2026 Acura MDX Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
The MDX stands as Acura’s flagship and a trailblazer in the luxury three-row SUV class. After a full redesign in 2022, it gained a fresh update last year, bringing sharper technology and a sleeker, more refined cabin to match its commanding presence.
Luxury three-row SUV rivals include the Infiniti QX60, Lincoln Aviator, and Lexus TX.
What’s New
The 2026 MDX is largely a carryover of last year’s model. New exterior paint colors this year include standard Solar Silver Metallic, which replaces Lunar Silver Metallic, and available premium Double Apex Blue Pearl, the successor to Apex Blue Pearl. With the 2026 base model, Parchment is no longer available as a standard interior color, but Acura has moved the trim hue to the premium upgrade menu.
What We Think
Finally, for the refreshed 2025 MDX, Acura fixed one of our biggest issues with the handsome three-row SUV: The brand replaced the fiddly, distracting touchpad infotainment interface with a touchscreen. As well as improving the user experience, the move frees up console space for added storage in the first row.
Interior packaging is generally well thought out, but the third row is tight, just as it is with most competitors. Additionally, although the interior boasts many beautiful details, we wouldn’t consider it as luxurious as others in the segment.
The MDX’s bones didn’t change with the refresh, but both acceleration and braking improve slightly. That said, driving dynamics and overall feel are still lacking. Even the more powerful Type S left us underwhelmed in testing, lacking the performance edge its badge suggests.
Fuel economy also isn’t great, but the ride is quiet and subdued so that you can hear how awesome the engine sounds at wide-open throttle. The 2026 MDX is a strong contender, but it doesn’t have enough to unseat the best luxury three-row SUVs from Buick and Lincoln.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
MotorTrend Tested
All MDXs except the Type S Advance model continue to feature a 3.5-liter V-6 that develops 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Type S receives a smaller but more powerful 3.0-liter turbo V-6 that generates 355 hp and 354 lb-ft.
Both are sufficiently strong, launching to 60 mph in under 6.0 seconds, though at-limit performance can be somewhat underwhelming. Every powertrain regardless of engine comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
A competitor like the 2025 Q7 55 features a smaller 3.0-liter turbo V-6 that delivers 335 hp and a torquey 369 lb-ft. It can make the sprint to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds according to Audi.
MPGs and Range
With standard FWD and the standard engine, the 2025 MDX returns fuel economy of 19/26 mpg city/highway, as well as 407 miles of total driving range, the best numbers of the lineup (which aren’t all that great). It goes downhill from there, with the AWD model getting 25 mpg highway and 388 miles of range and the Type S AWD, with its more powerful engine, achieving just 17/21 mpg with 352 miles of range.
The V-6 Q7 is similarly inefficient, though it comes with a bigger fuel tank that holds 22.5 gallons. (The MDX’s tank takes only 18.5 gallons.) Fuel economy ratings are 18/23 mpg, and the Q7 is rated for up to 450 miles of range.
Safety Ratings and Features
From IIHS, the MDX most recently received a 2025 Top Safety Pick award, the institute’s second highest distinction. NHTSA gives the 2025 FWD model a five-star overall safety rating but hasn’t given the AWD an overall grade. Both versions earn five out of five stars in the side impact assessment but only four stars in the front impact test. Ratings for the 2026 should be similar.
The list of standard driver assists is substantial:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping assist
- Road departure mitigation
- Adaptive cruise control with low-speed following functionality and cornering speed assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Traffic jam assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic monitoring
- Automatic high-beams
Higher trims add low-speed braking control and front and rear parking sensors. Active lane change assist, lane change collision mitigation, and front cross-traffic warning were new additions for 2025.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Relative to the Q7 and Infiniti QX60, the MDX comes with more standard cargo capacity. The third row feels tight in this seven-seater, but that’s about typical for the class.
Technology
Infotainment
The MDX’s still-new 12.3-inch touchscreen is a major upgrade from the SUV’s previous touchpad interface. For 2026, all MDX models continue to include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi connectivity, and over-the-air update capability. A 12.3-inch driver display remains standard, as are at least six USB ports and a wireless charging pad.
Sound System
The base audio system features 11 speakers, and the top Bang & Olufsen setup delivers 31 speakers for immersive sound in the Type S.
Available Upgrades
Upscale interior amenities on offer include Milano leather, an ebony headliner, massaging ventilated front seats, and a leather-wrapped, heated, flat-bottom steering wheel. A set of 20-inch wheels are available, or you can get 21s with the Type S.
Value
Standard Features
It isn’t an understatement to say the MDX’s still-new touchscreen is a significant leveling-up—and it’s big. All models come with a strong engine, good cargo space, plenty of safety tech, and solid safety scores.
Recommended Trim
We think the best value is just above the base model. The so-called MDX Technology boasts multicolor interior ambient lighting, the 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, three-position memory for the front passenger seat, power-folding side mirrors, a hands-free power liftgate, perforated leather upholstery, and second-row window sunshades.
