2025 Acura MDX

The MDX’s grille keeps its basic shield shape this year, but the diamond-pattern mesh takes on a slightly different design. The eye-slit headlights also look the same, but they have darker lenses, as do the taillights. The most notable change up front is to the outer intakes, which drop down this year and now envelop the lower fog lights. The body keeps the same wide, low-set look with a straight shoulder line and a convex lower character line that introduces a Coke-bottle shape.

The A-Spec and Type S models share a slightly sportier look that removes the chrome grille surround and separates the air intakes into more prominent self-contained pods at the lower corners of the nose.

Inside, the digital instrument cluster remains in a standard hooded binnacle, while the new touchscreen rises from the center of the dash like a tablet. The new touchscreen interface leaves room on the center console for a wireless phone charger and a pair of cupholders. The center stack and front of the center console, however, are cluttered with a large drive mode dial, gearshift buttons, and the climate controls. Available red or dark blue leather add visual interest to the piano black and open-pore or aluminum trim.

The two lowest trim levels come standard with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive adds $2,200 for these models. All others get standard all-wheel drive. The system sends 70% of the power to the rear, and from there it can be split from side to side to increase grip and improve handling.

How fast is the Acura MDX?

Standard models have decent punch, while the Type S offers strong acceleration.

The base engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. The V-6 delivers smooth power through an equally smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. It has good grunt off the line and enough in reserve for confident passing. Comfort, Normal, Snow, and Sport modes adjust steering weight, throttle response, and transmission tuning, keeping the power more at the ready in Sport mode as the transmission stays in lower gears.

The MDX has a front-wheel-drive architecture, but it’s more on par with the rear-drive-based German rivals for sportiness. The ride is always comfortable, and the double-wishbone front suspension, multi-link independent rear suspension, and well weighted and direct steering provide more feel and more agile moves than are common for the class.

MDX Type S impressions

The MDX Type S gets adaptive dampers, an air suspension, firmer suspension tuning, and 21-inch wheels on stickier tires. The air suspension can lower the ground clearance 0.6 inch in Sport model to improve the already agile moves. Despite the sport tuning, the Type S is still quite comfortable as a commuter. Brembo front brakes add some useful stopping power for when the curvy roads call out to you.

The air suspension also has a Lift mode that can raise it 2.0 inches to get over off-road obstacles on the way to the campsite. It doesn’t have much off-road capability other than that.

Power is notably stronger in the Type S. It uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter turbo V-6 that puts out 355 hp and 354 lb-ft. Expect a 0-60 mph time at or below 6.0 seconds, which is likely at least a second quicker than the base engine. It also has a rortier exhaust note that adds a bit of character.

Small-items storage up front is better this year as the loss of the console-mounted touchpad opens room for a prominent wireless charging pad. A pair of cupholders sit beside it and a small change tray sits in front of both.

The second row is a three-person bench, but the center seat back folds down to act as a console complete with cupholders. This seat can also come out, leaving a center passthrough and outboard seat without the armrests of captain’s chairs. The second row slides forward and back up to 5.9 inches to open up to 38.5 inches of legroom. Headroom is also plentiful.

Both the second- and third-row seats fold and slide forward at the press of a button. It would be hard to make it easier to move the seats and clear a path to get to the third row. However, once back there, the third row is inhospitable to adults, with a minuscule 29.1 inches of legroom, limited headroom for an average-size adult male, and a low bottom cushion that will have you eating your knees. Two adults can fit back there in a pinch, but only if you don’t like them.

The MDX has plenty of cargo room, though some rivals offer more. It offers 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet behind the second row, and a very useful 71.4 cubic feet behind the first row. To get more room, the MDX would have to be bigger, which would counter its sporty character.

Acura outfits the MDX with materials commensurate with its price. Synthetic leather is standard, leather comes in all but the base model, and the top models get richer Milano leather. Trim choices include various finishes of aluminum and open-pore wood, and many of the interior surfaces are finished in piano-black plastic that can attract dust and fingerprints.

Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and Traffic Jam Assist that handles the throttle, braking, and steering in low-speed situations. Front and rear parking sensors are included on the MDX with Technology Package and above, and a surround-view camera system is included on Advance models.

Acura notes that it has upgraded the sensors on the 2025 MDX Type S. They include new long-range radar units on the front sides of the vehicle, new radar units at the rear sides, and a new wide-view front camera. The new sensors enable blind-spot monitors with steering support and front cross-traffic alerts.

The Type S also adds automatic lane changes. While the lane changes work on the highway, in our testing the system seemed to get confused about settling into its new lane when a lot of traffic was around it or when the highway curved. The MDX also doesn’t offer a hands-free driver-assist system along the lines of GM’s Super Cruise.

Which Acura MDX should I buy?

We recommend going with the MDX Tech Package for $57,650 and adding $2,200 for all-wheel drive. It adds leather upholstery, ambient lighting, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, remote starting, two rear USB-C ports, additional insulation in the fenders and door liners, laminated rear glass, passenger seat memory, front and rear parking sensors, a hands-free tailgate, and 20-inch wheels.

How much is a fully loaded Acura MDX?

At the top of the lineup, the Type S Advance runs $76,300 and adds the more powerful engine, as well as adaptive dampers, air suspension, bigger front brakes with Brembo calipers, 21-inch wheels, and expanded safety tech. It is also quite luxurious with a 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, quilted Milano leather upholstery with synthetic suede seat inserts, 16-way front seats with cooling and massage, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats.

Acura MDX infotainment

Rejoice, for the awkward touchpad has finally given way to a touchscreen! No more clicking in one place and looking in another. No more manual dexterity needed to choose controls. The screen works like most others, with a line of control categories along the left side and tile-like functions in the middle. The system has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Google built-in and Amazon Alexa. Acura moves the screen four inches closer to the driver to make it easier to reach, but its right side still takes a bit of a stretch.

The MDX Type S model is rated at 17/21/19 mpg, which would be a 1 if it were rated separately. Acura recommends 91-octane fuel for both engines.

The MDX also doesn’t come with any form of electrification, which cedes green territory to various rivals.