The 2025 Acura MDX is proof that Acura is dedicated to making a high-end midsize SUV that is both practical for families and sporty and luxurious. The MDX was one of the first three-row luxury SUVs to come out in 2001. Since then, it has become a key part of Acura’s lineup, always offering a great mix of value, reliability, and driving dynamics. The fourth-generation MDX gets a mid-cycle update for 2025 that fixes problems from the past, adds more tech features, and makes its already good-looking design even better. This article goes into great detail about the 2025 Acura MDX, looking at its design, performance, interior, technology, safety, and overall value to figure out who this SUV is for and why it is still a strong competitor in the luxury midsize SUV market.
The outside design is a subtle but aggressive change.
The 2025 Acura MDX has the same bold, sporty look as the fourth-generation model that came out in 2022. Acura has chosen to make small changes to the outside of the SUV that make it look more powerful without changing the way it looks. The redesigned front fascia is the most obvious change. It has a new version of Acura’s signature Diamond Pentagon grille with a mesh pattern and bigger openings for a more aggressive look. The new front bumper fits perfectly with the grille, getting rid of the old model’s scattered air intakes for a cleaner, more unified look. The SUV’s sporty look is improved by new wheel designs on different trims and by the addition of Darkened Jewel Eye® LED headlights and Chicane™ LED taillights.
The MDX Type S Advance is the best performance trim in the lineup. It has a unique front fascia that improves airflow to cool its turbocharged V-6 engine, four exhaust outlets, and 21-inch alloy wheels. The MDX’s sculpted body lines look even better with premium paint colors like Urban Gray Pearl, Apex Blue Pearl, and Performance Red Pearl. These colors give the car a sporty, dynamic look. The A-Spec package, which is available on some trims, adds LED fog lights, 20-inch Shark Gray wheels, and gloss black accents to make the car look even sportier. The outside of the 2025 MDX is a good mix of classy and aggressive, so it will turn heads whether it’s parked at a family event or speeding down a twisty road.
Inside: High-end comfort with a tech upgrade
The 2025 Acura MDX’s interior is completely different, fixing one of the most common complaints about the previous model: the infotainment system. The 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In software, which includes Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to the Google Play Store, has taken the place of the much-criticized True Touchpad Interface. The screen has been moved closer to the driver for easier access, and the new system is not only easier to use but also more responsive. Taking out the touchpad has also made more room on the center console, which means more storage and a standard wireless phone charger. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, so your smartphone will work perfectly with your car.
The MDX’s cabin feels high-end, especially in higher trims like the Type S Advance, which has stitched leather on the dashboard, open-pore wood, and metal accents. The luxury experience is enhanced by the full-grain Milano leather with French stitching and the front seats that can be adjusted in 16 ways and have a massage feature. Some reviewers, on the other hand, say that the interior is well-made but doesn’t quite match the luxurious, almost artistic cabins of competitors like the Genesis GV80 or Volvo XC90. The use of piano-black plastic in some places and a center stack design that looks a little old are small problems in an otherwise comfortable and well-furnished interior.
The MDX is still a good choice for families because it can seat seven people and has a flexible second row with a removable middle seat that makes it easy to get to the third row or the option to make captain’s chairs. Adults will have plenty of room in the first and second rows, but the third row is still best for kids because it is so small. The cargo space is great: there are 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 39 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and up to 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The MDX is a great choice for road trips or everyday errands because it has more storage space under the floor and a floor that can hold different amounts of weight. A power liftgate comes standard, and higher trims can get one that works without hands.
Performance: A three-row package with power and agility
The 2025 Acura MDX has two engine choices, each with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. The standard 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6 makes 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. This gives it quick acceleration (0 to 60 mph in about 6.4 seconds) and strong passing power on the highway. The Type S trim has a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that makes 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This cuts the time it takes to go from 0 to 60 mph to about 5.5 to 5.9 seconds, depending on the conditions of the test. The Type S also has a launch-control feature in Sport+ mode that makes starts even faster.
The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system from Acura is a great feature that comes with most trims and is standard on the Type S. This torque-vectoring system can send up to 70% of torque to the rear axle and 100% to either rear wheel. This makes the MDX feel more agile than its 4,776-pound curb weight would suggest. The Type S also has adaptive air suspension, which changes the ride height to give you more ground clearance or a lower stance in Sport+ mode for better handling. The Type S has big Brembo front brake calipers and a brake-by-wire system that let you stop quickly. It can go from 60 to 0 mph in about 122 feet.
Some reviewers say that the Type S doesn’t feel as sporty as its badging might suggest, especially when compared to performance-oriented rivals like the BMW X5. However, the MDX’s handling is agile for a three-row SUV. The brake pedal on the standard model has been adjusted to make stops smoother, but the pedal travel is still short and may need to be changed. The front-wheel-drive models get 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. The Type S gets 17 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined. In real-world tests, the Type S got slightly better results, averaging 22.3 mpg in a mix of conditions.
Technology and Safety: Improved and Updated
The tech upgrades in the 2025 MDX go beyond just the infotainment system. All trims come with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Wi-Fi, AcuraLink connectivity, and the ability to get software updates over the air. The standard audio system now has 11 speakers. Higher trims come with a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system, and the Type S has a 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen system with customizable audio “moods” for a personalized listening experience.
The 2025 MDX is very safe; the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it a Top Safety Pick rating. The standard AcuraWatch package comes with adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Type S adds AcuraWatch 360, which includes lane-change collision mitigation, active lane-change assist, and front cross-traffic alert. The MDX is one of the safest cars in its class because its radar and camera systems have been improved, which makes these features more accurate. Some drivers, on the other hand, have said that the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist don’t always work well and may need to be adjusted by hand.
Who Should Buy the 2025 Acura MDX?
The 2025 Acura MDX is a luxury midsize SUV that offers a lot of value and versatility without sacrificing performance or practicality. The base model starts at $51,200 and comes with heated leatherette seats, an 11-speaker stereo, a panoramic sunroof, and a full set of driver-assist features. The Type S Advance, which costs $77,200, is the most expensive model in the range. It has premium features like a 31-speaker audio system and adaptive air suspension that make it fun to drive. The MDX is a great value because it has more cargo space and a lower starting price than competitors like the Lexus RX, Audi Q7, and BMW X5.
This SUV is great for people who want a stylish, sporty car for everyday use and families who need a practical three-row car for road trips or school runs. It has a good reputation for being reliable, and Acura’s high-tech luxury makes it a good choice for people who want a car that will last a long time and be easy to own. But people who want the most luxurious interior or the best gas mileage might want to look at other cars, like the Genesis GV80 or the Volvo XC90.
Experience of Ownership: Owners of the 2025 MDX give it a 4.2 out of 5 stars based on customer reviews. They like how comfortable it is to drive, how well it handles, and how much it costs. The new infotainment system and better safety features are big improvements that fix problems that were brought up before. Some owners, on the other hand, say they have minor problems, like key fob settings that don’t always work, infotainment glitches (like Apple CarPlay not working when more than one phone is connected), and fuel economy that isn’t as good as they thought it would be. A few people have said they are unhappy with how the dealership handled these problems, but experiences vary.
Conclusion: A Strong Candidate
The 2025 Acura MDX is a great luxury midsize SUV because it has sporty handling, a tech-rich cabin, and is practical for families. The mid-cycle refresh fixes some major problems, especially with the infotainment system. It also has small changes to the style and more safety features that keep it competitive. The Type S trim makes the MDX faster, making it one of the few three-row SUVs that is really fun to drive. It may not have the most luxurious interior or the best fuel economy in its class, but its combination of value, dependability, and driving dynamics makes it a great choice for a lot of people. The 2025 Acura MDX is ready to give you a premium experience with a little bit of excitement, whether you’re driving through the city or on a cross-country trip.
