2026 Acura MDX — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2026 Acura MDX

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $57,060–$64,000
Fuel Economy 21 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,500/yr

Key Specifications — 2026 Acura MDX

Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$57,060–$64,000

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2026 Acura MDX

Our scoring places the 2026 Acura MDX at 7.9/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.9/10, while Performance at 7.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.2/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.9/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.

Performance scores 7.6/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.0/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.

Priced from $57,060–$64,000, 21 MPG, seating 7, the Acura MDX sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The 7.7/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.

Our take: The 2026 Acura MDX is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2026 Acura MDX ranks #293 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 88% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $57,060 starting price is about 58% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which MDX Year Should You Buy?

Across the MDX model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 (this review) 7.9/10$57,060
2025 7.9/10$57,060 Read review →
2024 7.8/10$55,870 Read review →
2023 7.7/10$54,680 Read review →
2022 7.6/10$53,490 Read review →
2021 7.5/10$52,300 Read review →
2020 7.4/10$51,110 Read review →
2019 7.4/10$49,920 Read review →
2018 7.3/10$48,730 Read review →
2017 7.2/10$47,540 Read review →
2016 7.1/10$46,350 Read review →
2015 7.0/10$45,160 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2026 Acura MDX

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS

✗ Where it falls short

  • Fuel economy at 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

NHTSA Recalls — 2026 Acura MDX (1 on record)

The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification / Front passenger
21/05/2026 · 26V332000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V,…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

Similar SUV to Consider

Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.

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2024 Acura MDX Type S
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