2017 Lexus RX 350 vs 2017 Acura MDX: Buying a high end pre owned SUV is exciting until the repair cost start to mount.
When looking for a high end midsize SUV two popular option that are likely to come up are the Lexus RX 350 and the Acura MDX.
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Both have tremendous resale value, pleasant driving, opulent interior and potent V6 engine. At first glance they seem equally appealing. However as these SUVs get older, dependability becomes the most important consideration.
So which one will stay dependable after years of ownership? Which SUV is less likely to leave you stuck with expensive repairs?
Here’s the real comparison every used car buyer should know before spending their money.
Why Reliability Matters When Buying a 2017 Luxury SUV
Luxury SUVs lose value fast in their first few year making older premium vehicles tempting bargains.
But there’s a catch.
A cheaper purchase price doesn’t always mean lower ownership costs. Some SUVs age gracefully. Others become expensive maintenance nightmare once mileage climb past 80,000 or 100,000 mile.
That’s exactly why comparing long-term reliability between the Lexus RX 350 and Acura MDX matter.
Round 1: Reliability Ratings: Both Get Good Scores But One Is Better
The RX 350 is regard as one of the most dependable premium SUV in its class.
Its owner often praise its durability and its reliability rating place it among the finest in the premium midsize SUV class.
For a luxury car, average annual repair costs are surprisingly cheap at $550.
On dependability charts, the 2017 Acura MDX also does well.
It is competitive because of its high owner satisfaction ratings and average annual maintenance expenditures of about $570.
At first glance?
The battle looks extremely close.
But surface level number don’t tell the entire story.
Winner so far: Slight edge to Lexus RX 350
Round 2: Recall History – Lexus Keeps It Cleaner
When checking long-term ownership risk recall history often reveals hidden problems.
The Lexus RX 350 has only three major recall reported.
The most notable issues include:
- Fuel pump failures causing engine stalls
- Brake booster vacuum pump defect affecting brake assist
- Minor mechanical concerns in isolated vehicles
Overall, owners report relatively few serious issues.
Most repairs remain manageable and inexpensive.
Now compare that with the Acura MDX.
The MDX carries seven reported recalls, more than double the Lexus.
Major problems include:
- Fuel pump recall
- Electrical issues affecting rear lighting
- Moisture intrusion problems
- Multiple drivetrain-related service bulletins
That higher recall count raises concern for long-term buyers.
Winner: Lexus RX 350
Round 3: The Acura MDX Transmission Problem Buyers Need to Know About
This is where things become serious.
One of the biggest complaint surrounding the 2017 Acura MDX involve its 9-speed automatic transmission.
Owners frequently report:
- Rough shifting between gears
- Delayed acceleration response
- Jerking while starting from a stop
- Hesitation during city driving
- Premature transmission wear
In more severe cases, some owners reported full transmission failure after higher mileage.
Replacing the transmission can cost over $4,000 turning a good used car deal into a painful expense.
The problem became common enough that automotive reliability expert regularly mention 2017 as one of the riskier MDX model years.
That’s not what you want to hear when shopping used.
Round 4: Lexus RX 350 Long-Term Durability Is Hard to Beat
The RX 350 benefits heavily from Toyota engineering.
Under the hood sits a prove 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a well tested conventional automatic transmission.
And that matters.
Unlike competitor experimenting with newer transmission systems, Lexus stayed with a simpler proven setup.
Many owner report driving well beyond 200,000 miles with only basic maintenance.
Common issues occasionally reported include:
- Water pump coolant leaks
- Interior door handle wear
- Minor suspension maintenance over time
But major drivetrain failures remain extremely rare.
For long-term ownership few luxury SUV match this reliability reputation.
Winner: Lexus RX 350 by a wide margin
Round 5: Maintenance Costs Over Time
Regular maintenance on an aging luxury SUV gradually adds up.
Lexus RX 350 Mean Price
About $550 a year for upkeep
Common repairs:
- Brake pads
- Water pump replacement
- Oil changes
- Suspension wear parts
Unexpected major repairs remain uncommon.
Acura MDX Average Costs
Annual maintenance: Around $570
Potential expensive repair:
- Transmission fluid servicing every 30,000 mile
- Transmission replacement ($4,000+)
- Cooling system issues
- Electrical troubleshooting
The MDX can stay reliable — but only if previous owners maintained it properly.
Skipping transmission maintenance often lead to expensive problems later.
Which SUV Is Best for 2026?
The solution is obvious if you prioritize reduce repair risk and peace of mind.
The Lexus RX 350 is your choice.
It offers:
- Better long-term reliability
- Fewer recalls
- Lower risk of expensive mechanical failure
- Proven Toyota engineering
- Excellent durability beyond 200,000 miles
The 2017 Acura MDX is still a solid SUV…
…but the transmission concerns make it harder to recommend without checking service records carefully.
Final Decision
Both SUVs are luxurious, cozy and feature-rich.
However buyers of old car should look past fancy insignia and leather upholstery.
The RX 350 just gets better with age.
The Acura MDX agile handling and third row seating make it still appealing but its gearbox history make it a riskier long-term investment.
If reliability decides your purchase…
The Lexus RX 350 wins.
FAQs
Q1. Is the 2017 Lexus RX350 known for being dependable at high mileage?
A: Yes that’s correct The RX350 is quite famous for its extremely durable long-term ownership – many owners have reported that their vehicle have gone beyond 200,000 mile without having to repair any major component.
Q2. Are there any transmission issue with the 2017 Acura MDX?
A: Yes Several owner have reported that their MDX has had problem such as rough shifting, delay acceleration, jerking or even completely fail transmission because of issue with the 9-speed automatic transmission.
Q3. How do I know if an MDX is a good deal as a used luxury SUV?
A: Yes an MDX can be a good deal as a used luxury SUV but buyer must do thorough research on the vehicle maintenance record especially for the maintenance history of the vehicle transmission/fluid service.