The 2025 Acura MDX is a capable, fun-to-drive, mid-size crossover that comes in a few trim options. The most consequential difference between them is the powertrain, but they each have their niches to fill.
The Powertrain
The basic model is a 3.5-liter V-6 putting out 290 horsepower. The base configuration is front-wheel drive, also available on the technology trim. The A-Spec, Advanced, and A-Spec Advance trims connect the same engine to a rear-biased Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. Sending power to all four wheels improves handling, especially in adverse road conditions. On the top end, the Type S Advance attaches twin-scroll turbochargers to a 3.0-liter V-6 engine to achieve 355 horsepower.
The Transmission
Every MDX trim option uses the same ten-speed, paddle-shifted automatic transmission. Sport mode tunes the automatic shifting for more aggressive acceleration and performance. The Sequential SportShift paddles make for a lively manual experience with smooth, nearly instantaneous gear changes. The Type-S option includes Rev-Matching Downshifts.
Fuel Efficiency
The front-wheel drive options achieve slightly better gas mileage than the all-wheel drive options at 19 city, 26 highway, and 22 combined. Most of the all-wheel drive trims achieve the slightly lower 19/25/21, with the S-Type Advance giving up fuel efficiency for performance at 17/21/19.
Towing Capacity
Front-wheel drive simply can’t put as much power on the road as all-wheel drive. If you need maximum towing capacity, you’ll want to go with all-wheel drive. That gets you 5,000 lbs of towing capacity over 3,500 lbs. Luckily, the all-wheel option is available on every trim, so you can get it without committing to a more expensive trim.
Performance
The S-Type Advance stands out with suspension, chassis, and braking improvements to handle its extra horsepower. Big Brembo brake calipers are connected to an Electro-Servo braking system for maximum stopping power. Its Adaptive Air Suspension system can give you extra ground clearance when you need it, opening up more off-road terrain to you. A solid front stabilizer bar and slightly tighter rear stabilizer bar maximize the connection to the road.
Integrated Dynamics System
Selectable driving modes ensure you get the performance you need in the moment. Snow mode maximizes traction, sport mode emphasizes fun, and you can even create a custom mode for yourself. The S-Type Advance exclusively features an even more aggressive Sport+ mode and a Lift mode.
The Acura MDX starts on a versatile, crossover base and then builds on that with plenty of trim options to help you dial in exactly the performance you need. Come see which fits right for you at Open Road Acura of East Brunswick, NJ, today.
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