2026 Acura MDX Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims

Motor Trend

18-06-2025

The 2026 MDX is Acura's largest vehicle and one of the pioneers in the luxury three-row SUV segment. Following a full redesign for the 2022 model year, it received a refresh last year with updated tech and a more refined interior layout.
Luxury three-row SUV rivals include the Infiniti QX60, Lincoln Aviator, and Lexus TX. What's New
Given the MDX was just refreshed for 2025, changes this year should be light. Look for Acura to deliver some updated exterior paint colors or even a new interior color. What We Think
Finally. For lthe 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, although the third row is tight, just as it is with most competitors. Additionally, while 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, so subdued 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. 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 forced-induction six-cylinder engine, a 3.0-liter turbo V-6.
Both are sufficiently strong, launching to 60 mph in under six seconds, though at-limit performance can be somewhat underwhelming. Every powertrain regardless of engine comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. MPGs
With standard FWD and the standard engine, the 2025 MDX returns fuel economy of 19/26 mpg city/highway, 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 the Type S AWD—with its more powerful engine—achieving just 17/21 mpg. Look for similar EPA estimates for the 2026 MDX. Would Acura Make Another MDX PMC Edition?
For the 2020 MDX and again for the 2023 TLX Type S sedan, Acura produced limited PMC Edition models, hand-built vehicles assembled at Honda's Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio.
This is the same place that produced the second-generation NSX, but apart from their proximity to a high-performance sports car, PMC models don't gain much in the way of additional capability. They do receive some distinctive upgrades, though.
We wouldn't say no to a new MDX PMC Edition. But considering the last ones were made as a side hustle for NSX builders, and currently there is no NSX in production, it might make less sense for Acura to produce the specials. However, the company could have another special up its sleeve this year. 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 awarded the AWD with 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. Technology
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.
The base audio system features 11 speakers, while the top Bang & Olufsen setup delivers 31 speakers of immersive sound in the Type S. Other Luxury 3-Row SUVs: Buick Enclave
Audi Q7
Infiniti QX60
Lincoln Aviator
Lexus TX