2025 Acura MDX

What gives the 2025 Acura MDX a little separation from the pack of worthy midsize luxury SUVs isn’t one thing; it’s a confluence of things. For example, we point to the nimble handling, peppy powertrains, an overachieving all-wheel-drive system, loads of advanced tech, and on and on. Combine that with Acura’s penchant for reliability reflected in its high resale values, and you’ve got a compelling, must-consider candidate when shopping for a 3-row luxury midsize SUV.

The 2025 Acura MDX is the mid-cycle refresh for this popular SUV. Acura updated the grille and front bumper, but most of the changes and enhancements are inside the cabin. Topping the list is the elimination of a rather clunky infotainment system and its console-mounted trackpad in favor of a new one ruled by a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in. Taking advantage of that, Acura redesigned the center console, integrating USB-C ports in the process. Sixteen-way massaging front seats are a new option. Bang & Olufsen now provides two audio upgrades: one with 19 speakers and the other with a whopping 31 speakers. AcuraWatch 360 debuts on the top MDX trim. This is Acura’s semi-autonomous advanced driver-assist technology.

When comparing starting prices among 3-row midsize luxury SUVs, the Acura MDX and the similarly priced Cadillac XT6 are among the better deals out there. Rivals like the Genesis GV80 and BMW X5 cost thousands more.

Before buying a new MDX luxury midsize SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Buyers will also be pleased to know that historically, the MDX has some of the strongest resale values in its class. Recouping more money when you sell or trade a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

Nothing with the powertrain or suspension has changed for 2025, which means a strong 290-horsepower V6 matched with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. We rate it among the segment’s most refined powertrains, delivering seamless acceleration in town and an abundance of confidence-inspiring merging and passing power. For context, the pony count is about average for the segment. This is the powertrain most MDX buyers will opt for, and we’ve found it solid for in-town jaunts and highway treks alike. It even has a nice growl when running up a freeway on-ramp.

For the niche buyers wanting even more verve in their family friendly 3-row SUV, there’s the MDX Type S with its 355-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. We love a good wolf in sheep’s clothing, and this performance variant of the MDX has the proverbial claws. We thoroughly enjoyed testing a Type S in the mountains outside of San Diego, where countless twists and turns showed the mettle of both this engine and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. That name isn’t hyperbole; it just sticks.

We’ve found the highway ride quality to be suitably luxurious but with a firmer feel than that delivered by some of its less-engaging competitors. The Type S offers Active Lane Change Assist, which can change lanes automatically with just the flick of the turn signal when using conditions are safe. We found it works quite smoothly.

We also think the MDX is one of the easiest to park in its class, thanks in part to its standard variable-ratio steering. We felt little of the angst we sometimes feel with SUVs and trucks when pulling into and out of the narrow confines of a parking garage. Most of our reviewers would choose the excellent Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, which delivers performance benefits in dry conditions and enhanced traction in rain and snow. All things considered, few 3-row SUVs are as satisfying from behind the wheel.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of midsize 3-row luxury SUVs, including the MDX.

Fuel Economy

With mixed city-and-highway driving mileage of 22 mpg (19 city/26 highway), the front-wheel-drive MDX with the regular V6 is about mid-pack in fuel-economy ratings among its competitors. It drops to 21 mpg with all-wheel drive. With the turbo V6, the fuel economy is 19 mpg (17 city/21 highway).

The MDX offers seating for up to seven. Individual seats in the second row can slide forward and back. The center seat can fold down to become a wide armrest or be removed completely,  creating easier access to the third row.

Rear legroom in the second row is an ample 38.5 inches, and there’s 29.1 inches in the rearmost quarters, which means it’s better suited to the smaller and more agile members of the family. Many rivals offer a little more, but not necessarily a lot more. For example, the Genesis GV80 has just over 30 inches. Check out the Lexus TX if your crew could benefit from a more accommodating third row.

Up front, we like the wonderfully comfortable and supportive heated seats. Uncluttered, the dashboard provides a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. We like that Acura moved it closer to the driver for 2025 because it’s easier to reach and see. A digital driver information display of the same size is also standard, so the cabin feels appropriately tech-y.

Only the base version has faux-leather seating surfaces. The rest of the range comes with the real stuff. Moreover, it’s perforated. Other standard features include 3-zone automatic climate control and driver-side memory settings. The range-topping Type S with the Advance Package also brings massaging front seats, which we must admit to using — and enjoying — for hours on end. We like that each session goes for a solid 20 minutes, and that it can be engaged with just the touch of a button.

The MDX falls about mid-pack when it comes to cargo volume.

We already thought the MDX looked good from the curb; however, the redesigned diamond pentagon grille really sets it off. LED headlights, tail lights and daytime running lights are part of the package with every MDX midsize luxury SUV, as is a panoramic moonroof. Even the smallest wheels are 19-inch alloys, while the Type S comes with 21-inch rims. In terms of dimensions, the MDX is close in size to the Cadillac XT6, Infiniti QX60, and Lincoln Aviator.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
We appreciate that cable-free smartphone integration is standard in every new MDX luxury SUV. It’s part of an infotainment system that also includes wireless charging, Wi-Fi, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.

AcuraLink
Free for three years, AcuraLink brings features such as maintenance scheduling, automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, and remote lock/unlock — to name just a few. We appreciated being able to double-check that our MDX test vehicle was locked when shopping one day.

Powered tailgate with Walk-Away Close
Speaking of shopping and an armload of packages, every MDX has a powered tailgate, as a luxury SUV should. But the Advance Package for the regular and Type S models adds hands-free access and a self-closing function when the driver (or whoever has the key) steps away. Convenient? You bet.

Bang & Olufsen audio
These excellent systems comprise the MDX’s audio upgrades. A 19-speaker system arrives in the A-Spec and higher trims, except for the Type S with Advanced Package that features a 31-speaker system. Our music-loving ears rate this new system near the top of its class.

CabinTalk
This allows folks sitting up front to send their voices through the sound system, muting the regular audio automatically so that rear passengers can hear them.

Head-up display
Part of the Advance Package for both the regular and Type S versions, this relatively large 10.5-inch display projects useful information onto the windshield directly in front of the driver. We’ve discovered that we miss this feature in vehicles without it.

Most versions of the 2024 MDX 3-row luxury SUV are propelled by a 3.5-liter V6 making 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The sole MDX transmission is a 10-speed automatic.

Front-wheel drive is the standard setup in the first two trim levels, with all-wheel drive available as an option. From the A-Spec version through the rest of the trim levels, all-wheel drive is standard.

The MDX Type S has a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that develops 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, along with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

Premium gasoline is recommended for both engines. With the appropriate equipment, the MDX’s maximum tow rating is 5,000 pounds.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Most luxury vehicle makers have new-vehicle warranties lasting four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Acura follows this formula but extends the powertrain coverage to six years or 70,000 miles. Moreover, the company includes free scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles.

Safety Ratings

This current generation of MDX has earned the highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), as well as a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).