2025 Acura MDX Road Test and Review

2025 Acura MDX Type S ・ Photo by Brady Holt

The 2024 Acura MDX could do almost anything. This luxury mid-size crossover SUV had three family-friendly rows of seats yet a sporty driving experience, and it cost less than most of its competitors. But one main problem stood out: a distracting, frustrating control layout that relied on a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. 

That’s in the past. The updated 2025 Acura MDX brings revised styling, more features – and a simple touchscreen. It’s the familiar MDX flavor, yet without last year's biggest flaw that could spoil the whole experience. We just spent a week testing a top-of-the-line 2025 Acura MDX Type S to see how far this SUV has come and how it compares against rival luxury SUVs. 

More Features Than Ever

The 2025 Acura MDX has a starting price of $51,200. Even the base Standard model is well-equipped with heated leatherette front seats, an 11-speaker stereo, a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels, a full suite of driver-assist systems that includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping steering assistance, a powerful V6 engine, and even an in-cabin intercom. Or you can pay $5,000 extra for the Technology Package with genuine leather, GPS navigation, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, and additional sound insulation. All-wheel drive costs $2,200 extra. 

We’d stick with one of those two models, though we wish they also included ventilated front seats. But you can get them on the A-Spec ($61,800 with AWD standard), which also has sport-themed design tweaks inside and out, or the Advance Package ($66,300, also with AWD standard). It also adds massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and open-pore wood trim. New this year, you can get all these features plus the sportier look on an A-Spec Advance for a $2,000 premium. And the Type S, $75,250, adds a bigger engine and performance suspension, along with a 31-speaker stereo. 

If you’re used to past MDXs, you’ll recognize that some of these amenities are new this year. But it remains a compelling value – not much more expensive than some mainstream-brand rivals – if you’re satisfied by the kit in its base forms. 

2025 Acura MDX Type S ・ Photo by Brady Holt

Sporty Design With New Updates

The current-generation Acura MDX debuted as a 2022 model. It stood apart from fellow three-row crossovers with a performance-oriented design – a low, wide stance; slim headlights and taillights; and a prominent “diamond pentagon” grille. 

For the 2025 model, Acura brings only subtle tweaks to that successful formula. A new front bumper connects last year’s scattered air intakes, and the frame around the grille disappears to fit more smoothly into the bumper. The grille itself keeps a pattern that radiates outward from the central Acura logo, but the grillework now has larger openings in the mesh for what Acura calls a more aggressive approach. Most trim levels also have redesigned wheels this year. You’d have to be an MDX diehard to recognize these differences, but it remains an attractive look.  

2025 Acura MDX Type S ・ Photo by Brady Holt

Familiar Dash, But With a Big Change

Inside the MDX is this year’s biggest change. Last year’s model used a 12.3-inch infotainment display that you’d control via a touchpad located between the front seats. In theory, it worked fine and kept fingerprint smudges off the screen. In practice, it was distracting to use while driving and clunky to use with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto apps. So now, Acura has changed course into a traditional touchscreen. 

The screen still measures 12.3 inches – smaller than some newer competitors – but it’s much easier to use than before. Acura moved the screen closer to the driver for easier reachability, and built-in Google Maps also adds to the functionality. The system is not as flashy as some luxury SUVs, but it’s no longer the dealbreaker that it once was. What’s more, losing the touchpad let Acura open up more room on the center console. 

We’re still not sold on the MDX’s interior style. Even on models with open-pore wood trim like our top-of-the-line Type S test vehicle, shiny "piano black" plastic still stands out more. And folks just looking for a high-end family vehicle may not love the aggressively sporty-looking dashboard. But especially on upper-trim models, the MDX has many rich materials. And at last, the controls are easy to use. 

2025 Acura MDX Type S ・ Photo by Brady Holt

Family-Friendly Functionality

Despite its luxury and performance, the MDX is also one of the most family-friendly luxury SUVs. We don’t just mean the fact that Acura provides three rows of seats with space for seven passengers, or even the fact that – while it’s still not exactly comfortable – the MDX’s third-row is more adult-friendly than most rivals. Rather, a family-friendly mission is at the heart of many MDX design decisions. 

Take, for instance, the seats. The front seats are comfortable and well-shaped, coming standard with heating and offering upgrades with ventilation and massaging as well. The base model enjoys 12-way power adjustability, with 16-way seats starting with the Advance Package. These would be right at home in any luxury SUV. But the second row is uniquely configured with a removable center position, letting you customize your MDX with either separate captain’s chairs or a three-passenger bench seat. To us, that one feature could already be reason enough to buy the MDX. The seats adjust, fold, and remove with big, sturdy plastic handles. To some tastes, that’s inappropriate for a luxury car. But in a family vehicle, they work better than slow-moving power operation. Acura also acknowledged the MDX’s family-friendly mission with CabinTalk, the in-car intercom that’s standard equipment even on the base model. We’d only wish for a bit more second-row knee clearance. 

2025 Acura MDX Type S ・ Photo by Brady Holt

Big Cargo Hold

We mentioned that the MDX’s seats fold easily with their manual releases and handles. It’s also among the roomier luxury crossover SUVs. By the numbers, it provides 16 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 39 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 71 cubic feet behind the front seats. Notably, you can buy groceries without needing to fold down the third row – which is not a given in this segment. 

The MDX isn’t a standout for towing capacity. It can pull 3,500 pounds with front-wheel drive and 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive. That’s not terrible for a mid-size crossover, but some competitors are mightier.  

2025 Acura MDX Type S ・ Photo by Brady Holt

Doesn’t Drive Like a Mere Family Car

You’ve heard about how the MDX is sporty to look at, yet function-focused inside. When it comes to the Acura’s ride and handling, the performance takes center stage. Acura engineered the MDX to go around a corner faster than most families will go, which means you don’t need kids to love this SUV. The Type S like our test vehicle is tuned for maximum handling control, while adjustable dampers let you dial back the stiffness when a napping baby is on board.

Every AWD MDX uses Acura’s “Super Handling All-Wheel Drive” system, or SH-AWD. SH-AWD directs engine torque to different wheels as needed, such as the outer rear wheel when you take a fast turn – relieving pressure from the front wheels. 

Despits its performance chops, Acura has managed to keep every MDX comfortable – even if that’s not its singular priority. The ride is firm without being uncomfortably stiff, especially on lower trim levels (which we’ve tested a couple years back). We also love the way the base MDX models’ steering glides smoothly and easily at low speeds while firming up when you need extra precision and responsiveness. 

2025 Acura MDX Type S ・ Photo by Brady Holt

Choice of Two V6 Engines

Another rare quality in the MDX is its six-cylinder power. Most rivals have moved toward turbocharged four-cylinder engines except at much higher prices than the Acura. Yet the MDX continues to come standard with a non-turbo 3.5-liter V6, which makes 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. This engine isn’t wildly fast, but it delivers smooth, rich-sounding power without straining. The Type S, meanwhile, has a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. 

The MDX gets decent gas mileage for a three-row V6 SUV. The base front-drive model gets 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined in EPA testing. AWD drops to 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. And the Type S manages 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. We averaged 20 mpg in an AWD 3.5-liter and 19 mpg in the Type S. Acura recommends premium-grade fuel. When gas mileage is your priority, some competitors do even better – and that’s even before you consider gas-electric hybrids or fully electric vehicles. Acura used to sell hybrids, including a version of the MDX, but its only alternative-fuel model today is the all-electric five-passenger ZDX crossover. 

2025 Acura MDX Type S ・ Photo by Brady Holt

Competitors to Consider

The MDX straddles multiple niches in the mid-size luxury crossover segment. On the one hand, its relatively affordable price makes it an alternative to SUVs that include the Cadillac XT6, Infiniti QX60, and Lexus TX – plus well-equipped versions of mainstream-brand models that include the Buick Enclave, Hyundai Palisade, and Mazda CX-90. Yet its sporty focus also means you might shop it against the more expensive BMW X5 and Audi Q7. And its family-friendly focus broadens ths list to the Volvo XC90. 

Against the first group, the Cadillac costs the least among the luxury-branded models, the Infiniti has the fanciest interior decor, the Lexus has the most room and the best gas mileage – and the Acura drives the best. The BMW is a delight to drive with remarkable fuel economy but lacks a third-row option and costs much more than the MDX. The three-row Q7 is another sporty model that feels more traditionally luxurious than the Acura but also costs more. The Mazda CX-90 is a surprisingly upscale and fun-to-drive SUV, but the MDX has a better infotainment system – especially after its new upgrade. And none of the others have the Acura’s sporty flavor. 

2024 Lexus TX 350 ・ Photo by Brady Holt

Comfort, Luxury, Performance, and Valuce

Perhaps you like a luxury SUV because it has rich upholstery, a killer stereo, and a respectable nameplate. The 2025 Acura MDX has you covered. It’s comfortable, easygoing, practical, and well-appointed. 

Or maybe you like a luxury SUV because you want a better driving experience than you can get from a humble Honda or Toyota. The MDX has you covered here, too, with its smooth, powerful engines and agile handling. 

Its dashboard could be even more opulent. And some folks will prefer a more advanced, more economical engine than a classic V6. But overall, the MDX has a lot to offer at a fair price – especially now that it’s easy to use the infotainment system. 

2025 Acura MDX Type S ・ Photo by Brady Holt