On sale since the 2001 model year and now in its third generation, the Acura MDX is a premium midsize SUV that stands out with crisp styling, a roomy three-row interior, well-integrated technology, and a strong reputation for reliability. Positioned above the smaller RDX, the Acura MDX competes with best-selling crossovers such as the Audi Q7, the BMW X5, the Genesis GV80, the Lexus RX and TX, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
2026 Acura MDX Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Acura MDX
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Acura MDX
The current Acura MDX was launched in 2022 and refreshed for the 2025 model year with updated styling, a new touchscreen infotainment system, upgraded driver assistance technology, and more. There aren’t any major changes for 2026, but the MDX is still competitive in the premium midsize SUV segment, not least because its high-tech Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) technology makes it one of the most surefooted three-row crossovers around.
Design
The Acura brand has historically stood out with avant-garde styling, and the 2026 MDX benefits from a mix of sharply creased lines and smooth contouring that looks like nothing else on the market. The MDX’s open-frame Diamond Pentagon grille features a diamond mesh and a large Acura logo. The A-Spec model has a more aggressive look with a blacked-out exterior, black 21-inch wheels, a rear diffuser, quad exhaust outlets, and red Brembo brake calipers.
Powertrain
Most 2026 Acura MDX models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that sends 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or, on models with SH-AWD, all four wheels. Sporty MDX Type S models get a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with 355 hp, 354 lb-ft of torque, and standard SH-AWD. Acura previously offered the MDX with a hybrid powertrain, but that’s no longer available. In front-wheel-drive (FWD) form, the 2026 MDX returns 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. Adding SH-AWD drops the highway and combined figures by one mpg. The Type S gets 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. Properly equipped, the 2026 Acura MDX can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Interior
The front and middle-row seats are roomy and comfortable, but the third row is tight for adults. With 16.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, the MDX is larger than many of its rivals, and cargo capacity jumps to more than 30 cubic feet with the third row folded flat. With the second and third rows folded down, maximum capacity sits at 71.4 cubic feet, which is reasonable for a premium three-row crossover. In base form, leatherette is offered in black or beige, the Technology trim level gets perforated Milano leather in four shades, while A-Spec models have a pair of two-tone leather and Ultrasuede options with contrast stitching. The MDX Advance shares the Technology’s color options but benefits from fancier leather paired with open-pore wood trim. The A-Spec Advanced package, which debuted for the 2025 model year, opens up a cream-colored leather option, while the top-spec Type S features fancy sport seats in quilted and perforated leather and Ultrasuede with contrasting stitching in the buyer’s choice of four hues, including cool blue and sporty red shades.
Technology
The 2026 Acura MDX features a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google built-in, which is easier to use than models built prior to 2025. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. An additional 12.3-inch screen that Acura calls its Precision Cockpit serves as a digital gauge cluster and features multiple layouts. An 11-speaker sound system is standard, while a Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system with 19 speakers is available. The MDX Type S benefits from a 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, with a dozen speakers mounted in the headliner. The MDX Type S features electro-servo brakes with Brembo calipers, said to be inspired by the NSX supercar. Its adaptive air suspension is capable of raising or lowering the MDX Type S for improved handling or increased ground clearance.
