The Acura MDX serves as the flagship mid-to-large luxury SUV from Honda’s premium marque, Acura. Officially introduced in 2000, the MDX nameplate was a pioneer in the North American three-row luxury SUV segment. Built upon the Honda Odyssey platform and powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, the first-generation MDX became an immediate runaway hit in North America upon its debut—accounting for up to a third of Acura's total brand sales at one point and clinching the North American Truck of the Year award. Spanning four generations, cumulative MDX sales have surpassed the one-million mark, establishing it as one of Acura's best-selling nameplates worldwide. The model was previously offered in China as a fully imported (CBU) unit, priced between RM698,000 and RM848,000. Import operations have since ceased following Acura’s strategic brand restructuring in the Chinese market.
Positioned as an E-segment luxury SUV (categorised as a three-row premium SUV in selected markets), the MDX centres on generous seven-seater accommodation, punchy V6 performance, and agile handling dynamics. Key rivals include the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Lexus RX L, and Volvo XC90. The fourth-generation MDX made its global debut in December 2020 before officially hitting North American showrooms in February 2021. It received a comprehensive mid-lifecycle facelift for the 2025 model year, bringing notable revisions to its exterior styling, onboard technology, and active safety suite. For the 2026 model year in the US market, prices start from USD 53,250, while the range-topping MDX Type S w/Advance Package begins at USD 77,300.
The fourth-generation MDX is penned under Acura’s signature "Precision Crafted Performance" design ethos. The front end is dominated by the brand's Diamond Pentagon grille, flanked by Jewel Eye full-LED headlamps with "Chicane" LED daytime running lights. The 2025 facelift adopts an aggressive diamond-pattern mesh grille with larger openings, flanked by enlarged side air ducts that integrate neatly with the fog lamps below. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 5,039 mm in length, 1,991 mm in width, and 1,704 mm in height, with a 2,890 mm wheelbase. Its dash-to-axle ratio has been stretched by over 4 inches compared to its predecessor, extending the bonnet line to deliver a dynamic, cab-rearward premium silhouette. The performance-focused Type S variant features 21-inch black multi-spoke alloy wheels, red four-piston Brembo front brake calipers, and a quad-exit exhaust system at the rear.
Inside, the cabin adopts an ergonomic, driver-oriented architecture. The 2025 facelift introduces a 12.3-inch floating touchscreen infotainment display integrated with Google built-in, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The centre console retains a push-button gear selector alongside tactile physical switchgear for effortless operation on the move. Flagship variants add 16-way power-adjustable front seats with 9 massage programmes, a Head-Up Display (HUD), and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
The MDX is offered with two V6 engine configurations. Standard variants (including the A-Spec) are powered by a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated i-VTEC V6 engine producing 290 hp (approx. 294 PS) and 362 Nm of torque. The high-performance MDX Type S is propelled by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine pushing out 355 hp (approx. 360 PS) and 480 Nm of torque. Both powerplants are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with SportShift sequential paddle shifters as standard. The standard 3.5L variant completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in under 6 seconds, while the Type S despatches the benchmark century sprint in roughly 5 seconds. Real-world fuel consumption for the Type S stands at around 12–13 L/100 km in stop-and-go city traffic and 9–10 L/100 km during long-distance highway cruising.
The fourth-generation MDX rides on an all-new bespoke platform developed specifically for Acura. A key engineering highlight is the suspension setup—the front assembly transitions from the previous generation’s MacPherson struts to a sophisticated double-wishbone independent suspension, complemented by a multi-link independent setup at the rear. This configuration substantially elevates steering precision and high-speed stability. Drivetrain options include front-wheel drive (FWD) and the renowned fourth-generation SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system. The latest SH-AWD unit can channel up to 70% of total engine torque to the rear axle, with the ability to distribute up to 100% of that rear torque across either the left or right rear wheel for active torque vectoring. Compared to the outgoing iteration, rear-wheel torque capacity is up by 40%, while torque transfer response between axles is 30% quicker. The SH-AWD system is standard on the Type S.
On the tech front, the 2025 facelift equips all variants with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster alongside the 12.3-inch floating infotainment touchscreen. The system natively integrates the Google built-in ecosystem with support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In-car audio sees the debut of the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system for 2025, with the flagship Type S with Advance Package packing an impressive 31-speaker setup—the most powerful audio system ever fitted to an Acura.
In terms of cabin versatility, the MDX features a 2+3+2 seven-seat configuration with 462 litres of standard boot space behind the third row. Top-tier trims come appointed with heated and ventilated 16-way power-adjustable front seats with 9 massage modes, heated second-row outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic glass roof, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The Type S interior is trimmed in premium Alcantara upholstery, seamlessly blending sporting intent with executive luxury.
The MDX is built around Acura’s proprietary ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure. Passive safety highlights include a new-generation front passenger airbag alongside an extensive multi-airbag array as standard.
Active safety is spearheaded by the comprehensive AcuraWatch™ advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite, standard across the board. The 2025 facelift features uprated millimetre-wave radar sensors and a wider-angle monocular front camera for enhanced detection range and accuracy. The safety suite includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Information (BSI), and Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM). The Type S with Advance Package steps up to the AcuraWatch™ 360 system, adding front corner radars and high-resolution imaging for higher-tier driving assistance capability.
The MDX remains the best-selling three-row luxury SUV in Acura’s history. In North America, the model consistently tops its segment—registering 40,976 deliveries in 2024 and 41,460 units in 2025, representing a 1.18% year-on-year increase. Monthly sales in March 2025 alone hit 4,212 units. Over its lifespan, the MDX has repeatedly taken the annual sales crown in the North American luxury SUV segment.
In China, the MDX was introduced via the CBU import route in 2007, carrying a price tag exceeding RM800,000. Constrained by lower brand recognition compared to the established German premium trio (BBA), the MDX struggled to gain substantial market traction. As Acura re-evaluated its Chinese business strategy, MDX imports were subsequently discontinued.
Automotive media reviews widely praise the MDX for its powertrain refinement and driving dynamics, with the 3.5L V6 and 10-speed automatic combo earning high marks for its smooth power delivery and crisp shifts; the mechanical grip and corner-carving agility of the SH-AWD system remain its primary calling cards. With the 2025 facelift ushering in the intuitive 12.3-inch touchscreen and Bang & Olufsen audio, the SUV’s competitive edge has been sharpened further. Backed by over two decades of heritage, the MDX continues to hold a commanding foothold in the global three-row luxury SUV space, particularly across North America.
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