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Acura cannot afford to let the MDX wither on the vine. The midsize crossover is the company's best-selling model, and Acura claims it is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time. So, it is fair to say the automaker's survival rides on the MDX's success, and that's why Acura has given it a refresh just three years after a complete redesign in 2022.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
The updates to the 2025 Acura MDX include:
In addition, Acura has revised the 2025 MDX model lineup. Base, Technology, A-Spec, and Advance trim levels continue, joined by a new A-Spec Advance that blends sporty design with all the extras. The performance-tuned MDX Type S returns for 2025 but now comes only in top-shelf Type S Advance trim. Base prices range from $52,250 to $76,300, including the $1,350 destination charge.
JD Power previously published reviews of the 2022 Acura MDX A-Spec and 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance. This review focuses on the MDX's updates for 2025 and how they potentially impact its overall consumer appeal.
For this 2025 MDX review, Acura provided a test vehicle with the new A-Spec Advance trim. The only option was Apex Blue Pearl paint, which brought the test vehicle's price to $69,950, including the $1,350 destination charge to ship the SUV from the East Liberty, Ohio, assembly plant to your local dealership.
The MDX A-Spec Advance is new for 2025. It equips the SUV with the A-Spec styling treatment and the equipment found in the MDX Advance.
Highlights of the MDX A-Spec include:
The MDX Advance adds:
In addition, the A-Spec Advance has unique Berlina Black 20-inch wheels and a Sport Exterior Appearance Package.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
You might not notice the styling changes unless you compare the previous MDX to the new 2025 model. Mostly, they pertain to the redesigned front bumper, which makes the SUV look wider while adding more presence. A new grille, darkened headlights and taillights, revised wheels, and some new paint colors (Canyon River Blue and Urban Gray Pearl) round out the changes.
I think the MDX looks better with the front styling modifications, but the wheel selection remains something to be desired.
Last year's standard Type S wheel, arguably the most appealing, is gone. Not only was it my favorite, but it was also relatively easy to clean. Based on my experience prepping the test vehicle for photos, I can assure you the A-Spec Advance's wheel design is not a member of the easy-clean club.
Acura offers three optional wheel choices for the base, Technology, and Advance trims. One is the A-Spec Advance's 20-inch Berlina Black design, catering to buyers who want black wheels but not A-Spec trim. Another is a busy-looking 20-inch 15-spoke design with a shiny finish. However, the best is the 20-inch diamond-cut wheel design, which should be standard with Technology trim. None are cheap, running between $2,112 and $3,414, depending on the wheel design and trim level.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
With the 2025 MDX, Acura installs a new infotainment system with touchscreen control and an effective digital voice assistant, so the company's old True Touchpad Interface (TTI) is history. That change allowed Acura to redesign the MDX's center console, adding more storage space and improving access to the wireless smartphone charger.
In addition, last year's Type S-exclusive front seats are now standard in the MDX Advance and MDX A-Spec Advance. Wrapped in perforated and quilted leather, they offer 16-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. Plus, they offer eight different massage programs. They are terrific seats and give MDX buyers an excellent reason to upgrade to these trim levels.
Acura has also added more sound-deadening material and acoustic laminated window glass to quiet the MDX's interior. Based on my experience, these efforts have paid off.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
The MDX's new infotainment system has the same 12.3-inch screen as before. However, it is now touch-sensitive and closer to the driver and front passenger for easy reach.
Acura continues to offer Alexa Built-in, but now the MDX also has Google Built-in with access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store. You get complimentary access to Google Built-in for three years, after which you must pay a fee.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is wireless smartphone charging. Pairing my iPhone 15 to the system proved easy, and after I set it as the primary device, Apple CarPlay launched with each restart of the engine. It is easy to exit to the native Google environment and restart smartphone projection at any time.
Google Assistant is effective. You cannot control the MDX's climate system using voice commands; otherwise, the digital voice assistant responds promptly and accurately. There are a few limitations, but overall, it works like your smartphone's assistant.
The test vehicle had a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. Standard starting with Technology trim, the audio components deliver a rich, immersive listening experience. Type S models get an undoubtedly excellent high-end 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen system.
Overall, the new Google Built-in technology and sound systems make the 2025 MDX a significantly more desirable choice in its segment.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
The 2025 Acura MDX also has improved AcuraWatch safety features. This collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) includes all the driver assistance and collision avoidance technologies you expect in a modern luxury SUV. Thanks to improved hardware, they're more accurate and refined than before.
During my evaluation, AcuraWatch issued only one false lane-departure warning alert. Otherwise, it operated as expected, and while I was aware of occasional steering inputs, the lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance systems did not cause aggravation and proved easy to override when necessary. Similarly, the adaptive cruise control smoothly adjusted to variable traffic conditions, further contributing to driver confidence in the technology.
That said, when the adaptive cruise control was off, I did not like using the lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance systems. Fortunately, a button on the steering wheel allows you to turn them off. Also, I do not like the lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble alert. I prefer a more subtle vibration through the steering wheel rim.
AcuraWatch 360 is available on the 2025 MDX, but only with Type S Advance trim. That model adds new and improved radar units and a better camera, allowing it to support curve speed assistance, active lane-change assistance with collision avoidance, evasive steering warning, and front cross-traffic warning systems.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Mechanically, the 2025 Acura MDX is the same as before, so driving impressions from our previous reviews still apply. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that the A-Spec Advance is enjoyable to drive but gets poor gas mileage. I averaged 18.4 mpg on my mountainous Southern California evaluation loop, landing short of the official EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving.
Unfortunately, Acura does not offer a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain option to improve the situation, and this omission is now the MDX's only significant flaw. If that's important, the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Lexus TX, and Volvo XC90 provide electrified drivetrain options. However, only the Lexus and Volvo include a standard third-row seat.
If fuel economy or occasional electric-only driving don't matter, and you don't mind burning premium gas at such a prodigious rate, I think the refreshed and improved 2025 Acura MDX is worthy of your consideration.
I'm sure Acura hopes you feel the same way.
Christian Wardlaw is a veteran automotive journalist with 30 years of experience in the field and has held automotive editorial leadership positions at Edmunds, JD Power, and The New York Daily News. Today, Chris owns a content agency called Speedy Daddy Media, and in addition to JDPower.com, his work appears on Capital One Auto Navigator, CarGurus, and Edmunds.
