2025 Acura MDX Review and Test Drive
Updates to the 2025 MDX make it more appealing than ever, except for one remaining issue.
Christian Wardlaw
Acura's success depends on the MDX. The midsize three-row SUV is the company's bestselling model, so if it falters, that's a problem for Honda's luxury brand.
To keep it fresh and appealing to people shopping for an upscale family-size crossover with a third-row seat, the 2025 Acura MDX gets numerous improvements. In the process, the automaker rights a decade-old wrong, finally bestowing upon the MDX a legitimately excellent infotainment system.
The 2025 MDX remains the same mechanically. Most versions have a 3.5-liter V6 engine married to a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Front-wheel drive is standard in the most affordable models, while others include Acura's torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system as standard equipment.
A performance-tuned MDX with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine is available. This version, called the Type S, has the same transmission and SH-AWD as other MDX models. Acura fortifies the turbo V6 with 21-inch wheels, wider tires, downshift rev matching, an adaptive air suspension, performance brakes, and an active exhaust system.
With a base price in the low $50,000s, the 2025 Acura MDX is among the most affordable vehicles in its segment. Better yet, the base MDX is nicely equipped. At the other end of the lineup, the MDX Type S Advance wears a sticker price in the mid-$70,000s, which still reflects value compared with some rivals.
Fortunately, that value doesn't come at the expense of quality, comfort, or technological sophistication.
Christian Wardlaw
What's New for the 2025 Acura MDX?
Acura makes minor styling changes to distinguish the 2025 MDX. The grille and front bumper are new, the front and rear taillights are darker, and most trim levels receive new wheel designs.
Canyon River Blue and Urban Gray Pearl are the new paint colors for 2025.
Inside the cabin, Acura revises the center console, removing the touchpad required by the previous infotainment system in favor of relocated stereo controls, a more accessible wireless smartphone charger, and a larger storage tray. In addition, the automaker has taken steps to quiet the interior, and the front seats previously exclusive to Type S models are available with Advance and A-Spec Advance trim levels.
The most significant change concerns the SUV's infotainment system. Acura has dropped its previous True Touchpad Interface system in favor of a touchscreen display with Google built-in technology. This switch is a game changer for the MDX and marks the first time this model has boasted a truly competitive infotainment system. It pairs with new Bang & Olufsen premium sound systems in all but the base MDX.
Acura has also improved the hardware powering its AcuraWatch collection of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The Type S Advance models gain an improved radar and camera array to power the additional driver aids in AcuraWatch 360, which is exclusive to the performance model in 2025.
My test vehicle's A-Spec Advance trim package is also new for 2025, blending the sporty design of the MDX A-Spec with the features of the luxurious MDX Advance. It sits at the top of the standard V6 engine lineup with a base price of $69,350, including the $1,350 destination charge to ship the SUV from the East Liberty, Ohio, assembly plant to the dealership.
The only option was Apex Blue Pearl paint, which brought the manufacturer's suggested retail price to $69,950.
Christian Wardlaw
There Are No Changes Under the Hood
Under the hood, the 2025 Acura MDX is the same as before, contributing to this SUV's only remaining significant flaw: It is not a fuel-efficient vehicle. Acura estimates the 2025 MDX equipped with the standard V6 engine and SH-AWD will return 19/25/21 mpg in city/highway/combined driving. However, on my mountainous testing loop in Southern California, the A-Spec Advance test vehicle averaged 18.4 mpg, falling short of expectations.
The 2023 MDX Type S performance model demonstrated an even more unquenchable thirst for fuel. It averaged 16.8 mpg on the evaluation loop.
Years ago, Acura offered a hybrid powertrain in the MDX. It made more horsepower and torque than the standard V6 engine and returned better gas mileage. Unfortunately, Acura discontinued that option when it redesigned the MDX in 2022. Without an electrified powertrain, the 2025 MDX is at a competitive disadvantage against the BMW X5, Lexus TX, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Volvo XC90.
That problem aside, the 2025 MDX is pleasant to drive. The 3.5-liter V6 engine produces a satisfying note when accelerating, the transmission shifts imperceptibly, and the suspension tuning provides a good blend of compliance and communication.
This SUV isn't fast, but it offers decent hustle. Visibility in every direction is excellent, making driving and parking easy. On the highway, the MDX seems quieter, adding to perceptions of quality and luxury.
Take the MDX for a rousing run on a mountain road, and the A-Spec Advance feels a little soft but is utterly predictable and easy to trust. Unlike many SUVs, it doesn't suffer a bouncy ride quality or sudden lateral weight transfers. Your head won't loll around like a bobblehead, either.
Don't head off-road, though. The MDX offers just 7.3 inches of ground clearance.
Christian Wardlaw
New Infotainment System Improves Driver Satisfaction
The new infotainment system is the most significant change to the 2025 Acura MDX. It still uses a 12.3-inch display, but now it's a touchscreen located closer to the driver and front passenger. The previous Alexa Built-in technology carries over, but Acura also adds Google built-in that includes a three-year subscription to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store.
I cannot emphasize enough how important this new technology is to the MDX's appeal. The user experience is dramatically improved, turning what used to be a daily source of frustration into an effortless experience. Add the impressive 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system — the Type S gets a high-end setup with 31 speakers — and I am optimistic that fewer midsize luxury SUV buyers will cross the MDX off their shopping lists.
I'm an iPhone user, and pairing my phone with the new technology took no time at all. I made my phone the primary device and Apple CarPlay launched each time I drove the MDX. Switching to the native Google built-in environment proved simple, as did returning to Apple CarPlay. The Google Assistant quickly and accurately responds to voice requests but doesn't allow drivers to change the climate system's settings.
Christian Wardlaw
Acura rewards customers who opt for the Advance and A-Spec Advance trims with newly available front seats. Previously reserved for the Type S, the 16-way power-adjustable chairs are exceptionally comfortable and feature heating, ventilation, and eight massage programs.
Safety improvements are also on the 2025 Acura MDX menu. The automaker says hardware upgrades improve the AcuraWatch ADAS performance, which I found true during testing. The technology is generally more accurate and refined while issuing fewer false warnings. However, I still dislike the lane-departure warning system's steering-wheel wobble alert. I prefer a vibration through the steering wheel rim.
The MDX Type S Advance gets additional radar units and an upgraded camera system. Those components support the new AcuraWatch 360 package, which installs curve-speed reduction, active lane-change assist, evasive steering warning, and front cross-traffic warning systems.
Christian Wardlaw
The 2025 Acura MDX Is a Better Luxury SUV
Acura has improved the 2025 MDX in many ways that matter. The SUV looks and feels more upscale, refined, and sophisticated than before, and Acura has dramatically improved the user interface while upgrading the safety features. Particularly with the new seats in the Advance and A-Spec Advance models, the latest MDX is a good place to spend time while listening to your favorite music through the new audio system.
If Acura needs to address anything further, it is electrification. The MDX is not a fuel-efficient vehicle, and that's a problem in a segment where mild hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains are widely available in everything from the BMW X5 xDrive50e to the Lexus TX 550h+ and Volvo XC90 Recharge. To keep the MDX competitive, Acura should dust off its previous Sport Hybrid powertrain and get it into the vehicle as soon as possible.
Acura provided the vehicle for this 2025 MDX review.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Christian WardlawMy first word was “car.” That’s what I’m told, anyway. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with them. The design. The engineering. The performance. And the purpose. I’m a car enthusiast who loves to drive, but I’m also most interested in the cars, trucks, and SUVs that people actually buy. Anybody can tell you that a sports car is fast. What you need to know is whether or not you should buy that new SUV, and why. My life purpose is to help you make that decision.
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