With many new names in the automotive industry each year, comfort lies with some familiar vehicles. Could the 2025 Acura MDX be the right SUV for you?
The MDX is a midsize crossover luxury SUV that checks off more boxes than you might expect. This impressive vehicle is fun to drive and shows up with attractive styling that could easily turn some heads wherever you go. This crossover has three rows for a large family, with room in the rearmost row for children or as a place for additional gear. The rest of the seats are perfectly comfortable for adults, but the best seat in the house is behind the steering wheel.
What makes you want to drive the MDX?
Many luxury crossovers focus on the polar ends of the driving spectrum. Either they are too soft and comfortable to be fun, or they are too aggressive to be comfortable. Thankfully, the MDX splits the difference with comfortable seats and a smooth ride, but enough handling and capability to be fun and active in the corners. This makes it an enjoyable SUV to drive, especially when you want a little driving therapy while on the road but after you’ve dropped the kids off at school.
Is anything upgraded for 2025?
The 2025 version of the Acura MDX receives a mild styling refresh, making it more attractive with improved bumpers, wheels, and a better-looking grille. The grille has a new mesh design, which is more elegant and attractive.
Moving inside, the old touchpad infotainment system is gone (thankfully), and in its place is a new 12.3-inch touchscreen system. The center console has been improved, and the front seats have 16-way power adjustments and an optional massaging feature.
If you opt for the base model, you’ll find two more speakers for the audio system and an upgradable Bang & Olufsen audio system with 19 speakers that provide the incredible sound quality you want to enjoy. The Type S model brings the option of an incredible 31-speaker system, which turns the MDX into a concert hall on wheels.
To protect the sound qualities coming from your audio system, this Acura SUV has new laminated rear window glass and extra sound insulation to reduce unwanted cabin noise.
Every new MDX comes with a rear seatbelt reminder system and some improved driver-assistance features to ensure better performance of those features.
Which model makes the most sense?
What will you use the Acura MDX for? If you intend to use this SUV for mild-mannered family driving, you don’t need to step up to the Type S model at the top of the trim range. The Technology trim has an excellent package of driving and comfort features, including leather upholstery, adjustable interior ambient lighting, an excellent sound system, and a full package of driver-assist features.
Of course, if you are looking for the most exciting version of the MDX available, the Type S is the right model to drive.
How much power does this SUV provide?
Most versions of the MDX are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine attached to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is good for 290 horsepower, which is admirable in the midsize SUV class. The Type S is a little more exciting with its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that sends 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque to the wheels through the same 10-speed automatic transmission. Most MDX models are set up with FWD, but the sporty Type S comes standard with AWD. This sportier model can hit 60 mph in only 5.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs in its class.
If you’re looking for the most efficient version of this impressive SUV, the base models return 19 city/26 hwy mpg while the Type S is rated for 17 city/21 hwy mpg.
Is this SUV safe?
All Acura MDX models come standard with a full package of driver-assistance tech called Acura Watch. The NHTSA awards this SUV with a five-star safety rating, which should give you the peace of mind to drive this SUV wherever you need to go. The AcuraWatch package includes:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-change assist
- Adaptive cruise control
Is the MDX right for you?
Acura isn’t typically the first brand that many drivers think of when they consider a luxury vehicle, but it could be. The MDX has been a long-time champion of driving manners, comfort, and quality, making it an easy choice for most drivers. Give this midsize SUV a chance and see which model makes the most sense for your driving desires.
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