MSRP: $51,200

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Overview

The 2025 Acura MDX continues as Acura’s three-row mid-size SUV that blends family practicality with sport-sedan-inspired road manners. Power comes from a standard naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 hp, while the MDX Type S uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 rated at 355 hp. A 10-speed automatic transmission comes standard across the lineup. Front-wheel drive leads the range, with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) offered as an upgrade, and fitted as standard on the Type S. Seating capacity stands at seven passengers, and towing reaches up to 5,000 lbs when equipped with AWD. Key competitors include the Lexus TX, Audi Q7, and Volvo XC90.

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What’s New for 2025

The 2025 MDX receives a mid-cycle refresh that focuses on technology and design. Acura revises the front fascia with trim-specific grille designs and darker headlight and taillight elements. A-Spec and Type S trims feature a frameless grille design. Wheel designs update across the range, including new 20-inch designs for Technology, A-Spec, and Advance trims, plus redesigned 21-inch wheels for Type S models. New Canyon River Blue Metallic and Urban Gray Pearl exterior colors expand the palette. 

A major update removes the much-criticized True Touchpad Interface in favor of a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Google Built-In now handles Maps and Assistant, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. The center console adopts a cleaner layout and integrates wireless charging. Audio systems shift from ELS to Bang & Olufsen, with 19 speakers in Technology trims and 31 speakers in the Type S. The base trim has a Acura-branded 11-speaker setup. Massaging front seats join the Advance package lineup. 

Acura upgrades its driver-assistance hardware, and the Type S adds the AcuraWatch 360 suite. 

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Exterior

The refreshed exterior sharpens the familiar proportions of the Acura MDX. Updated grilles define each trim, with the Type S using a frameless Diamond Pentagon design. Jewel Eye LED headlights and Chicane LED daytime running lights receive revised detailing, while taillights adopt a darker finish. A panoramic moonroof comes standard, along with a power liftgate featuring hands-free access.

Type S models stand apart with 21-inch wheels, a rear diffuser, quad exhaust outlets, and Brembo brakes. Overall length measures 198.4 inches, riding on a 113.8-inch wheelbase. Acura fits acoustic laminate glass for the windshield and front side windows to help manage cabin noise.

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Acura

Interior

The cabin layout of the MDX remains three-row and driver-focused, with meaningful technology upgrades for 2025. A new 12.3-inch touchscreen replaces the previous True Touchpad Interface and pairs with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as standard equipment. Advance trims include a 10.5-inch head-up display.

Tri-zone climate control and heated front seats come standard, paired with leather upholstery on all but the base trim, which gets leatherette. Acura fits ventilated front seats on A-Spec trims and above. Sixteen-way power front seats with massage are standard on Advance and Type S trims. The second row includes a removable center seat, while the third row remains best suited for children rather than adults. Cargo volume ranges from 16.3 to 18.1 cu-ft behind the third row, expands to 39.1 to 48.4 cu-ft with the third row folded, and reaches up to 71.4 to 95.0 cu-ft with both rear rows down. The higher values refer to the optimal cargo configuration, with the seats in their most forward and upright position.

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Price Range

The MDX Technology package at $56,600 stands out as the best value. It adds genuine leather, built-in navigation, 20-inch wheels, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and additional sound insulation, making it the sweet spot in the 2025 Acura MDX’s price range.

Key Specs

Powertrain

The 2025 Acura MDX runs front-wheel drive as standard equipment, with SH-AWD offered as an upgrade and fitted by default on the MDX Type S. In Type S form, the MDX accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.5-5.9 seconds, while the standard model takes about 6.4-7.5 seconds, depending on the configuration, drivetrain, weight, and extras fitted. Towing capability is rated at 3,500 lbs with front-wheel drive and increasing to a maximum of 5,000 lbs when equipped with SH-AWD.

Fuel Economy

Warranty

Acura provides a competitive warranty package when compared to its key competitors.

Pros

• Touchscreen replaces the True Touchpad Interface
• Three-row seating comes standard
• Type S delivers 355 hp with a sub-6-second 0-60 mph time
• SH-AWD torque-vectoring sharpens handling
• Good cargo capacity
• Pricing undercuts most German competitors

Cons

• Interior materials trail Genesis GV80 and Volvo XC90
• Third row suits children better than adults
• Type S air suspension feels firm over rough pavement
• Road noise remains noticeable for the segment
• Type S pricing exceeds $75,000

Verdict

The 2025 MDX addresses its biggest weakness by modernizing the infotainment system and refining its feature mix. The new touchscreen, Google Built-In services, and Bang & Olufsen audio bring the cabin up to date, while the familiar V-6 engines retain their balanced performance. The Type S adds real speed, strong braking, and advanced AWD hardware, though ride comfort and price push it closer to premium rivals. For most buyers, the Technology trim delivers the best blend of performance, features, and value in the Acura MDX mid-size SUV lineup.

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Competitors

• Audi Q7
• BMW X5
• Lexus RX
• Genesis GV80
• Volvo XC90

About the author

Cobus F. Potgieter

Reviews and Features Editor

Cobus F. Potgieter is a Reviews and Features Editor at Autoblog covering new car reviews, and technology and historical features. He moved to motoring media full time in 2021 after a career as a public relations practitioner and joined The Arena Group in June 2025.