexus NX F-Sport is firm, which I don't like, but like it for the look. The regular NX is soft as RDX. Acura uses V6, where NX uses 4-cycl turbo.

knowitall1985 - 3/3/2016 3:16:24 PM

-4 Boost

The NX looks fresh and the RDX is dated. The NX will also have better Resale Value....

TomM - 3/3/2016 3:34:50 PM

+8 Boost

In my area - the Acura dealership is huge and on a par with any high end Luxury dealership(It is owned by a group that owns High end dealerships mostly) - so I cannot fault the Acura for service. However - the title of the article itself is a problem - neither of these are ENTRY LEVEL crossovers - they are premium level ones. In addition - when comparing two items - you should use the word "Better".

There are too many other vehicles in this class to anoint either one mentioned as the "BEST" one.

cidflekken - 3/4/2016 7:07:13 PM

+1 Boost

They are entry-level for the luxury brand. That term is used all the time, even for cars like the C Class and 3 Series.

7msynthetic - 3/3/2016 4:22:09 PM

-2 Boost

Should be comparing Acura to Infiniti - The Lex is in the league of the Germans

7msynthetic - 3/3/2016 4:22:36 PM

-1 Boost

^^^^^^ But then again it's the Detroit News lol

MDarringer - 3/3/2016 8:32:41 PM

-6 Boost

NX hands down.

knowitall1985 - 3/5/2016 1:52:44 PM

0 Boost

Motor Trend has the NX 0-60 7.0 sec.

MDarringer - 3/5/2016 5:23:34 PM

-7 Boost

correct

knowitall1985 - 3/5/2016 4:56:19 PM

-1 Boost

It also isn't 5100.00 less with the same equiptment..

MDarringer - 3/5/2016 5:23:45 PM

-7 Boost

correct

MannyTorres - 3/5/2016 5:00:02 PM

-2 Boost

Lexus is by far more quality than Acura! Lexus is Tier 1 luxury just like the Germans,Acura is considered Tier 2 luxury like Infiniti,Cadillac,soon to be Genesis (Hyundai's brand) ..

MDarringer - 3/5/2016 5:24:47 PM

-7 Boost

Acura is a Japanese Mercury pure and simple. I'm surprised there isn't an Acura version of the Fit and the Crapline wannabe pickup.