2026 Acura MDX Trim Level Page
The 2026 Acura MDX remains the benchmark three-row luxury SUV in its class — a vehicle that balances genuine performance, cutting-edge technology, and family-sized practicality in a way that few competitors can match. With six distinct trim levels ranging from the well-equipped base through the high-performance Type S Advance, there is an MDX for every driver and every lifestyle. This guide walks you through each trim so you can find the one that fits your family and your budget.
What’s New for the 2026 Acura MDX
The 2026 MDX builds on Acura’s recent redesign with meaningful refinements across the entire lineup. Two fresh exterior colors — Solar Silver Metallic and Double Apex Blue Pearl — join the palette. Higher trims feature a newly sculpted front bumper and frameless Diamond Pentagon grille. Across all trims, AcuraWatch safety technology has been recalibrated for improved performance, and a new rear-seat belt reminder system has been added as standard equipment. On the technology side, Google Built-in — providing access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store directly through the infotainment system — continues as standard across all trim levels, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium “AeroScape” multi-layer paint finishes are available on select trims, offering a shimmering, depth-shifting appearance in sunlight.
2026 Acura MDX Trim Levels Overview
The 2026 MDX lineup consists of six configurations: MDX (Base), Technology, A-Spec, Advance, A-Spec Advance, and Type S Advance.
MDX (Base) — Starting at approximately $51,800 MSRP*
The base MDX sets a high standard for the entry point of the lineup. It arrives with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels, Jewel Eye LED headlights, a panoramic moonroof, a hands-free power tailgate, leatherette-trimmed seating for up to seven passengers, a 12-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a 12.3-inch HD color touchscreen with True Touchpad Interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Google Built-in, and Alexa Built-in are all standard. The full AcuraWatch safety suite — including Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Blind Spot Information — comes on every MDX from the base up. Fuel economy is estimated at up to 26 mpg highway. For families who want a premium three-row SUV with everything they need at an accessible price, the base MDX over-delivers.
MDX Technology Package — Starting at approximately $54,000 MSRP (SH-AWD)*
The Technology Package builds meaningfully on the base, adding Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) as standard, Milano premium leather seating, a GPS-linked climate control system, and a premium 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. Navigation is enhanced with real-time traffic integration. A surround-view camera system and front and rear parking sensors are added for easier maneuvering. Adaptive cruise control with curve speed assist and additional AcuraWatch features round out the package. This trim strikes the best balance of comfort, connectivity, and value in the MDX lineup and is the most popular seller for good reason.
MDX A-Spec — Starting at approximately $57,200 MSRP (FWD) / $59,400 MSRP (SH-AWD)*
The A-Spec takes the MDX in a decidedly sportier direction without sacrificing practicality. Outside, dark chrome and gloss-black exterior accents, unique front and rear sport fascias, and 20-inch Shark Gray alloy wheels with performance all-season tires give it a planted, athletic stance that stands apart from traditional luxury SUVs. Inside, Ultrasuede-trimmed sport seats, a flat-bottom sport steering wheel, red ambient interior lighting, and A-Spec badging create a driver-focused atmosphere. LED fog lights and an exclusive sport suspension tune are also included. The A-Spec retains the Technology Package’s premium audio and connectivity features. If you want an MDX that expresses a more assertive personality, this is the trim.
MDX Advance — Starting at approximately $62,400 MSRP (SH-AWD)*
The Advance Package is the comfort-focused flagship for buyers who prioritize luxury over sport styling. It builds on the Technology trim with quilted Milano leather seating, ventilated and heated front seats, massaging front seats, a head-up display, a 16-speaker premium audio system, customizable ambient interior lighting, hidden cargo storage, and a surround-view camera system with low-speed braking. Rear seat passengers benefit from heated second-row seats and additional convenience features. SH-AWD is standard. For buyers who spend long hours in the MDX and want every comfort amenity available, the Advance is the natural choice.
MDX A-Spec Advance — Starting at approximately $66,900 MSRP (SH-AWD)*
The A-Spec Advance combines the bold sport styling of the A-Spec with the premium comfort upgrades of the Advance Package — the best of both worlds. You get the 20-inch Shark Gray wheels, gloss-black exterior accents, and flat-bottom sport steering wheel alongside the quilted leather, massaging front seats, head-up display, and ventilated seats of the Advance. SH-AWD is standard. For buyers who refuse to choose between sport character and luxury comfort, this is the trim.
MDX Type S Advance — Starting at approximately $75,850 MSRP (SH-AWD)*
The Type S Advance is the performance flagship of the MDX lineup and the most complete version of the vehicle Acura makes. Under the hood, a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine produces 355 horsepower and delivers a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.5 seconds — meaningfully quicker than any other MDX trim. SH-AWD is standard and tuned specifically for the Type S’s output. The suspension switches from the standard setup to adaptive air suspension for both superior ride comfort and sharper handling on demand. Braking is handled by Brembo front calipers. Outside, 21-inch wheels, quad exhaust outlets, and exclusive Type S styling cues make it immediately recognizable. Inside, Ultrasuede and quilted leather trim, a flat-bottom sport steering wheel, Type S-specific ambient lighting, and the full suite of technology features create an environment that feels genuinely special. The Type S Advance also adds active lane change assistance, lane change collision mitigation, and front cross-traffic warning as standard — safety features exclusive to this trim level.
2026 MDX Key Specs at a Glance
| Spec | MDX / Tech / A-Spec / Advance / A-Spec Advance | Type S Advance |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.0L Turbo V6 |
| Horsepower | 290 HP | 355 HP |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft | 354 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or SH-AWD | SH-AWD Standard |
| 0–60 mph | ~6.3 seconds | ~5.5 seconds |
| Towing (SH-AWD) | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Fuel Economy (Hwy) | Up to 26 MPG | ~21 MPG |
| Suspension | Sport-Tuned | Adaptive Air |
| Seating Capacity | 7 Passengers | 7 Passengers |
| Passenger Volume | 139.1 cu ft | 139.1 cu ft |
| Fuel Type | Premium Required | Premium Required |
2026 MDX Feature Comparison by Trim
| Feature | Base | Tech | A-Spec | Advance | A-Spec Adv | Type S Adv |
| Starting MSRP* | ~$51,800 | ~$54,000 | ~$59,400 | ~$62,400 | ~$66,900 | ~$75,850 |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 | 3.0L Turbo V6 |
| Horsepower | 290 HP | 290 HP | 290 HP | 290 HP | 290 HP | 355 HP |
| SH-AWD | Optional | Standard | Optional | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| 12.3″ Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Google Built-in | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| AcuraWatch Suite | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Panoramic Moonroof | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Front Seats | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bang & Olufsen 19-Speaker Audio | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Milano Leather Seating | — | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Surround-View Camera | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 20″ Shark Gray Wheels | — | — | ✓ | — | ✓ | — |
| Ultrasuede Sport Seats | — | — | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Flat-Bottom Sport Steering Wheel | — | — | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Red Ambient Lighting | — | — | ✓ | — | ✓ | — |
| Quilted Leather Seating | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ventilated Front Seats | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Massaging Front Seats | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-Up Display | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Second-Row Seats | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Air Suspension | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Brembo Front Brakes | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ |
| 21-Inch Wheels | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Quad Exhaust Outlets | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Active Lane Change Assistance | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Front Cross-Traffic Warning | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ |
Exterior Differences
Every 2026 MDX opens with Jewel Eye LED headlights, a panoramic moonroof, and a commanding road presence. The base and Technology trims share a clean, refined exterior with 19-inch alloy wheels and body-color trim. The A-Spec and A-Spec Advance introduce the sport personality — gloss-black accents, dark chrome trim, unique front and rear fascias, LED fog lights, and 20-inch Shark Gray alloy wheels that give the MDX a noticeably more athletic stance. The Advance trim maintains a traditional luxury appearance with subtle chrome touches. At the top, the Type S Advance stands in a class of its own with 21-inch wheels, quad exhaust outlets, exclusive Type S badging, and a front end tuned to channel airflow for performance. New for 2026, two fresh colors — Solar Silver Metallic and Double Apex Blue Pearl — are available across select trims.
Interior Differences
The base MDX interior is leatherette-trimmed, well-appointed, and spacious, with three rows accommodating up to seven passengers. The Technology Package upgrades to genuine Milano leather and adds the Bang & Olufsen 19-speaker audio system. The A-Spec pivots to Ultrasuede sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and red ambient lighting for a more driver-focused feel. The Advance Package takes comfort to its peak with quilted leather, massaging and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a head-up display. The A-Spec Advance blends those luxury amenities with A-Spec’s sport aesthetics. The Type S Advance brings its own combination of Ultrasuede, quilted leather, and exclusive Type S interior elements, all underpinned by a 355-horsepower turbocharged engine that changes the character of the entire driving experience.
All trims share the 12.3-inch HD color touchscreen, 12.3-inch Precision Cockpit digital cluster, Google Built-in, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic moonroof — meaning even the base MDX feels genuinely premium.
Which 2026 MDX Trim Is Right for You?
Choosing your MDX comes down to how you use it and which experience matters most on your daily drives. If you want a premium three-row SUV with all the essentials at the best price, the base MDX or Technology Package delivers excellent value and surprising completeness. The Technology trim is the most popular for good reason — SH-AWD, premium leather, and Bang & Olufsen audio cover most buyers’ wish lists in one package.
If you want your MDX to stand out and have a sportier personality, the A-Spec or A-Spec Advance is the choice. If supreme comfort for every passenger is the priority — think long road trips and frequent freeway miles — the Advance has the massaging seats, head-up display, and quilted leather to make every mile more enjoyable. For drivers who want the absolute best the MDX has to offer in both performance and luxury, the Type S Advance is in a class by itself and represents one of the best premium three-row SUV values at its price point.
We invite you to visit Frank Leta Acura in St. Louis to explore every 2026 MDX trim in person, compare features side by side, and take a test drive in the one that interests you most. Our team is here to help you find the right fit — not just for today, but for the years ahead.
FAQ
Q: What is the starting price of the 2026 Acura MDX?
A: The 2026 Acura MDX starts at approximately $51,800 MSRP for the base trim with front-wheel drive, including destination and handling. Pricing ranges up to approximately $75,850 for the top-of-the-line Type S Advance with SH-AWD. Prices exclude taxes, license, and optional accessories.
Q: How many rows does the 2026 Acura MDX have?
A: The 2026 Acura MDX seats up to seven passengers across three rows. The second-row center seat is removable on most configurations to allow easy access to the third row.
Q: What is the difference between the 2026 MDX and MDX Type S?
A: The primary difference is the engine. All non-Type S trims use a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower. The Type S Advance upgrades to a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 355 horsepower. The Type S also adds adaptive air suspension, Brembo front brakes, 21-inch wheels, quad exhaust, and exclusive safety features like active lane change assistance and front cross-traffic warning.
Q: Does the 2026 Acura MDX come with all-wheel drive?
A: Yes. Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is available or standard depending on the trim. It is standard on the Technology, Advance, A-Spec Advance, and Type S Advance trims. It is optional on the base and A-Spec configurations.
Q: What safety features come on the 2026 Acura MDX?
A: Every 2026 MDX includes the AcuraWatch suite as standard equipment, which covers Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Road Departure Mitigation, and Blind Spot Information with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The Type S Advance adds active lane change assistance, lane change collision mitigation, and front cross-traffic warning.
Q: Does the 2026 Acura MDX have Google Built-in?
A: Yes. Google Built-in — providing Google Assistant, Google Maps, and access to the Google Play Store — is standard on all 2026 MDX trim levels through the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard on every trim.
Q: What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Acura MDX?
A: The 2026 MDX with SH-AWD is rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs. Front-wheel drive models are rated at 3,500 lbs.
