2027 Acura MDXMotorTrend - MotorTrendCrisp exterior designPlenty of real buttonsA compelling valueType S model lacks SCramped third row seatPremium, not luxuryWhen it arrived for 2001, the Acura MDX was the first three-row luxury crossover SUV, giving rise to a vehicle segment that's full of competition today. The current fourth-generation MDX went on sale for 2022 and received a refresh for 2025. It's the largest SUV in Acura's lineup—for now. Rivals include the Genesis GV70, Hyundai Palisade, and Volvo XC90.What's NewThe MDX has a Google built-in–equipped infotainment system, and for 2027 it gains the Google Gemini AI voice assistant. Other hardware and equipment updates could be announced later.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available.What We ThinkThe 2027 Acura MDX remains more appealing to look at than to drive. Its crisp, restrained styling still looks fresh several years on and should stand the test of time.Compared to some three-row SUVs, the MDX's far-back seat is tight. Then again, it's smaller than most of those rivals, a factor that has its own appeal. But even though it's relatively maneuverable, the MDX doesn't drive great.The V-6 can feel wheezy, while the brake pedal has a short, touchy action. More surprising, the higher-output MDX Type S proved slower in our testing than the standard model.AdvertisementAdvertisementAcura improved the cabin for 2025 by replacing its irritating touchpad-based infotainment interface with a touchscreen. For 2027, that Google-powered system adds an AI voice assistant. Physical controls remain for many essential functions, giving the MDX a usability advantage over some competitors.Extensive driver assistance technology and strong crash test performance add reassurance. Like many Acura models, the MDX presents a compelling value, providing ample equipment for the price, but standard AWD would improve that more.The MDX pioneered the luxury three-row crossover segment and is still one of its most recognizable nameplates. However, newer competitors have surpassed it in the category it helped establish.Top-Ranked Competitors:Genesis GV80Hyundai PalisadeVolvo XC90Audi Q7MotorTrend TestedThe standard engine for the MDX is a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. It's connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard or Acura's SH-AWD system optional. In MotorTrend testing, the MDX with AWD accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn the MDX Type S, a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 makes 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque with SH-AWD standard. Despite its considerably higher output, the MDX Type S was slower than the standard MDX, needing 6.0 seconds to reach 60 mph.MPGs and RangeFuel economy for the MDX is rated at 19/26 mpg city/highway with FWD. The SH-AWD model gets 19/25 mpg. Efficiency drops slightly in the more powerful Type S model, which gets 17/21 mpg.Driving range on a full tank of gas is slightly more than 400 miles with FWD and slightly less than 390 miles with SH-AWD. The Type S variant can go about 350 miles between fill-ups.Safety Ratings and FeaturesWhen the 2026 MDX was evaluated for crash safety, it earned IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and a five-star overall score from NHTSA.Standard FeaturesEvery MDX comes equipped with front automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams.Available FeaturesAbove the base trim, the MDX gains rain-sensing windshield wipers, front and rear parking sensors, and low-speed parking collision avoidance. The Type S model is exclusively equipped with front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, lane change collision avoidance, and automatic curve speed adaptation.Cargo Space and Interior RoomThe MDX works best as a two-row SUV; its third-row seat is very small. Likewise, some rivals provide much more cargo space.TowingMaximum towing capacity for the MDX is 3,500 pounds with FWD and 5,000 pounds with AWD.TechnologyInfotainmentAll MDX models feature a 12.3-inch digital driver's display and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Google built-in system gains the Gemini AI voice assistant for 2027; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard.AdvertisementAdvertisementThere are USB ports in the front two rows and a wireless charging pad on the front center console. Acura's CabinTalk feature amplifies the driver's voice so third-row passengers can hear it better.Sound SystemThe base model has an 11-speaker audio system. Those above get a Bang & Olufsen premium setup with 19 speakers, except for the Type S which has a 31-speaker arrangement.Available UpgradesHigher-end MDX models get third-row USB ports, a head-up display, and premium ambient lighting.ValueStandard FeaturesPricing for the 2027 MDX begins at about $54,000 with FWD; choosing SH-AWD adds $2,200. Standard exterior features include 19-inch wheels, a panoramic moonroof, a power tailgate, acoustically laminated windows, and a capless fuel filler.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe cabin is equipped with leatherette upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, brushed metal trim, three-zone automatic climate control, and one-touch windows.Recommended TrimJust above the base model is the MDX Technology trim, which gains niceties such as hands-free tailgate access, power-folding side mirrors, perforated leather upholstery, remote engine start, multicolor interior ambient lighting, and a 19-speaker premium audio system. It seems like a worthwhile upgrade for its roughly $60,000 starting price.Bigger Acura SUV Coming?The MDX has always been Acura's largest SUV, but times have changed, and families want bigger vehicles that better fit people and gear. Acura could respond by introducing a new, even larger SUV.Details remain unknown; it's not clear if the MDX will be redesigned and made larger, or if Acura will introduce a new nameplate to fit above the MDX. Regardless, keep an eye out for more details soon.