2025 Acura MDX Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

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Overview

The 2025 MDX is a fun-to-drive mid-size crossover with a premium cabin and a handsome look. It's not, however, as outright luxurious as rivals such as the Genesis GV80, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class, and the Volvo XC90. Still, most models offer a taste of the good life, which is enough to justify its higher price compared to its mainstream sibling, the Honda Pilot. While the MDX's third row is a place where only kids will be comfortable, its first and second rows are adult-friendly and nicely equipped. The best seat in the house is the driver's, as the MDX's agile handling makes it more fun to drive than many luxury crossovers. Most models come with a 290-hp V-6 but upgrade to the sportier Type S and you'll unlock a more powerful twin-turbo V-6 with 355 horsepower. The Type S also comes with an air-spring suspension system that enhances the SUV's already spunky handling and delivers a cushy ride when you want it. If you're willing to compromise on name-badge cachet, the MDX is a solid value in its segment and a highly competent dual-purpose performer.

What's New for 2025?

Acura has given the MDX a mild styling refresh for 2025, with only the bumper, wheels, and grille being slightly different—the latter sporting a new mesh design. Inside, the MDX's frustrating touchpad infotainment system has been replaced with a touchscreen setup with a 12.3-inch display. The center console has been reworked and new 16-way adjustable front seats with a more robust massaging function are now available as an option. The entry-level model gets a pair of extra speakers for its stereo and the optional ELS Studio stereo has been replaced by a Bang & Olufsen setup that comes with 19 speakers. The range-topping Type S also gets Bang & Olfusen stereo but it boasts 31 speakers. Acura says that new laminated rear window glass and extra sound insulation have reduced cabin noise. All models now come with a rear seatbelt reminder system, and Acura has upgraded some of the MDX's driver-assistance hardware to improve the performance of those features.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

As driving enthusiasts, we're most intrigued by the Type S for its performance aspirations. But for buyers looking for a nicely equipped luxury crossover that doesn't require the full measure of sporty flair, we'd recommend the Technology trim. It comes with niceties such as leather upholstery with contrast stitching, adjustable interior ambient lighting, a Bang & Olufsen stereo system with 19 speakers, and a host of driver-assistance features.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The regular MDX is powered by a 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The sporty Type S model is powered by a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Our drive of the 2025 model didn't reveal many differences on the road compared with before, as there are no changes to the engines or suspensions. A previous test drive of an all-wheel-drive Advance model with the standard powertrain revealed surprisingly nimble handling and perky acceleration. When we sampled the Type S, we praised it for the same agile feeling on the road and appreciated the extra power, but wondered if that model is worthy of its Type S badging.

0–60-MPH Times

The Type S is measurably quicker than the standard model, and at our test track, it needed only 5.5 seconds to reach 60 mph while the less powerful variant required 6.4 seconds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The base MDX boasts EPA fuel-economy ratings of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway; the Type S is rated for 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, our all-wheel-drive A-Spec test vehicle delivered a disappointing 22 mpg. The Type S model did slightly better and returned a 23-mpg result. For more information about the MDX's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The MDX's cabin has a premium look and feel, especially on high-end trims, which come with stitched leather on the dashboard and open-pore wood intermingled with metal and piano-black accents. Acura has also outfitted the MDX with plenty of creature comforts, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. The front seats are supportive and comfortable and can be equipped with niceties such as 16-way power adjustability as well as massage. The first and second rows offer plentiful passenger space, but the MDX's third row is still a kids-only affair. Although the interior is nicely designed and offers plenty of convenience options, it doesn't feel as posh as the almost artistic cabins of rivals such as the Genesis GV80 or the Volvo XC90.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2025 MDX features a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital reconfigurable gauge display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, in-dash navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless smartphone charging pad are all standard. An 11-speaker stereo system is standard, but Technology, A-Spec, and Advance trims get a 19-speaker setup tuned by Bang & Olufsen. The Type S model also comes with a Bang & Olufsen stereo but this model boasts 31 speakers.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

All MDX models come well-equipped with driver-assistance tech as standard, including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, a lane-change assist feature, and more. For more information about the MDX's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The MDX's warranty package matches those of rivals such as the Buick Enclave and the Lexus GX, and both of those brands only cover the first maintenance visit while Acura covers everything for the first two years or 24,000 miles.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for two years or 24,000 miles.

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