The Acura MDX, a staple in the luxury SUV market, has undergone a significant refresh for 2025. While not entirely new, the updates bring a fresh perspective to this already popular model. Let’s take a closer look at what’s changed and why it’s worth your attention.
Table of contents
Exterior Updates
Starting on the outside, the MDX goes a bit aggressive in the face with a new diamond Pentagon Grill, Acura signature je eye headlights, and those chicane day runners.
The Type S gets even more serious; that Chrome bezel around the headlight gets changed to Black just to show how serious it is. So, nothing hugely groundbreaking out here, but just a little bit of a j to make things interesting. However, it is when you get inside where you see some bigger changes, and that includes, yes, Tech.
Interior Transformation
Inside the cabin, the changes are more pronounced. A new 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in Google functionality becomes standard.
The removal of the trackpad in favor of a true touchscreen enhances user experience. Additionally, USB-C connectors and increased storage add to the convenience factor. Acura even makes changing ambient lighting colors a breeze with a dedicated app.
So, the interior really is where the motherload of the changes come on this refresh, and the ones that they’ve made are significant. I say nice work
Enhanced Safety Features
More safety features come standard because let’s face it, nobody really wants to get in an accident. But that depends on which trim that you buy.
On the base MDX, you’ll get AcuraWatch, which includes lane-keeping assist, forward collision braking and warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and lane change alerts.
Add the technology package, and that adds a low-speed braking control and additional parking sensors. But it’s on the Type S with the AcuraWatch 360 where you get a lane-changing assist function, front cross-traffic alerts, and lane change collision mitigation. That can all be very important when you’re driving about town.
Performance Upgrades
Speaking of when we drive it, that Type S gets a 3L dual overhead cam twin scroll turbo that’s mated into a sport-tuned 10-speed automatic transmission set up with air suspension and adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive with torque vectoring, and a Sport Plus drive mode for when you need to get those kids to jiujitsu fast. I’m looking forward to the first drive of that one, Acura.
And this is actually kind of cool. With that air suspension, max ground clearance gets to 9.4in. That’s actually pretty impressive.
The normal MDX, no, this isn’t any kind of letdown, gets a 3.5L V6 that makes 290 horses and 267 lb-ft of torque, a double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, boosted brakes, and a non-sport-tuned 10-speed auto. Yes, of course, I’m still looking forward to testing out that one too.
Trim Options Galore
Acura offers a wide range of trim options to cater to different preferences. From the base MDX to the top-of-the-line Type S, each trim comes with its own set of features and upgrades. The newly introduced A-Spec with Advanced package adds a sporty flair and luxurious amenities.
Other Upgrades
Cargo volumes don’t change. The Lincoln Nautilus, Cadillac XT6, and Genesis GV80 all get less in that department. If you are looking for a premium midsize three-row crossover or SUV, click on the link above. Kelley Blue Book can help you find a fair purchase price for one.
A new trim for the MDX is the A-Spec with Advanced package, which gets that new sporty appearance, 16-way power seats, heated second-row seats, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.
The MDX with Advanced package and the MDX A-Spec with Advanced package also feature curvilinear quilted leather and massaging front seats, previously exclusive to the MDX Type S.
My Thoughts
The 2025 Acura MDX may not be a complete overhaul, but it’s a refresh that counts. With notable improvements in technology, safety, and performance, it remains a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, safety-conscious driver, or performance seeker, there’s an MDX trim for you.
