Acura MDX Review 2026: Better To Drive Than Most

from the experts at Invoice Pricing

2026

Acura

MDX

Acura | Premium | SUV

In this Acura MDX Review, the big draw is balance. The 2026 Acura MDX gives you three rows, sharp styling, strong V6 power, and a cabin loaded with tech, while still feeling more athletic than most SUVs this size. The standard model makes 290 horsepower, the Type S bumps that to 355, and every version uses a 10-speed automatic. It is not the plushest option in the segment, and the third row is still better for kids than adults, but if you want a luxury SUV that feels more engaging than floaty, the 2026 Acura MDX still makes a strong case.

The 2026 Acura MDX is the brand’s best-selling SUV, known for its stylish design, three-row seating, and strong overall value. Although Audi and Volvo make more luxurious cars than the Acura, they still drive reasonably well. However, it’s still more fun to drive than a three-row SUV should be. The V-6 engines are smooth to drive and have enough power to pass and merge, but they use about the same amount of gas as other cars in their class. Although the interior looks great, the materials used aren’t as high-end as those found in European SUVs. Specifically, the third-row seats are not well-suited for adult passengers and may feel cramped. The Buick Enclave, which is roughly the same size, offers the most interior space.

What's New?

The 2026 Acura MDX is mostly a carryover model after the bigger 2025 refresh, so the core story stays the same. For 2026, the clearest changes appear to be minor lineup and color updates rather than a major mechanical or tech overhaul. New paint options: Solar Silver Metallic replacing Lunar Silver Metallic, and premium Double Apex Blue Pearl replacing Apex Blue Pearl, plus a small interior color change on the base trim. So if you liked what Acura did last year, the 2026 model is essentially that same formula with a few small updates rather than a full second round of changes.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The MDX is equipped with a customizable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Standard features include a wireless smartphone charging pad, a Wi-Fi hotspot, built-in navigation, and compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base sound system features 11 speakers, while the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance trims offer a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system. The Type S model steps it up further with a 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio setup.

Engine and Performance

The base MDX features a 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 290 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive is available as an option. The sportier Type S model includes all-wheel drive as standard and is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 355 horsepower. When we drove the 2025 model, we didn’t notice many changes compared to the last one. This is largely because the engines and suspensions remained unchanged. In a recent test drive, the all-wheel-drive Advance model equipped with the standard engine delivered surprisingly quick acceleration and solid performance. When we tested the Type S, we appreciated its increased power and agile handling, but we weren’t fully convinced it lived up to the expectations associated with the Type S badge.

In our test run, the Type S proved quicker than the standard model, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds compared to the standard version’s 6.4 seconds.

Fuel Economy

The EPA hasn’t published fuel economy estimates for the 2026 MDX yet, but the 2025 model was rated at up to 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. In our real-world testing, the all-wheel-drive A-Spec model matched the combined rating, delivering 22 mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route. With 23 mpg, the Type S model performed slightly better than the standard model.

Safety Features

Every MDX model includes blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, among other driver-support features. Key safety technologies include:

Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
Standard lane departure warning and lane-keeping assistance.
Adaptive cruise control.

Safety Features

Every MDX model includes blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, among other driver-support features. Key safety technologies include:

Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
Standard lane departure warning and lane-keeping assistance.
Adaptive cruise control.

Cargo and Towing Capacity

With all-wheel drive, the MDX can pull up to 5,000 pounds, and with front-wheel drive, it can pull up to 3,500 pounds. Anyone can add a trailer hitch to any MDX model.

Price and How to Choose

Several models and options can affect the price of the 2026 Acura MDX. As car enthusiasts, we’re particularly drawn to the Type S for its performance-oriented design and impressive speed capabilities. However, we suggest the Technology trim for those who want a well-equipped luxury SUV without a sporty appearance. It comes equipped with a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, customizable ambient lighting, leather upholstery with contrast stitching, and a range of driver-assistance technologies.

Pros and Cons

Pros

One of the more athletic three-row luxury SUVs to drive, with sharper responses than you usually get in a vehicle this size. Its fun-to-drive nature is one of the MDX’s biggest strengths.
Strong V6 lineup. The standard 3.5-liter V6 makes 290 hp, while the Type S brings a 355-hp turbo V6, so even the regular MDX never feels underpowered for daily driving.
Tech is finally where it should be. Acura gives the 2026 MDX a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital gauges, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available Bang & Olufsen audio systems, making the cabin feel more current.
Good towing capability for the class. SH-AWD models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which adds real usefulness if you want a family SUV that can also handle a trailer or small boat.
Strong value relative to many European rivals. The MDX is a truly luxurious SUV with great value, Honda reliability, and a lot of equipment for the money.
The cabin looks upscale, and the feature content is generous, especially once you move into Technology, Advance, or Type S trims. Acura also highlights authentic materials such as metal accents and real wood trim on higher-end models.

Cons

The third row is still not adult-friendly. This is one of the MDX’s main weaknesses, and that remains one of the biggest packaging trade-offs here.
It is not quite as plush inside as the best European alternatives. The MDX looks premium, but it does not feel quite as rich or expensive in material quality as some rivals.
Fuel economy is mediocre for the segment, and there is still no hybrid option. That makes the MDX harder to justify if efficiency is high on your priority list.
The Type S is quick, but not a full “wow” performance SUV. It is strong and capable, rather than truly thrilling for the price.
Pricing gets serious once you climb the ladder. The 2026 lineup starts at around $53,250 and rises to roughly $77,300 for a Type S with the Advance Package, which puts it in more demanding territory.