The 2025 Acura MDX arrives with subtle yet significant enhancements, reinforcing its position as a leading three-row luxury SUV. Building on its established reputation, this latest iteration introduces upgraded audio systems and refined features, appealing to discerning families and luxury car enthusiasts alike. As Acura’s flagship SUV, the MDX continues to be a top seller for the brand, with over 1.2 million units sold since its debut in 2000. While the core mechanics remain largely unchanged, the focus on interior improvements and technology elevates the 2025 model, making it a compelling option in a competitive market.
The most notable changes for the 2025 Acura MDX lie within the cabin, promising a more refined and user-friendly experience. Improvements to controls and the introduction of a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system stand out as key highlights. This review is based on an evaluation of the top-tier MDX Type S with the Advance package, driven across diverse terrains near San Diego, offering insights into its performance and features in real-world conditions. The 2025 Acura MDX is available for purchase now, inviting consumers to experience these upgrades firsthand.
2025 Acura MDX: Trim Levels and Pricing Overview
Understanding the pricing and trim structure is essential for prospective buyers. The 2025 Acura MDX offers a range of models to suit different needs and budgets:
- MDX FWD: Starting at $50,900 (AWD option adds $1,200)
- MDX AWD: Priced from $53,100
- MDX FWD with Tech Package: Available at $56,300 (AWD option adds $1,200)
- MDX A-Spec AWD: Begins at $61,500
- MDX AWD with Advance Package: Starting at $66,000
- MDX A-Spec AWD with Advance Package: Priced from $68,000
- MDX Type S AWD with Advance Package: The premium model, starting at $74,950
Note: Prices exclude a $1,350 destination charge. Source: Honda.
These prices position the 2025 Acura MDX competitively within the luxury SUV segment, offering a compelling value proposition when considering its features and performance.
Competitive Landscape: 2025 Acura MDX vs. Rivals
The luxury SUV market is crowded with strong contenders. The 2025 Acura MDX faces competition from a variety of well-regarded vehicles, including:
- Cadillac XT6
- GMC Acadia
- Genesis GV80
- Infiniti QX60
- Lexus RX
- Lincoln Aviator
- Mazda CX-90
- Volvo XC90
These competitors offer diverse strengths, from distinctive styling to advanced technology, making thorough research essential for buyers in this segment. The Acura MDX distinguishes itself with its blend of performance, luxury, and Honda’s renowned reliability.
Top 5 Standout Features of the 2025 Acura MDX
The 2025 Acura MDX boasts several key enhancements that elevate its appeal. Here are five of the most impressive features:
1. Bang & Olufsen Premium Audio System: Acura has partnered with renowned Danish audio brand Bang & Olufsen to deliver an exceptional auditory experience. The MDX Type S comes standard with a 31-speaker system, a true highlight of this model year. This includes signature B&O A-pillar tweeters and an immersive three-dimensional surround sound achieved with a dozen headliner speakers. Aluminum speaker grilles not only enhance the aesthetic but also contribute to superior sound reproduction.
The system features a “Beosonic” touch screen interface, replacing traditional tone controls. This intuitive feature allows users to adjust sound characteristics based on descriptors like “bright,” “energetic,” “relaxed,” and “warm,” offering a customizable listening experience beyond standard adjustments. For audiophiles and casual listeners alike, the Bang & Olufsen system in the 2025 MDX sets a new benchmark for in-car audio.
2. Automatic Lane Change Assist: Moving beyond basic lane departure warnings, the 2025 MDX introduces automatic lane change assist. This feature, operational on interstate highways, intelligently assesses the speed and distance of surrounding vehicles when the driver initiates a lane change with a light turn signal input.
Upon signal activation, the system confirms the request on the instrument cluster and autonomously steers the SUV into the adjacent lane, provided it detects sufficient space and safe conditions. This intuitive system quickly becomes natural to use, enhancing both convenience and safety during highway driving.
3. Capacitive Steering Wheel Sensor: Improving upon traditional torque-based steering wheel sensors, the 2025 MDX incorporates capacitive sensors. These sensors detect the presence of human skin, offering a more reliable and accurate way to determine driver engagement, crucial for features like automatic lane change and adaptive cruise control.
Unlike some systems that can be easily tricked or are overly sensitive, the capacitive sensor in the MDX provides a more robust and dependable measure of driver attentiveness, contributing to the seamless operation of advanced driver-assistance systems.
4. Intuitive Touch Screen Interface: A welcome change for the 2025 MDX is the replacement of the previous touchpad with a 12.3-inch touch screen. Positioned closer to the driver for improved reachability, this touch screen offers a significantly more user-friendly interface. The previous touchpad system, located on the center console, was often criticized for being cumbersome and distracting.
The new touch screen system brings the MDX in line with modern user interface expectations, offering quicker and more intuitive access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings, enhancing the overall driving experience.
5. Google Built-in Integration: The 2025 MDX integrates Google’s suite of connected services directly into the vehicle. This includes Google Maps for navigation and access to a range of apps via the Google Play Store. Google Assistant voice recognition provides reliable and responsive voice control for various functions.
Furthermore, the MDX maintains compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering comprehensive smartphone integration options to cater to a wide range of user preferences and ensuring seamless connectivity on the go.
Enhanced Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies
Acura prioritizes safety, and the 2025 MDX is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assist features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Cornering Speed Assist
- Automatic Front Braking
- Active Lane Change Assist
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist
- Front and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
- Blind Spot Information System
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors
- Automatic High Beam Headlights
These features work in concert to provide a safer and more confident driving experience, both in urban environments and on long highway journeys, reflecting Acura’s commitment to driver and passenger safety.
Performance and Efficiency of the 2025 Acura MDX
The 2025 Acura MDX offers a choice of powertrains to suit different performance preferences. It is available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with two engine options: a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 and a turbocharged 3.5L V6, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The MDX Type S, reviewed here, is powered by the turbocharged V6, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Standard MDX models utilize the naturally aspirated V6, producing 290 horsepower. During testing, the MDX Type S demonstrated confident acceleration and effortless passing power. The cabin remained quiet and comfortable, even during spirited driving.
Fuel economy for the MDX Type S is estimated by Acura at 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. The naturally aspirated engine is expected to achieve 19/26/22 mpg (FWD) and 19/25/21 mpg (AWD). Acura recommends premium fuel for optimal performance and fuel efficiency in both engine variants.
Key Selling Points: Why Choose the 2025 Acura MDX?
The 2025 Acura MDX presents a compelling package in the luxury SUV segment, with several standout selling points:
- Available Bang & Olufsen Audio System: An audiophile-grade sound system that elevates the in-car entertainment experience.
- Enhanced Blind Spot and Cross Traffic Sensing: Improved radar technology for greater safety and awareness.
- Automatic Lane Change Assist: A convenient and advanced driver-assistance feature for highway driving.
- Capacitive Steering Wheel Sensors: More reliable and accurate driver engagement detection.
- 12.3-inch Touch Screen Interface: A modern and user-friendly replacement for the previous touchpad system.
- Google Built-in Connectivity: Seamless integration with Google services and apps.
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Comprehensive smartphone integration.
- Refreshed Exterior Styling: New grille and fascia for a subtly updated appearance.
Conclusion: Is the 2025 Acura MDX Right for You?
The 2025 Acura MDX builds upon its solid foundation as a comfortable and well-rounded luxury SUV. The implemented upgrades, particularly the Bang & Olufsen audio system and the intuitive touch screen interface, are significant and enhance the overall ownership experience. These refinements ensure the MDX remains a relevant and desirable choice in the competitive three-row luxury SUV market.
For buyers seeking a blend of luxury, performance, advanced technology, and Acura’s renowned reliability, the 2025 MDX is definitely worth considering. Its thoughtful updates make it a strong contender for families and individuals alike looking for a premium SUV that delivers on both practicality and driving pleasure. As Acura prepares for a future model redesign in the coming years, the 2025 MDX serves as a compelling and refined iteration, solidifying its position as a leader in its class.
2025 Acura MDX Specifications at a Glance
Vehicle Type: Midsize Luxury Three-Row SUV
Drivetrain: Front- or All-Wheel Drive
Price Range: $50,900-$74,950 (excluding $1,350 destination charge)
Model Tested: AWD Type S with Advance Package
Price as Tested: $74,950
Powertrain: 3.5L Turbocharged V6
Output: 355 hp @ 5,500 rpm; 354 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400-5,000 rpm
Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic
Estimated Fuel Economy (Manufacturer): 17 mpg city/21 highway/19 combined (Premium Fuel Recommended)
Wheelbase: 113.8 inches
Length: 198.4 inches
Width: 78.7 inches
Height: 67.9 inches
Ground Clearance: 7.3 inches
Passenger Volume (EPA): 139.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space: 16.3 cubic feet (behind rear seat), 39.1 cubic feet (behind second row), 71.4 cubic feet (behind front seats)
Curb Weight: 4,776 pounds
Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
Assembly Location: East Liberty, Ohio
Source: Based on original article by Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press.
