2025 Acura MDX First Drive: A Glow-Up Makes This Sporty SUV Even More Fun and Beautiful

Designed to make life inside the vehicle easier, the 2025 Acura MDX takes the good stuff from the previous model, tosses the fiddly parts, and adds some comfort and convenience features to bring the best combination of form and function yet.

For rear passengers, flexible, folding seating is a boon with captain’s chairs in the second row and power slide and tilt center row seats for easy third row access. Acura kept the standard bench with a removable center seat so every buyer gets the choice of two or three seats in the center row, as needed.

There are also charging ports in the center console, air vents in each quadrant of the vehicle and nifty storage holds for easy stashing of all the gear that families bring with them.  

Video: Here’s what we loved about the last generation Acura MDX

The most obvious changes reside in the front center console. Acura started by ditching the polarizing trackpad for connectivity access, and in its place, brought in a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Acura also added a large wireless charging pad with USB-A and C charging ports under the armrest where the trackpad used to be. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Google, and navigation are built-in and conveniently accessible through the customizable touchscreen. 

What Acura didn’t change is vehicle’s platform and structure from the previous generation. But by enhancing the sanctuary vibe with sound dampening, better insulation, and stronger fixtures, the result is a calm, quiet cabin that feels more luxurious than its just over $50k price point.

Video: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto explained — and demonstrated!

Acura then installed a series of sensors around the vehicle and a more precise front camera to pair with the built-in Google features and enhance the already comprehensive AcuraWatch 360, a suite of safety features.

With the new tech, you get eyes all around the car and smarter driver assistance support. The added layer of confidence that comes with the new Active Lane Change Assist, Lane Change Collision Mitigation, and Front Cross Traffic Warning is delightful, but it’s also powerful and stress-alleviating. 

The new features use the MDX’s built-in Google mapping technology for geo-fencing and instantaneously support the AI that kicks in based on the sensor input. Active lane change assist can complete one lane change in a secure geo-fenced area after the driver switches on the signal light. At the same time, lane change collision mitigation detects if the driver moves the vehicle into an occupied lane and actively works to avoid impact.

Meanwhile, front collision traffic warning makes good use of the multi-camera system to sense which direction the approaching vehicle is coming from the side and notifies the driver with a visual and audible cue, either in the heads up display or in the digital cluster housed behind the steering wheel.

Over the years, a strong selling point of the Acura MDX has been its underlying sportiness beneath the hood of the sleek family SUV. The California-designed 2025 MDX is no exception. The Type S comes equipped with abundant smooth power in the form of a 3.5-liter V6 and a 3.0-liter Type S Turbo V6 that doesn’t feel laggy and is a pleasure to drive. It feels strong and nimble, and it is at home on the highway or the winding roads that took us through the orange groves of Southern California.

The A-Spec is a delight, reminiscent of the Type S. It feels just as solid with massaging front seats and the quiet gumption to get up and go with pep and ease. The comfort and stable drive made traffic less annoying and more of an opportunity to see what the MDX could do and where it excels. Pleasantly surprised, the 2025 MDX performed with easy grace and can stand toe-to-toe with its class competitors like the Genesis GV80 and the Lexus RX. 

This was a surprise; we loved the ELS sound system of prior Acura models, but change is a constant, and so is a new sound system. Acura went with Bang & Olufsen for a dynamic sound that accentuates the drive experience. Bang & Olufsen, known for premium audio and expansive sound systems, is a natural fit for the 2025 Acura MDX.

Together, there are two custom in-vehicle sound experiences, topping out with the transporting 31-speaker, surround-sound experience in the Type S. The sound is crystal-clear and enveloping. The audio from my playlist was immersive and impressive, anchored by the brushed aluminum speakers that catch the light like bangles on a beach holiday.

The front face of the 2025 Acura MDX is defined by a more aggressive front grille laced with a diamond-patterned grille and bold new LED lighting. The grille, which has been possibly our favorite of all grilles since Acura introduced the look on the 2017 MDX, modernizes the idea with an open-work mesh version of the grille design.

Open the doors, and you are instantly reminded that this is a luxury SUV. Milano leather in bold shades, neat contrast stitching that reminds me of a Polène bag and finely finished surfaces echo the sentiment. Clear sight lines make for outstanding views from whichever seat you sit in, and aluminum speaker covers sparkle from the door, roof, and side panels periodically.  

Drift into the MDX Type S, and the exterior effect is even more distinctive. Machine-finished split-spoke wheels accented by Red Brembo brake calipers anchor a wider, bolder stance with a rear diffuser and 4 exhaust outlets that shimmer like jewels on the back end. Overall, it’s a good look that’s well done and brilliantly timed. 

On sale now, the 2025 MDX starts at just over $50,900 and tops out with the Type S at $74,950, excluding the $2,250 mandatory Destination Charge. Standard features include a panoramic sunroof, leatherette seating, power slide and tilt center row seats, second row bench seat with a removable middle seat and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2025 MDX comes in three trims: base, A-Spec, and performance-minded Type S, and in two packages, Technology ($5,400) and the Advance. The base model can add AWD for $2,200, but the other models have AWD standard. The new Advance Package brings curvilinear or Milano quilted leather, massaging front seats, heated rear seats, and sport-inspired exterior enhancements.  

And all models get the fresh feel of a glow-up that adds more style and sportiness for everyone, even those who aren’t behind the wheel.