2026 Acura MDX

Volume trims (Base, Advance, A-Spec) use the 3.5L SOHC i-VTEC V6 rated at 290 hp @ 6200 rpm. The Type S halo trim uses a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 producing 355 hp.

3.5L V6 produces 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm; Type S twin-turbo V6 produces 354 lb-ft with a much fatter low-end curve.

Instrumented tests place the base 3.5L V6 MDX at 6.5–6.7 s to 60. Type S clocks around 5.0–5.1 s in independent tests, matching Acura's ~5 s figure.

The naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 is smooth and linear with no turbo lag, but reviewers note it lacks the low-end punch of turbo rivals (X5, Q7, GLE) and can sound coarse when pushed hard. Type S turbo V6 is more urgent but has some off-boost lag. Cylinder deactivation transitions are largely unobtrusive.

The 10-speed automatic generally shifts smoothly and holds gears well in Sport mode; Type S adds crisper paddle response paired with adaptive damping. Occasional low-speed hesitation and mild hunting between closely-spaced gears has been noted in reviews, but nothing egregious.

Front-drive MDX rated at 3,500 lbs; SH-AWD trims (Advance, A-Spec Advance, Type S) rated at 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. Solid for a three-row luxury crossover, below body-on-frame or PHEV rivals (X5 6,600 lb, GLE 7,700 lb).

SH-AWD is standard on Advance, A-Spec Advance, and Type S, and optional across the rest of the range. Super Handling AWD is a sophisticated torque-vectoring system that can send up to 70% of torque to the rear axle and 100% of that to either rear wheel. Not truck-grade (no low range), but among the more capable AWD systems in the luxury three-row segment.

The MDX is a pavement-oriented luxury three-row with roughly 7.3 in of ground clearance, no low range, no lockers, no skid plates, and no dedicated off-road trim. SH-AWD with a Snow terrain mode handles snow and light dirt roads competently, but there is no real trail credibility versus rivals like the Defender or GX.

Two gas V6 choices — 3.5L NA V6 across most trims and 3.0L twin-turbo Type S — but zero electrification. In a segment where the RX offers gas/hybrid/PHEV, XC90 offers gas/PHEV, X5 offers gas/PHEV, and Aviator offers gas/PHEV, the MDX's gas-only lineup is a real gap.

EPA combined for the volume SH-AWD 3.5L V6 trim; powertrain is carryover from the 4th-gen MDX launched 2022 and unchanged for 2026.

EPA city rating for the volume SH-AWD 3.5L V6 configuration.

EPA highway rating for the SH-AWD 3.5L V6 volume trim.

Derived from EPA combined MPG and manufacturer-listed 18.5-gallon fuel tank for the SH-AWD MDX; FWD's 19.5-gal tank yields ~429 mi.

EPA-published annual fuel cost for the SH-AWD V6 at 15k mi/yr on premium; premium-fuel requirement pushes the figure well above regular-fuel rivals of similar MPG.

Every 2026 MDX powertrain — 3.5L V6 and Type S 3.0T alike — requires premium (91 octane) gasoline per the owner's manual and fuel-filler door labeling. No E85, diesel, hybrid, or home-charging option exists to soften the running cost. Sits in the 0–49 'premium required' band.

The 4th-generation MDX (2022+, YD4) has carried a 5-star NHTSA overall rating; the 2025 refresh retained the same structure carried into 2026.

The refreshed MDX earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick with Good ratings in small-overlap driver/passenger, updated side, roof strength, and head restraints, but only Acceptable in the tougher updated moderate-overlap test that evaluates rear-occupant protection — enough for TSP, short of TSP+.

AcuraWatch is standard on every MDX trim and bundles forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking (CMBS), full-speed adaptive cruise with Low-Speed Follow, lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition, and Traffic Jam Assist; Blind Spot Information and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor are also standard across the lineup.

IIHS rates the MDX Superior in vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian front crash prevention including nighttime tests, matching the strongest results in the segment.

Blind Spot Information and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor are standard on every trim with reliable alerting, but coverage is warning-only — no active steering or braking intervention like some rivals in the segment offer.

LKAS plus Traffic Jam Assist provides competent lane-centering that reviewers describe as usable on well-marked highways, though it can wander on faded lines and lacks the polish of Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 or Volvo Pilot Assist.

Full-speed-range adaptive cruise with Low-Speed Follow handles stop-and-go smoothly, and Traffic Jam Assist adds coordinated steering below highway speeds — one of Acura's strongest ADAS elements per multiple reviews.

The 2026 MDX does not offer any hands-free highway driving system — no BlueCruise, Super Cruise, or equivalent — and hands remain required on the wheel with Traffic Jam Assist.

Signature Jewel Eye LED headlights are standard across the lineup and earn IIHS Good ratings, with auto high beam included — a class-leading light package for a mainstream luxury three-row.

Forward sightlines are reasonably clean, but rising beltlines and thick rear pillars limit over-the-shoulder views; a multi-view rear camera is standard and a 360-degree Surround-View camera arrives on Technology and higher trims to compensate.

The MDX offers second-row LATCH anchors that are accessible without excessive digging, wide rear-door apertures, and a three-row layout that lets parents fit multiple child seats — though the third row is tight for rear-facing seats.

Volume A-Spec and Technology trims seat 7 with a second-row bench; Advance and Type S drop to 6 with captain's chairs.

Front headroom is 38.5 in with the power moonroof that is standard on all trims; the sub-roof figure of 39.6 in is not the as-delivered spec.

Front legroom is average for the mid-size luxury three-row set — adequate but trailing Q7, QX60, and Aviator by an inch or more.

Second-row headroom is generous, comfortably fitting six-footers with the panoramic moonroof in place.

Second-row legroom of 38.5 in with the sliding bench/captain's chairs is competitive with the class; adults fit easily.

Third-row legroom (29.1 in) and headroom (36.7 in) are tight — usable for kids or shorter teens on short trips, but adults won't want to sit back there. Second-row tumble-fold entry is easy, and there are third-row USB outlets and cupholders.

Standard SAE cargo behind the second row (third row folded) is 39.1 cu ft, mid-pack for the segment; the useful underfloor bin adds ~9 cu ft when equipped.

Max cargo of 71.4 cu ft (SAE) trails the roomier three-rows like Aviator (77.7), QX60 (75.4), and TX (97.0); Acura also cites 95.0 cu ft when the underfloor storage well is counted.

MDX offers a genuinely deep two-tier center console with a sliding tray, standard wireless charging pad, useful door pockets, and the underfloor cargo well behind the third row — competitive but not innovation-leading for the segment.

The A-Spec's 12-way power sport seats with integrated headrests are firm but supportive; Advance adds 16-way power with massage and ventilation, and second-row captain's chairs on Advance/Type S are widely praised for long-haul comfort.

A-Spec on standard 20-inch wheels rides composed but firm over broken pavement; Type S's adaptive air suspension smooths that out considerably and lifts ride quality closer to segment leaders like the RX and XC90.

Active Sound Control (ANC) and acoustic front glass keep the cabin hushed at highway speeds; some tire roar over coarse pavement remains, and it isn't quite Lexus RX / Volvo XC90 quiet.

Heated front seats, tri-zone climate, and remote start are standard from A-Spec; ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel arrive with the Technology package, and heated second-row captain's chairs and massaging front seats come with Advance — solid coverage but a couple of comfort staples aren't standard.

2026 MDX carries over the 2025 refresh with a modest inflation bump; base SH-AWD estimated ~$52,150 including destination. Mid-pack for mid-size luxury SUVs — well below German rivals but above segment-average non-luxury.

A-Spec is the volume trim for MDX buyers who want the sportier look and additional tech. 2025 A-Spec was $60,650; 2026 estimate ~$60,750 with destination.

Acura MDX 5-year maintenance and repair runs above the mainstream Honda Pilot but well below German luxury peers. Honda mechanical basis keeps parts costs reasonable, though the Type S turbo V6 and DCT/torque-vectoring AWD add complexity.

MDX historically posts above-average residuals for the mid-size luxury SUV class, aided by Acura reliability reputation and Honda mechanical basis. Type S has been especially strong on the used market.

Acura's standard new-vehicle limited warranty is 4 years / 50,000 miles — mid-pack for luxury (beats German 4/50 by mileage rules but shorter than Genesis 5/60, Jaguar 5/60).

Acura powertrain warranty is 6 years / 70,000 miles — short by mainstream standards (Kia/Hyundai/Genesis at 10/100) and below Cadillac's 6/70 match but longer than most German luxury.

Acura includes 2 years / 24,000 miles complimentary scheduled maintenance (Acura Care), plus 4-year/50,000-mile roadside assistance and 3-month AcuraLink trial. Solid but not class-leading — Genesis, Jaguar, and BMW offer longer or richer packages.

$60,750 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (57% retained, or about $34,628) leaves about $26,123 in depreciation. Add the projected $6,800 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $32,923 in total.

Consumer Reports has rated the 4th-gen MDX average-to-slightly-above-average for predicted reliability; J.D. Power initial quality for Acura has trended positive but the YD4 platform had a rocky 2022 launch that still weighs on multi-year averages. 2025 refresh carried into 2026 hasn't yet accumulated fresh reliability data.

Acura is a consistently top-10 brand in Consumer Reports reliability rankings and typically mid-pack among premium brands in J.D. Power VDS — solid but a step below Lexus and Toyota, ahead of most German luxury makes.

The 4th-gen MDX (2022+) has accumulated more recalls than typical for an Acura, including fuel-pump, driveshaft, and airbag-control-unit campaigns during the 2022–2024 window. 2025-2026 cadence has settled but the generation's early record drags this score below Acura's brand norm.

The 3.5L J35 V6 in the volume trim is one of the most durable engines in the industry, shared with Honda Pilot/Odyssey/Passport with well-documented high-mileage service. The 10-speed automatic (Honda-designed, in-service since 2018) is proven. Type S 3.0L twin-turbo is newer and less established but shares architecture with the TLX Type S with no systemic failure pattern.

Reviewers consistently praise the MDX cabin for open-pore wood, Milano leather (Advance), aluminum trim, and generous soft-touch coverage — very competitive at its ~$52-75K price band, though not quite matching X5/GLE/Cayenne top-trim materials. 2025 refresh added upgraded stitching and trim details.

Built in Lincoln, Alabama alongside the Pilot, the MDX earns generally solid marks for panel-gap consistency and assembly. Scattered early reports of infotainment glitches and interior rattles on 2022-2023 units have quieted with running production changes; 2025 refresh brought further tightening.

Acura operates roughly 270 US dealers — thinner than mainstream Honda but well-distributed across metro areas; rural coverage is a step down from Lexus. Service satisfaction typically ranks above the industry average in J.D. Power Customer Service Index for premium brands.

Extensive parts-sharing with the Honda Pilot (same platform, engine family, transmission) keeps commodity parts abundant and reasonably priced; Type S turbocharger and unique SH-AWD components run higher than mainstream Honda. Aftermarket support decent but not deep — closer to Honda pricing than German-luxury parts costs.

The 2025 refresh (carried over for 2026) replaced the True Touchpad Interface with dual touchscreens: 9.0-inch standard on base/A-Spec, 12.3-inch on Advance and Type S. Volume trim (Advance) gets the 12.3-inch display.

The 2025 refresh moved the MDX to a modern Google Built-In touchscreen platform — a major usability leap over the widely criticized touchpad it replaced. Reviewers praise responsiveness and Google integration but note some menu clutter and that Acura still layers its own skin on top; not quite class-leading like BMW iDrive 8.5 or GM's Lyriq system.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard on every trim following the 2025 refresh — a big upgrade from the wired-only touchpad system.

Google Built-In brings native Google Maps and Google Assistant natural-language voice control — genuinely competitive with the best in-car voice systems and materially better than the prior AcuraLink navigation.

MDX's premium ELS Studio 3D Signature Edition (25 speakers, ~1,000 W) on Type S Advance is a signature Acura strength — widely reviewed as among the very best factory audio systems at any price. Base 9-speaker system is competitive.

12.3-inch full-digital reconfigurable instrument cluster is standard across all trims — crisp graphics and multiple layout options; on par with segment peers.

Google Built-In supports over-the-air updates for the infotainment stack (maps, apps, system), but MDX does not offer whole-vehicle OTA (chassis/ADAS module updates) the way Tesla, Rivian, Cadillac or Ford EVs do.

AcuraLink app provides remote start/climate, lock/unlock, vehicle locator, geofencing, and service scheduling. Basic remote features are included for a limited period; extended remote and concierge features require a paid subscription tier. Reliable but not class-leading and no digital key.

USB-C ports across all three rows (with fast-charge capability up front) plus a wireless charging pad standard on Advance and Type S. No 110V household outlet, which keeps it below the top of the class.

Proximity smart entry, push-button start, and remote engine start (fob + app) are standard on every trim. Hands-free power tailgate is included on Advance and Type S. No phone-as-key offered, which is now standard on some luxury peers (BMW, Genesis, Hyundai).

Multi-view rear camera with dynamic guidelines standard; front and rear parking sensors on A-Spec and above; surround-view (360°) camera standard on Advance and Type S. High-resolution imagery renders well on the 12.3-inch display. No automated parking assist.

10.5-inch color head-up display is available only on Advance and Type S Advance — not offered on base MDX or A-Spec. Quality is good when equipped, but restricted trim availability limits the score.

Three-row layout seats 7 (A-Spec/Technology bench) or 6 (Advance/Type S captain's chairs), wide rear door apertures, IIHS-Acceptable second-row LATCH, and second-row tumble-fold access to the third row all support daily family duty; the 29.1-in third-row legroom limits rear-facing car-seat fitment there and pushes it below QX60/Aviator/TX-level family logistics.

5-star NHTSA overall, IIHS Top Safety Pick, and AcuraWatch (AEB, ACC with Low-Speed Follow, LKAS, RDM, TSR, Traffic Jam Assist) plus Blind Spot Information and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor are STANDARD on every trim from base A-Spec — families don't have to upsell to get the safety story. Falls short of TSP+ due to Acceptable updated moderate-overlap rating.

Tri-zone climate, heated front seats, panoramic moonroof, USB-C ports in all three rows, quiet cabin with Active Sound Control, and Advance-trim heated second-row captain's chairs make long trips easy for four to five occupants; the 16.3 cu ft behind the third row is only enough for a modest weekender's-worth of luggage when all seven seats are in play, and third-row headroom (36.7 in) is tight for teens on multi-hour drives.

Smooth 10-speed automatic with the 3.5L V6, low-effort SH-AWD, standard adaptive cruise with Low-Speed Follow, and Traffic Jam Assist all reduce workload in stop-and-go traffic; the 198.4-in overall length and Type S's firmer damping keep it from feeling truly effortless in tight urban conditions, and there is no hands-free highway mode to further ease commutes.

EPA 19/26/22 MPG city/hwy/combined on the volume 3.5L V6 SH-AWD and 17/21/19 on Type S — mid-pack for gas-only mid-size luxury 3-rows but well behind hybrid rivals (Lexus RX 350h ~35 combined, Lexus TX 500h Hybrid, Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV). Premium fuel is required, and there is no hybrid or PHEV MDX option for 2026.

At 198.4 in long, 78.7 in wide, and with a roughly 40-ft turning circle, the MDX is a substantial vehicle for city use; a multi-view rear camera is standard and a 360-degree Surround-View camera arrives on Technology and higher trims to help, but thick rear pillars and the sheer footprint still make tight parking a deliberate exercise.

Maximum tow rating of 5,000 lb (SH-AWD V6 and Type S alike) is enough for a small camper, jetski trailer, or utility trailer, but it trails purpose-built luxury workhorses (Cayenne 7,700 lb, X5 7,200 lb, Q7 7,700 lb, Range Rover 8,200 lb) and there is no bed or heavy payload capacity — the MDX is a light-duty tow rig, not a serious work tool.

The Honda J35 V6 and Honda-designed 10-speed automatic share DNA with the proven Pilot/Odyssey drivetrain and hold up well over high mileage, but the MDX cabin is trimmed with Milano leather, open-pore wood, and aluminum surfaces that are not built for muddy boots or jobsite abuse; the Type S's twin-turbo V6, air suspension, and torque-vectoring SH-AWD also add complexity that pushes it further from a fleet-tough workhorse.

Roof rails are standard and a hitch is available on all trims, but the MDX has no bed, no 120V household outlet, no bed-liner-style washable cargo surfaces, no factory upfit ecosystem, and no camper-oriented features — it is not aimed at trades or jobsite work.

Comfortable 12- or 16-way front seats, Active Sound Control cabin, tri-zone climate, and standard adaptive cruise with Low-Speed Follow plus Traffic Jam Assist make it a low-fatigue highway car; ~430-mile combined range from a 19.5-gal tank (V6 SH-AWD) is competitive. No hands-free system, which is now offered by GM, Ford, and BMW rivals.

Standard SH-AWD with torque vectoring is genuinely capable in snow, mud, and gravel, and Type S adds air suspension that lifts ride height to ~8.7 in for light off-pavement work; ground clearance on standard trims (~7.3 in), lack of a low-range transfer case, and the 5,000-lb tow limit keep it well below body-on-frame rivals (4Runner, GX, Defender, Wrangler) as a true adventure tool.

71.4 cu ft SAE maximum cargo (95.0 cu ft including the deep underfloor storage well behind the third row), 60/40 split-fold second row, 50/50 split-fold third row, standard roof rails, and available factory hitch cover most gear-hauling missions; max volume trails segment leaders like Aviator (77.7), QX60 (75.4), and TX (97.0).

SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) with torque-vectoring rear axle gives the MDX composed cornering and rotation better than most 3-row luxury rivals; body control is tight for a ~4,500-lb wagon, though it can't match the sharper Cayenne/X5 or the RDX's tossability.

Variable-ratio electric power steering is quick and precise on-center with linear buildup, but on-center feedback and road-texture communication are typical Acura — accurate rather than talkative.

13.0-in front / 13.0-in rear discs deliver progressive pedal feel and stops in the ~120-ft range from 60 mph in instrumented tests; no reported fade issues and pedal calibration is firm and linear without the softness some Honda-brand SUVs exhibit.

3.5L naturally-aspirated V6 (290 hp / 267 lb-ft) is smooth and refined, but the 10-speed automatic hunts between ratios in Comfort mode and can feel lethargic at part-throttle tip-in against turbocharged rivals (X5, GLE, GV80). No stop/start harshness reported.

V6 is muted and pleasant at cruise; Active Sound Control pipes some engine note into the cabin under load. Refinement is a notch below Lexus RX/TX and Volvo XC90 but better than Lincoln Aviator's coarser twin-turbo V6.

Long 113.8-in wheelbase and 3-row footprint mean a wide turning diameter — typical of the mid-size 3-row luxury class but no better than average.

Commanding seating position, wide seat and wheel adjustment range, and a well-organized console. The 2025 refresh replaced the divisive True Touchpad Interface with a proper touchscreen — a major ergonomic win carried into 2026. Thick D-pillars slightly hurt rear-corner sightlines.

The volume 3.5L V6 MDX is competent and secure but not one that begs for the long way home — the Type S with the 355-hp turbo V6 and adaptive dampers is the enthusiast pick. Base MDX character is composed rather than playful.

Even the base Technology trim (~$52k) is loaded: 12.3-in touchscreen with Google built-in, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic moonroof, tri-zone climate, heated leather seats, 12-way power driver seat with memory, and the full AcuraWatch ADAS suite (ACC, LKA, LDW, FCW/AEB, BSM, RCTA). SH-AWD is standard on all trims post-2025 refresh — a genuine standout in the segment.

MDX is one of the strongest value plays in mid-size luxury 3-row: base ~$52k undercuts X5/Q7/GLE by $10–15k with comparable content and standard SH-AWD; the Type S at ~$73k delivers 355 hp turbo V6 and adaptive dampers for well under what BMW X5 M60i, Cayenne S, or AMG GLE 53 command. Bang-for-buck is a signature MDX strength.

Five well-spaced trims (Technology, A-Spec, A-Spec Advance, Type S, Type S Advance) span ~$52k–$75k with two distinct powertrains (3.5L V6 and 3.0L turbo V6 in Type S). Notable gap: no hybrid or PHEV option, a real weakness against Lexus TX 500h, Volvo XC90 Recharge, and the plug-in Cayenne/X5 xDrive50e.

MDX has been a fixture in the top three US mid-size luxury 3-row SUVs for two decades and remains Acura's best-selling model. 2024 US sales ~52,000 units — steady mid-pack performer that outsells most German rivals in the segment despite fewer marketing dollars.

Acura sits in the second tier of luxury brands — respected for reliability, engineering, and value, with a loyal owner base, but lacks the aspirational halo of BMW/Mercedes/Audi/Porsche. Roughly on par with Volvo, ahead of Lincoln/Infiniti, a step below Lexus for prestige cachet.

Acura typically offers modest but reliable lease and finance incentives on the MDX (subvented APR, competitive lease multiples), with meaningful negotiation off MSRP at most dealers — not desperation pricing but a real buyer benefit vs. the near-MSRP posture of Lexus TX/RX and Genesis GV80.

4th-generation MDX launched for MY2022 and received a substantive MY2025 refresh (new 12.3-in touchscreen with Google built-in replacing the divisive True Touchpad Interface, revised styling, updated tech). 2026 carries the refresh forward — current mid-cycle, not cutting-edge, with next-gen likely 2028–2029.

Consistently well-reviewed since the 2022 4th-gen launch — praised for SH-AWD handling, value, interior quality, and (post-refresh) improved infotainment. Not typically a Car and Driver 10Best or MotorTrend SUV of the Year winner, but a reliable recommendation and frequent comparison-test finalist in mid-size luxury 3-row.