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Despite the many upgrades that Lexus has given the 2010 RX 350 AWD, the 2009 MDX Technology Package offers clients more, including:
- Superior driving experience
- Superior capabilities
- Advanced safety technology
- Superior comfort and convenience
In this article, we'll compare the 2009 MDX Technology Package to the 2010 Lexus RX 350 AWD
Superior driving experience
MDX performance advantages include:
· Greater horsepower and torque for stronger acceleration and passing performance
· Sequential SportShift transmission for greater driver involvement
· Wider front and rear tracks for greater cornering stability
· Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) for improved cornering and control
Technical Notes
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Feature
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2009 MDX Tech Package
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2010 Lexus RX 350 AWD
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AWD System
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Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is always engaged. When cruising in a straight line, up to 90% of the power is sent to the front wheels. It can transfer up to 70% of available torque from front to rear and up to 100% of the available rear torque between the left and right rear wheels when cornering. Improves cornering performance by increasing the speed of the outside rear wheel up to 1.7%.
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Active Torque Control All-Wheel Drive (AWD) w/variable torque split and manual-locking rear differential sends 100% of the power to the front wheels during normal on-road driving; can send up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels based on road conditions. An AWD lock mode transfers up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels in slick, low-speed conditions and automatically disengages when vehicle speed reaches 25 mph. Offers no cornering benefit.
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Superior capabilities
MDX performance advantages include:
· Seven-passenger seating
· Significantly greater towing capacity for clients with trailer- or boat-towing needs
· Second- and third-row seats that fold flat to provide a flat cargo area
· The ability to do light off-highway driving
Technical Notes
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Feature
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2009 MDX Tech Package
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2010 Lexus RX 350 AWD
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Towing Prep Package
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Standard Towing Prep Package includes high-capacity radiator, heavy-duty automatic transmission, high capacity automatic transmission cooler, and power steering fluid cooler. Heavy-duty transmission features include lower gear ratios; clutches, shafts, gears, and bearings—all built for towing & hauling.
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Optional Towing Prep Package includes heavy-duty radiator, heavy-duty alternator, and transmission cooler.
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Off-Road Capabilities
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Standard Off-Road Capabilities: MDX's off-road abilities include Hill Logic that diverts power to the rear wheels when a steep incline is detected, generous approach and departure angles, underside components tucked away to avoid damage when off-road, and the ability to travel through nearly 19 inches of standing water.
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Nothing comparable listed (According to the 2010 Lexus RX 350 brochure, the RX 350 is "not designed to be driven off road.")
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Advanced safety technology
The MDX has received 5-star frontal crash ratings for driver and front passenger, 5-star side impact ratings, and a 4-star rollover rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).1 Also that the MDX received "Good" ratings—the highest possible—in all three Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests and has been designated a "Top Safety Pick" by IIHS. The 2010 Lexus RX 350 AWD has not been tested by either agency.
Technical Notes
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Feature
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2009 MDX Tech Package
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2010 Lexus RX 350 AWD
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Front Side Airbag Deployment Sensors
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Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)—deactivates the front passenger seat-mounted side airbag if special height and position sensors in the seat determine that a child or small-statured adult is leaning in the deployment path of the airbag.
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Nothing comparable listed
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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
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Advanced TPMS actively monitors and displays the air pressure of each tire on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
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Direct TPMS "constantly monitors the air pressure of all tires…. When it senses that tire pressure is critically low, it alerts the driver with an indicator light." (www.lexususa.com)
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Superior comfort and convenience
MDX advantages include:
· Larger exterior dimensions that result in greater headroom, hiproom, shoulder room, and second- and third-seat legroom
· Many standard MDX features are extra-cost options or not available on the 2010 RX 350 AWD
Technical Notes
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Feature
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2009 MDX Tech Package
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2010 Lexus RX 350 AWD
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Climate Control
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GPS-linked, solar sensing, tri-zone automatic climate control system adjusts operation depending on solar inputs, includes air filtration.
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Dual zone automatic climate control does not include a GPS-linked feature
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Navigation System
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Standard Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ and rearview camera provides Zagat® ratings and reviews for many restaurants. The voice recognition feature recognizes over 800 voice commands, enabling clients to find points of interest and select audio and HVAC settings. AcuraLink™ Satellite Communication System with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™:
Provides continuous traffic updates in selected markets via XM NavTraffic™, quick tips, diagnostic information, and service reminders.
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Optional Hard Drive Navi System includes XM NavWeather™ and XM NavTraffic® features and Voice Command system that recognizes "over 100" voice commands.
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Surround Sound System
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Standard Acura/ELS Surround® DVD-Audio system includes 6-disc DVD-A changer, MP3/WMA®/DTS® capability, Dolby® Pro logic II®, 10 speakers and 410 watts of output, rivaling many high-end home systems.
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Optional Mark Levinson Surround Sound System includes DVD changer and 15 speakers.
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Specification/Feature Chart
Items in bold: Acura has an advantage over the competitor in this area
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Specification/Feature
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2009 Acura MDX Tech Package
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2010 Lexus RX 350 AWD
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Engine Type
Horsepower
Torque
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VTEC® 3.5L V-6
300 @ 6,000
275 @ 5,000
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VVT-I 3.5L V-6
275 @ 6,200
257 @ 4,700
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Transmission
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5-Speed Automatic w/Sequential SportShift & Grade Logic Control
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6-Speed Automatic w/Manual Shift
and Snow Modes
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AWD System
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SH-AWD
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Active Torque Control AWD
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Towing Prep Package
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Standard
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Optional Towing Prep Package
$238
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Trailer Stability Assist
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Standard
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Not Available
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Vehicle Platform
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Acura Light Truck Platform
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Shared w/Camry and Toyota Highlander
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Track (Front/Rear—in.)
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67.7/67.5
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64.2/63.8
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Ground Clearance (in.)
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8.2
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7.3
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Turning Diameter
(Curb-to-Curb—ft.)
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37.6
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38.8
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Tow Capacity
(lbs.—Maximum)
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5,000
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3,500
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OPDS
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Standard
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Nothing Comparable Listed
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TPMS
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Standard
(Shows tire pressure and location on MID)
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Standard (Warning light on dash illuminates when tire pressure is critically low)
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High Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights
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Standard
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Optional Bi-Xenon™ HID Headlamps w/Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) & Intelligent High-Beam Headlamps
$1,175
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Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof
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Standard
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Optional Premium Pkg.
$2,400
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Power Tailgate
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Standard
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Optional Premium Pkg.
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Outside Mirrors w/Auto Tilt-Down in Reverse
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Standard
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Not Available
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Leather-Trimmed Seats
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Standard
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Optional Premium Pkg.
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Heated Front Seats
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Standard
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Optional Heated/Ventilated Front Seats
$640
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Climate Control System
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GPS-Linked, Solar-Sensing*, Tri-Zone Front/Rear Synchronized Automatic Climate Control System w/Humidity Control & Air Filtration (*Part of Navi System)
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Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System w/Air Filtration System
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Memory System: Driver's Seat, Steering Wheel & Outside Mirrors
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Standard
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Optional Premium Pkg.
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Telematics
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AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System w/AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™3
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Not Available
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Navigation System
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Acura Navigation System w/Voice Recognition™5, Rearview Camera, and Zagat Survey® Ratings and Reviews (Recognizes over 800 voice commands)
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Optional Hard Disk Navigation System w/XM NavWeather™ and XM NavTraffic® (Recognizes "over 100" Voice Commands)
Navigation Pkg.
$2,440
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Surround Sound System
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410-watt Acura/ELS Surround® Premium 10-Speaker Sound System w/6-Disc In-Dash CD, DVD-Audio, MP3, WMA®6 and DTS® Changer, and Dolby®7 Pro Logic® II and AM/FM tuner
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Optional Mark Levinson Surround Sound System w/DVD Changer and 15 Speakers
Mark Levinson Audio $1,610
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Seating Capacity
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7
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5
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Passenger Volume (cu. ft.)
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142.2
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100.9
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Cargo Volume (cu. ft.) (Behind Rear Seat/Maximum)
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15/83.5
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40.0/80.3
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Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined—mpg)
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15/20/172
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18/24/208
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100K +/- Miles No Scheduled Tune-Ups4
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Standard
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Not Available
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ALG Residual % (36/60 months)
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47%/32%
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57%/38%
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Base MSRP
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$45,040
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$38,200
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Destination Charge
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$760
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$875
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Cost Comparably Equipped
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$45,800
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$47,578
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Resources: Acura.com, LexusUSA.com, Safercar.gov, IIHS.org, 2009 MDX eBrochure, 2010 Lexus RX 350 eBrochure. (Information current as of 04/27/2009.)
1 GGovernment star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Model tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs).
2 Based on 2009 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
3 Available only in the 48 contiguous United States.
4 Does not apply to fluid and filter changes. Exact mileage is determined by actual driving conditions. Please see your Owner's Manual for more details.
5 The Navigation System will not operate in Alaska. Functions that rely on a satellite signal will not operate in Hawaii and Alaska.
6 Windows Media® Audio is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft® Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
7 Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
8 2010 EPA-estimated mileage. Actual mileage will vary. (Source: LexusUSA.com)
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