Quick quiz. If we say what is America’s best-selling 3-row luxury SUV of all time, what would you guess? BMW? Cadillac? Volvo? Nope. It’s the Acura MDX. We’re kind of surprised, too. We’ve always liked the MDX, but it’s always flown a bit under the radar. At least until recently. And now the popular SUV gets an upgrade in style and technology. Worth a look? You bet!
Bring on the Bold
All 2025 MDX models got a fresh look to make a bold first impression with a more aggressive front fascia and open-frame Diamond Pentagon grille with diamond pattern grille mesh. Our tester, a top-of-the-line 2026 Type S enjoys that new look, and it looks a bit cleaner while still keeping a very sporty vibe, thanks in part to the four JewelEye LED headlights and Chicane LED daytime running lights.
The profile remains handsome and sporty, and you get a sense that this is a larger vehicle, with a sharply raked windshield, and swept-back C-pillar sitting over large fender flares and deep cut-ins on the doors. The Type S gets a visual bump with handsome redesigned Berlina Black 21-inch split-spoke wheel wearing a classy, machined finish – all the better to see the massive red Brembo 4-piston front brake calipers.
The rear is unchanged, but still handsome, with checkmark-shaped LED taillights and a simple clean design. Since you’re paying extra for the Turbo V6 in the Type S model, Acura gives you a little added street cred, courtesy of large quad exhaust outlets that look simply bitchin’. Finishing off our tester’s presentation was the elegant extra-cost Urban Gray Pearl paint job – the same color of the ADX model we just tested! And like the smaller Acura, the Urban Gray adds a rich, upscale tone, perfectly suited for Acura’s flagship SUV.
Tech takes an Upswing
Inside, sport, luxury and tech come together in an upscale way.
Open the door and that large exterior yields a spacious interior, with a large waterfall-shaped center console creating a separate driving environment that’s very inviting.
Like the ADX, the MDX has not yet followed the trend of dual-screen, wall ‘o technology that’s popular on many European models, as well as mainstream players like Kia and Hyundai.
The digital driver’ display is concise and useful, and we like how the layout changes depending on the driving mode you’ve dialed up – our favorite is Sport with a sweeping tach display that urges you to get the most out of the Type S powerful engine.
The real upgrades come in the info-tainment department, where Acura has dust binned the old touchpad system that was never particularly intuitive, and replaced it with a new 12.3-inch touchscreen that’s miles better to use.
While it’s a bit old-school with a stand-up tablet style display, it’s standard on all MDX models, and serves up all the tech you could want with Google built-in, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and on our tester a handy wireless smartphone charging pad next to the nicely sized cupholders on the center console
Another reason to opt for the Type S model are the 16-way heated and cooled power front seats, including a 9-way massage feature, along with a tremendous sounding 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen Ultra Sound System, premium leather trim with UltraSuede inserts, Wood trim, handsome contrasting stitching, And kudos to Acura for including a volume knob for the info-tainment on the center console.
Acura also keeps things simple with a dedicated climate control system below the center stack, and an easy-to-reach Dynamic Mode selector when you want to get your sport on.
Our only beef on the interior is the push button system for the transmission – while it’s a space saver, we’d really prefer a shift lever, especially on the S-Type which has such strong sporting intentions.
Interior space is impressive, and we loved the 2nd row seat which can seat 3 across or flip down just the center and have two individual seats with a generous center armrest and cupholder. Add in the rear seats and you have 7 passenger capacity, even if the 3rd row seats are for kiddos only.
Even with the 3rd row up, there’s plenty of cargo space, and the row folds flat for a large cargo hold and you can still seat 5. Fold that 2nd row down, and you have a huge cargo hold made even better by a large hatch opening with a reasonably low lift over height. This is a vehicle designed to excel in the real world.
Type S is for Sweet
All of the above are pretty much true for all MDX models, but it’s the pulse-raising performance of the Type S that really makes this an enticing package.
Non-Type S models get plenty of go, thanks to a 3.5-liter, V6 pumping out 290 horsepower with standard front and available all-wheel drive. The Type S gets enthusiast’s attention, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter, V6 muscling up to 355 horsepower, and 354 lb.-ft of torque at just 1,400. That’s power!
Both models feature a 10-speed automatic, and it’s a good one, with rapid shifts and sporty down shifts in Sport mode. We mentioned we don’t love the pushbutton transmission, but paddle shifters on the steering wheel let you have plenty of fun zipping up and down the gears.
For a relatively large heavy vehicle, the Type S hustles, and we’re estimating 0-60 in the mid 5 second range. Just as important, it feels great with a thrilling engine note, a hard pull to the redline, and a lighting quick shift to keep the good times rolling. We enjoyed the same driving joy in the TLX Type S sedan, but now that the TLX model will be discontinued after 2025, you might want to consider an MDX for your turbo V6 fix.
While it’s not so low-slung as the TLX, the MDX is a great handler, with thanks in part to the standard adjustable air suspension that serves up a luxury ride when you want but really clamps down on things when you want to get sporty. The steering has a light touch, but is precise and direct, and the SH-AWD drive that really helps the SUV turn sharply into corners, and power out with confidence.
This is an easy vehicle to drive very quickly, and we think it would surprise many BMW, Audi and Mercedes folks who think only the Europeans know how to make a great handling vehicle. And when it comes time to haul down the fun, those massive brakes are up to the task and impart lots of feel to the pedal. Like we said, easy, effortless and very, very quick.
Let’s say your drive is more daily commute than twisty roads. Acura’s got your back there as well. All models got a nice bump for the 2025 model year with an enhanced version of the AcuraWatch driver assist tech, which included increased range for the Blind Spot Information system and Lane Change Alert.
Even more goodies came to the Type S with Advance Package, with AcuraWatch 360 introducing multiple new features to enhance Active Lane Change Assist, Lane Change Collision Mitigation and Front Cross Traffic Warning. We like that Acura continues to bring you the best it can offer!
Are you the Type S type?
Well, that’s the solid gold question!
You can get into an MDX starting at $51,800 for the most affordable model. With a powerful V6, plenty of space and excellent road manners, it’s a tasteful and affordable option to the competition, especially the Europeans.
Like we’ve found on other Acura Type S models, you get much more, but it comes at a cost. And while we love it, we’ll guess most buyers will be opting for the equally nice but less expensive models.
But let’s run the numbers. Our SH-AWD Type S ADVANCE is the flagship model, and it carries a starting price of $75,850. The only option on our tester was the handsome Urban Gray Pearl paint at $600. Add in $1,350 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $77,800.
While that does seem lofty, the competition will really get your eyes watering. We like the Audi Q7, with delightful road manners, similar power and a very handsome interior. But comparably equipped it rings in at $88,840, nearly a 15% premium. Going non-European, the all-new Lexus GX550 is a tempting SUV with rugged, off-road looks and a modern interior that’s very tasteful. Priced at $82,060 though, it’s also a step up – and you’ll have to decide if the ultra-blocky lines work for you.
Handsome looks, storming performance and strong value should help make sure that the 2026 Acura MDX remains America’s best-selling luxury 3-row SUV!
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