New & Used 2026 Acura MDX for Sale nearSanta Cruz, CA

Compare 2026 Acura MDX Trims

The 2026 Acura MDX offers a range of trims from budget-friendly FWD to feature-rich AWD options, catering to various preferences and needs.

• Starting at $46,038
• Best MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 26 hwy
• Most Popular: SH-AWD with Technology Package

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

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Trim Deep Dives

FWD — "Who It's For"

The FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a budget-friendly SUV without the added cost of AWD. It's the most accessible entry point.

• Avg. market price: $46,038 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 26 hwy
• Inventory: 466 listings
• View FWD listings

SH-AWD — "Who It's For"

The SH-AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive without breaking the bank. It offers a solid balance of features and price.

• Avg. market price: $48,457 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 1,158 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View SH-AWD listings

FWD with Technology Package — "Who It's For"

The FWD with Technology Package is the pick for shoppers who want advanced tech features without the AWD premium. It’s a well-rounded choice.

• Avg. market price: $50,357 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 26 hwy
• Inventory: 1,005 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View FWD with Technology Package listings

SH-AWD with Technology Package — "Who It's For"

The SH-AWD with Technology Package is the pick for shoppers who want a blend of luxury and performance. It’s the most popular trim for good reason.

• Avg. market price: $52,044 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 2,345 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View SH-AWD with Technology Package listings

SH-AWD with A-SPEC Package — "Who It's For"

The SH-AWD with A-SPEC Package is the pick for shoppers who want a sportier look and feel without sacrificing AWD capability. It’s stylish and functional.

• Avg. market price: $54,067 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 1,061 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View SH-AWD with A-SPEC Package listings

SH-AWD with Advance Package — "Who It's For"

The SH-AWD with Advance Package is the pick for shoppers who want the ultimate in luxury and features. It’s designed for those who appreciate premium amenities.

• Avg. market price: $59,696 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 1,029 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View SH-AWD with Advance Package listings

SH-AWD with A-SPEC and Advance Package — "Who It's For"

The SH-AWD with A-SPEC and Advance Package is the pick for shoppers who want the best of both worlds: sporty design and luxury features. It’s a top-tier choice.

• Avg. market price: $60,022 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 214 listings
• View SH-AWD with A-SPEC and Advance Package listings

Type S SH-AWD with Advance Package — "Who It's For"

The Type S SH-AWD with Advance Package is the pick for shoppers who want a performance-oriented SUV with advanced features. It’s built for those who crave power.

• Avg. market price: $67,543 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 21 hwy
• Inventory: 247 listings
• View Type S SH-AWD with Advance Package listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — SH-AWD with Technology Package

With 2,345 active listings, the SH-AWD with Technology Package is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse SH-AWD with Technology Package listings

Best Budget Option — FWD

At $46,038 avg market price — below the lineup median of $53,055 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — FWD

The FWD trim offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with an impressive MPG/MPGe of 19/26.

Browse FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 5, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2026 Acura MDX cost?

Prices have softened 8.88% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,160 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2026 Acura MDX a good car?

The 2026 Acura MDX earns an expert rating of 7.7/10 and is aimed more at on-road driving than off-road use.

The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Technology.

It stands out for its stylish design, comfortable ride, easy-to-use technology, good utility, and quiet, quality feel. The trade-offs are a cramped third row and poor fuel economy, and the lack of a hybrid option limits its appeal if efficiency matters to you.

With 35.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2026 Acura MDX reliable?

The 2026 Acura MDX is described as reliable and polished, with a comfortable, quiet cabin and a solid, well-built feel.

Its performance notes point to a responsive V6, a transmission that behaves well, and brakes that are easy to modulate. The ride is also tuned to filter minor road vibration and impacts while keeping body motions in check.

AcuraWatch is refined and accurate, and it operates with enough transparency that it does not become intrusive in daily driving. Acura also includes a three-year complimentary subscription to Google services, which adds some ownership value up front.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that the MDX’s efficiency shortfall and missing hybrid option can make ownership less appealing over time if fuel costs matter to you.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Acura MDX?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 95.1% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report and verify that the specific example you’re considering has a clean accident record. A pre-purchase inspection is worth prioritizing, especially if you want to confirm the condition of the cabin, electronics, and driver-assistance systems. Pay close attention to how the vehicle presents overall, since the MDX’s appeal depends heavily on its comfort, technology, and polished feel.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Base and Technology Package models come standard with front-wheel drive but can be equipped with all-wheel drive for an extra cost, while A-Spec and A-Spec Advance add blacked-out wheels, exterior trim, and bolder interior treatments. The base model also misses the Bang & Olufsen sound system.
• Powertrain: Most models use a 3.5-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and a 10-speed automatic, while the Type S swaps in a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 355 hp and adaptive air suspension. The standard setup is tuned for comfort and everyday drivability rather than maximum excitement.
• Safety package: AcuraWatch includes forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights are also standard, while parking sensors with low-speed braking are on most models and a surround-view camera system is reserved for more expensive variants.
• Infotainment: The cabin centers on a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital display, and wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging are included. A 10.5-inch head-up display is available, and the base model does not get the Bang & Olufsen sound system.
• Fuel efficiency: The official EPA fuel economy estimate is 21 mpg combined, and the test vehicle returned 17.9 mpg on one evaluation loop and 19.2 mpg over a longer stretch.

Which 2026 Acura MDX trim should I buy?

The 2026 Acura MDX is offered in 6 trim levels: base, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, A-Spec Advance, and Type S Advance.

Here's the short version:

• base: This is the entry point if you want the MDX’s core comfort, style, and technology without paying for extras. It makes the most sense if you’re focused on value and don’t need the upgraded audio or appearance details.
• Technology: This is the best-value trim if you want a more complete luxury experience without jumping too far up the price ladder. It adds more equipment while keeping the MDX’s easy-to-use tech and comfortable character intact.
• A-Spec: Choose this if you want the MDX to look and feel more distinctive, with blacked-out exterior trim and bolder interior treatments. It suits you best if styling matters as much as everyday usability.
• Advance: This trim is for you if comfort and convenience are the priority. It builds toward a more upscale experience and is a good fit if you want a more premium-feeling family SUV.
• A-Spec Advance: This is the most appealing choice if you want the strongest mix of style and equipment. It combines the A-Spec look with the Advance content, making it the most well-rounded recommendation for many shoppers.
• Type S Advance: Pick this only if you want the performance-oriented version with the twin-turbo V6 and adaptive air suspension. It’s the right call if you care more about power and driving character than efficiency.

Most MDX models have AcuraWatch, while the more expensive variants offer a surround-view camera system.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Acura MDX?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 35.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,160 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.88% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 95.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $53,845, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2026 Acura MDX's resale value?

The current average of $53,845 sits slightly below last year's $59,094.

That price movement suggests the MDX has softened enough to help you buy more confidently today. If you sell later, you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim because the market is already pricing in some depreciation. The strong accident-free share also suggests clean examples should remain easier to move than neglected ones.

Is the 2026 Acura MDX safe?

The 2026 Acura MDX earns an overall five-star rating from NHTSA for FWD models, and the nearly identical 2025 model was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

AcuraWatch bundles forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights are also standard. Parking sensors with low-speed braking are on most models, while a surround-view camera system is reserved for more expensive variants.

One caveat is that crash-test ratings for the 2026 model are incomplete, so you should pay attention to the exact drivetrain and equipment on the used example you’re considering.

Should I buy a 2026 Acura MDX or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 35.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 95.1% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.88% compared with last year.
• The 2026 keeps the refreshed MDX formula focused on stylish design, comfortable driving, and easy-to-use technology.

Consider the 2025 if:

• At $46,718, the 2025 costs less than the current year's $53,845 average.
• The 2025 is a refreshed, refined three-row luxury SUV with simple controls and intuitive technology.

The bottom line: Choose the 2026 if you want the latest version of the MDX’s polished formula and are comfortable paying more for it. If you’re price-sensitive, the 2025 is the smarter value play because it delivers much of the same appeal for less.

How does the 2026 Acura MDX compare to the 2026 Honda Pilot?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2026 Acura MDX:

• Pros: Stylish design, Comfortable, Easy-to-use technology.
• Cons: Cramped third row, Poor fuel economy, No hybrid option.

2026 Honda Pilot:

• Pros: Comfortable, Plenty of cargo space, Plenty of passenger space.
• Cons: No hybrid option.

Our experts score the 2026 Acura MDX 7.7/10 and the 2026 Honda Pilot 7/10. The MDX is the better pick if you want a more stylish, more upscale-feeling SUV with easier-to-use technology. The Pilot makes more sense if you care more about passenger room and cargo space. Both skip a hybrid option, so neither solves the efficiency concern.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.