Acura says the MDX is “the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time.” Considering the first one went on sale in 2001, the automaker has had plenty of time to rack up those sales. The most recent iteration, the fourth-generation MDX, arrived in 2022, and now the updated 2025 Acura MDX brings subtle styling and interior changes, fresh infotainment tech and safety features, and a revised lineup.
With the 2025 MDX, Acura offers the midsize SUV in standard specification with several trim packages. They include Technology, A-Spec, Advance, A-Spec Advance, and Type S Advance. The 2025 MDX Type S Advance is a performance model with a turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, and other go-faster goodies.
Combining a sporty exterior look with added interior luxury, the MDX A-Spec Advance is new for 2025. Also, the Type S includes the Advance Package as standard equipment this year.
Acura restyles the MDX’s front end, adding a new fascia, grille inserts, and darkened headlights. The A-Spec models now share the same front styling as the Type S, and the automaker redesigns all of the 20-inch and 21-inch wheels for 2025. Fresh paint colors include Canyon River Blue (all except the Type S) and Urban Gray Pearl.
Inside, the 2025 MDX gets a redesigned center console with increased storage and a revised wireless smartphone charger. Four USB-C ports are now available, two in the front console storage area and two for the rear passengers, and a rear seatbelt reminder system is also standard. Acura says the cabin is 10% quieter thanks to added noise insulation and acoustic laminated rear door glass (does not apply to the standard version of the SUV).
The 2025 MDX Advance and A-Spec with Advance offer new 16-way power-adjustable front seats wrapped in quilted Milano leather, and they include a massage function. Previously, Acura reserved these for the Type S model. In the 2025 MDX Type S Advance, new front seats with artificial suede bolsters and embossed Type S logos debut.
Acura makes no changes to the MDX’s mechanical hardware. Most versions of the SUV employ a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. It uses a 10-speed automatic transmission to power the front wheels unless you’ve upgraded to Acura’s torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.
The Type S Advance has an exclusive turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 355 hp and 354 lb-ft torque working through a sport-calibrated 10-speed automatic and standard SH-AWD. This version of the SUV also has 21-inch wheels, Brembo performance front brakes, and an adaptive damping air suspension.
The MDX’s new infotainment system features Google Built-in technology. It includes a static 12.3-inch touchscreen display, which means Acura has given up on its Remote Touch Interface (RTI) trackpad technology.
In addition, the system features wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and the latest version of AcuraLink connected services. AcuraLink provides access to a Wi-Fi hotspot, remote engine starting, emergency roadside assistance, and more. Acura keeps the infotainment system fresh via over-the-air software updates.
Acura adds two more speakers to the base sound system, bringing the count to 11. Starting with the 2025 MDX Technology, new Bang & Olufsen audio systems debut with speaker counts ranging from 19 to 31. The automaker says these were developed specifically for the MDX, and the 31-speaker setup in the Type S Advance is the most powerful audio system Acura has ever offered.
In addition, the standard AcuraWatch collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) offers “enhanced safety performance,” according to the automaker. To get the new AcuraWatch 360 suite, you’ll need to upgrade to the Type S Advance. AcuraWatch 360 has upgraded radars and cameras. It also adds front cross-traffic warning and an active lane-change assistance system with collision mitigation.
Many midsize three-row luxury SUVs are available, but the changes to the 2025 Acura MDX should keep it competitive with its rivals. They include the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Genesis GV80, Infiniti QX60, Lexus TX, Lincoln Aviator, Mercedes GLE, and Volvo XC90.
Acura is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of April 8, 2024, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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.
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