2026 Acura MDX Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Shop for a 2026 Acura MDX, and you’ll find them in a base level of specification with upgrade packages called Technology, A-Spec, Advance, A-Spec Advance, and Type S Advance. Prices range from $53,150 to $77,200, including the $1,350 destination charge. For this test drive, we had an MDX equipped with the A-Spec Advance Package in Southern California. It had extra-cost Performance Red paint, which increased the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) to $70,850, including destination.

The A-Spec and A-Spec Advance include blacked-out wheels and exterior trim, subtle styling modifications, and bolder interior treatments blending leather and artificial suede. Mechanically, they’re the same as other MDX models, aside from their standard all-wheel-drive (AWD). Base and Technology Package models come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) but can also be equipped with AWD for an extra $2,200. The MDX Type S Advance has a more powerful turbocharged engine and other upgrades for improved performance.

Overall, the Acura MDX A-Spec Advance looks good, with an attractive diamond pentagon grille, appealing lighting elements, flared fenders, and a low, wide stance. The only design detail suggesting it is an SUV is the tastefully thin ribbon of cladding around the MDX’s lower perimeter.

Inside, the MDX is styled and arranged more like a car than an SUV. The low dashboard, wide console, and sporty appearance represent a refreshing break from the trend toward rugged-looking interiors. Acura also uses higher-quality materials than some of its rivals, and offers the A-Spec Advance in bold Red and Orchid (white) colors in addition to the test vehicle’s Ebony (black) cabin. Basic ambient lighting is standard, with a more elaborate version on higher trim levels.

However, Acura’s emphasis on design negatively impacts functionality. For example, the amount of center console space dedicated to the transmission controls, wireless charging pad, and ancillary features reduces available storage space. Also, Acura showcases a driving mode knob that few owners will use, while compromising the size and visibility of the climate control buttons on either side. That said, we appreciate the volume and tuning controls on the steering wheel and center console, the simple temperature adjustment controls on the dashboard, and Acura’s widespread use of buttons and knobs. It might look cluttered, but you won’t often need to search the infotainment system for anything.

Most MDX models have a 3.5-liter V6 engine under their hoods. It generates 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, and pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Integrated Dynamics System driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Normal, and Sport. Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) employs torque vectoring to improve handling, and also boosts towing capacity to 5,000 pounds, compared to 3,500 pounds for FWD models.

The Type S swaps the naturally-aspirated engine for a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It also has adaptive air suspension, while other models use Acura’s Amplitude Reactive Dampers. These dual-piston shocks successfully filter minor road vibration and impacts while also reducing unwanted body motions. The MDX A-Spec’s 4,544-pound curb weight is distributed in a 57:43 front-to-rear split.

Even without the Type S performance upgrades, the MDX is a pleasant daily driver. When driving around town, the MDX deftly blends ride isolation with a fair amount of communication. It feels solid and structurally robust, and can take speed bumps with ease. The V6 engine is responsive, quick to accelerate, and sounds good. The transmission behaves well and the brakes are easy to modulate.

On the highway, the MDX is comfortable and reasonably quiet inside. Passing power is readily available, and the steering’s on-center feel and sense of stability are excellent. The 20-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Alenza Sport all-season tires (P255/50R20) on our A-Spec Advance test car offer a commendable ride on a variety of surfaces.

If you’re inclined to take the long way home, you should choose the Acura MDX Type S. On winding mountain roads, the A-Spec Advance felt a little soft and squishy, while the steering felt overeager to return to center. Switching to Sport mode didn’t help.

Nevertheless, the MDX feels sportier than some of its rivals, and when you hustle it, sensations from the SH-AWD system’s torque vectoring add a little bit of a thrill. Unfortunately, you need to push the MDX in corners to experience that, and exploring the SUV’s handling limits is not particularly rewarding. And with only 7.3 inches of ground clearance, this Acura is best driven on well-traveled trails or in foul weather, leaving off-the-grid exploration to more capable alternatives.

We’re less concerned about the MDX’s lack of on-road charm and off-road capability than its lack of a hybrid powertrain option, though. While the official EPA fuel economy estimate is 21 mpg combined, we observed 17.9 mpg on our SoCal evaluation loop. Prior to that, over 160 miles of driving, the MDX averaged 19.2 mpg, including a 100-mile round-trip to Pasadena on free-flowing freeways. Acura offered a hybrid powertrain in the previous-generation MDX. It is time to bring it back.

What excited us the most about driving the 2026 Acura MDX was our A-Spec Advance model’s 16-way power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. They, in combination with the excellent Bang & Olufsen audio system, made this Acura a welcome respite from the daily grind. Add the supple leather, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated steering wheel, and panoramic glass sunroof, and the MDX was a sanctuary of sorts.

Second-row passengers were almost as happy with their accommodations. While it’s true that legroom isn’t as generous as it could be, the rear seat is nevertheless supportive and comfortable. The center section is removable, or you can fold the middle part of the seatback down to create a simulation of captain’s chairs with armrests, storage, and cupholders in the middle. Side window shades cover nearly all of the glass, and our test vehicle also had heated outboard middle-row seats.

The MDX’s third row can accommodate adults on short trips, but is better suited for children. There isn’t much clearance for entry and exit, so getting in and out is a graceless affair. Knee, shin, and foot space is extremely snug. However, the seat cushion offers more support than expected.

Cargo space behind the third row measures 16.3 cubic feet, and is more practical than some rivals due to generous floor space, a deep tray to the left of the load floor, and a cavernous compartment underneath the floor. Fold the third-row seats flat, and the MDX provides an impressively roomy 39.1 cubic-foot cargo area. Cargo capacity expands to 71.4 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

Though the MDX’s cabin looks more traditional than what you’ll find in some luxury SUVs, don’t assume it lacks technology. A 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display pairs with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 10.5-inch head-up display is also available.

In some ways, Acura provides the tech you expect, and not much more. For example, the digital instrumentation panel looks like what you’ll find in other Acura and Honda models, dressed up a bit for more visual interest. In other ways, the technology solutions are deeply satisfying. Equipped with Amazon Alexa Built-in and Google Built-in, the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is one of them. Acura dropped its former touchpad-based technology after the 2024 model year, and this new system represents a significant improvement.

In addition to the responsive and accurate Google Assistant and impressive Google Maps navigation, it offers wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. A three-year complimentary subscription to Google services is also standard, and through AcuraLink connected services, you can add a Wi-Fi connectivity plan. SiriusXM satellite radio fans will be dismayed to discover it isn’t part of the infotainment system’s native ecosystem.

We had no trouble finding destinations using Google Assistant and Google Maps, and our wireless Apple CarPlay connection proved reliable for streaming music. Every version of the MDX except the base model includes a Bang & Olufsen sound system; it is undeniably impressive.

Our test vehicle had the MDX’s available head-up display, which communicates plenty of information, including upcoming directions, current speed and speed limit data, status of the driver-assistance systems, and more.

Acura bundles most of the MDX’s driver aids into a package called AcuraWatch. They include: forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights are also standard. Most MDX models have parking sensors with low-speed braking, while the more expensive variants offer a surround-view camera system.

AcuraWatch is more refined and accurate than it has been in years past. We’re still not fans of the steering-wheel wobble that accompanies lane-departure warnings, and when driving on the winding Pacific Coast Highway north of Malibu, the lane-centering assist regularly cycled on and off. However, it operates with such transparency and feels so natural in use that it wasn’t aggravating.

We also appreciated that AcuraWatch doesn’t excessively slow down when rounding curves. That can cause significant irritation in a driver and in motorists following behind a vehicle, but it’s not a problem in the MDX. There’s some speed reduction in tighter curves, but in appropriate amounts.

As of this writing, crash-test ratings for the 2026 Acura MDX are incomplete. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates only FWD models, which earn an overall rating of five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not published ratings for the 2026 MDX, but the nearly identical 2025 model was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

In 2024, the Acura MDX was the bestselling luxury SUV equipped with a standard third-row seat. Not only that, within its competitive segment, the Acura MDX is one of the most affordable models you can buy. The Infiniti QX60 undercuts it a little bit, but between the two, the Acura is the superior vehicle.

Looking at mainstream brand alternatives, the Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S is compelling, offering plenty of style and sophistication at a comparatively appealing price, but it’s not as refined to drive as the Acura. The same goes for the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia Denali. A Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is a comparative bargain, with upscale design and detailing, backed by the automaker’s impressive warranty coverage and ownership benefits. Both the Hyundai and Mazda are available as hybrids, too.

While those competitors can target the Acura MDX, they don’t offer quite the same blend of attributes. Comparatively, the MDX is more satisfying across a wider range of characteristics, which should help it remain popular. However, the larger and slightly more expensive Lexus TX is giving the Acura a run for its money. And for those who want a midsize luxury SUV, but don’t need a third row, the Lexus RX and BMW X5 are worthwhile alternatives.