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
