2026 Acura MDX
The three-row Acura MDX continues to differentiate itself in the competitive luxury midsized crossover segment through comprehensive standard equipment and performance credentials. Building on last year's refresh that introduced an updated infotainment system, expanded safety technology, and available Bang & Olufsen audio, the strong-selling MDX carries forward its successful approach of pairing utility with behind-the-wheel engagement.
Driving dynamics remain a key differentiator, with the standard V6 engine providing acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds for most trims, according to Car and Driver. The Type S Advance trim, powered by a twin-turbocharged V6, reduces that time to 5.5 seconds. Acura supports the ownership experience with a complimentary maintenance program, providing standard scheduled maintenance coverage for one year or 12,000 miles.
Trims and Mechanical Details
Under Acura’s label of “Packages,” the 2026 MDX is available in six versions: Base, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, A-Spec Advance, and Type S Advance. Most versions are powered by a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, but the Type S Advance gets an exclusive twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with an output of 355 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the Base and Technology versions, which are eligible for all-wheel drive (AWD). The three highest trims get AWD by default. All 2026 MDXs receive a ten-speed automatic transmission.
With FWD, the MDX achieves an EPA-estimated 19 mpg around town and 26 mpg on the open road. With AWD, the city fuel economy stays the same but highway changes to 25 mpg. The Type S Advance is officially estimated to return 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. The MDX can tow up to 3,500 pounds with FWD and 5,000 pounds with AWD. Cargo capacity starts with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the back seats folded down. The MDX offers 71.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row.
Standard Features
The Base MDX is set up nicely with proximity keyless entry, a panoramic moonroof, wireless device charging, tri-zone automatic climate control, leatherette upholstery, heated 12-way power front seats, a driver's position memory system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient LED cabin lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED exterior lighting (including automatic Jewel Eye headlights and Chicane taillights), and a power tailgate. Acura also includes push-button start, heated power exterior mirrors (with reverse tilt-down), sound-reducing windshield and front side glass, a rear camera washer, first- and second-row USB ports, and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
The Technology trim adds Milano leather upholstery, a hands-free tailgate, a front passenger seat memory system, power-folding side mirrors, remote start, rain-sensing windshield wipers, second-row sunshades, multi-color ambient LED cabin lighting, and 20-inch wheels. The A-Spec adds another layer of upscale amenities, including perforated Milano leather and Ultrasuede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, LED fog lights, a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel, trim-exclusive interior accents, and stainless-steel sport pedals.
The Advance builds on the Technology with the luxury of quilted and perforated Milano leather upholstery, heated and ventilated 16-way power front seats (with power lumbar, thigh extension, side bolsters, and nine-way massage), a heated steering wheel, heated second-row outboard seats, a head-up display, roof rails, expanded multi-color ambient LED cabin lighting, and third-row USB ports. Closer to the top of the MDX range is the A-Spec Advance, which, as the name implies, brings together the features of the A-Spec and Advance trims.
The crown jewel of the 2026 MDX lineup is the Type S Advance. In addition to the twin-turbo powertrain upgrade, this edition gets some additional performance enhancement with an adaptive air suspension, Brembo brakes, and an active exhaust system. This peak trim also starts with the Advance's equipment list and adds quilted and perforated Milano leather and Ultrasuede upholstery, a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel, trim-specific interior and exterior detailing, and 21-inch wheels.
Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology
All 2026 MDX trims are set up with AcuraWatch, a collection of advanced driver-assistance systems. The standard technologies consist of adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, road departure mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, cornering speed assist, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high beams. All trims but the Base also have low-speed braking control (automatic braking during parking) and front and rear parking sensors; a surround-view monitor is added to the Advance and above. The Type S Advance is the sole trim to receive blind-spot monitoring with steering avoidance, lane change collision mitigation, active lane change assist, and front cross-traffic alert. Every MDX has traction control, hill start assist, an array of airbags, vehicle stability control, and a multi-angle rearview monitor with dynamic guidelines.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The MDX’s tech focus continues with a 12.3-inch Google built-in touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and Alexa. Besides direct access to popular apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant, there’s standard Wi-Fi capability and access to AcuraLink Connected Services enhanced with a three-year unlimited data plan. The Base has an 11-speaker audio system, which is upgraded to a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen arrangement in the other trims, with the exception of the Type S Advance, which is graced with a 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
**Based on current year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid models only) and other factors.