2026 Acura MDX: NHTSA & IIHS Safety Ratings, Price
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
In its segment, the 2026 Acura MDX scores well for safety and reliability, with NHTSA's 5-star rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick designation but below average for fuel cost. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $51,800 - $75,850
- EPA Combined MPG
- 21-22 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $3,150 - $3,300 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 4 / 10
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $5,500 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 4 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,395 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.84
- Brand Origin
- Japan
Priced from $51,800 to $75,850, the 2026 Acura MDX is one of 137 premium SUVs. Safety ratings, recall history, and ownership costs are all covered below.
- Fuel cost $664 per year above premium SUVs average
- Avg repair cost $224 per year below SUV average
- Zero recalls on file (SUV average: 1.7)
2026 Acura MDX at a Glance
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Acura MDX are high published crash-test results and an above-average RepairPal reliability rating, with lower estimated five-year cost, but fuel cost is a weak spot.
- safety
- reliability
- estimated 5-year cost
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable SUVs 2026 →
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup is about $3,868 below the similar-vehicle average. Lowest cost to own 2026 →
Cautions in the data
- Fuel cost is a real drawback here: Above-average fuel cost among gas SUVs. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
- AAA estimates $13,584 per year in non-fuel costs for the Medium SUV class: insurance $1,873, maintenance $1,817, depreciation $5,074. These are class averages, not specific to this model.
- The trim range spans about $24,050 from entry trim to top trim, so value depends heavily on what you actually spec.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2026 Acura MDX?
The 2026 Acura MDX is one of 82% of SUVs to earn NHTSA's top 5-star rating. It also received TSP from IIHS, which tests different crash configurations. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 15.1%
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard & Optional |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard & Optional |
| Crash Imminent Braking | Standard & Optional |
| Dynamic Brake Support | Standard & Optional |
NHTSA uses a five-star scale. IIHS rates individual crash types with Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. Looking at both tells you more than either one alone.
How Did the 2026 Acura MDX Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS recognized the 2026 Acura MDX with a TSP award. This designation reflects strong performance across frontal, side, and roof strength evaluations, plus crash avoidance capabilities. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | A Acceptable |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | A Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Seat Belt Reminders | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G+ Good+ |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize luxury SUVs
Lab testing and real-world performance do not always match. The recall section below covers any defects NHTSA or Acura have identified since the 2026 MDX went on sale.
Does the 2026 Acura MDX Have Any Recalls?
No recalls are on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Acura MDX. Among SUVs, the average recall count is 1.7. Recalls may be issued at any time. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
What Do 2026 Acura MDX Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 4 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Acura MDX. This is below the average of 9 complaints for 2026 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
most recent filed 2026-01-01
Most-reported problem areas
- Electrical1
- ADAS / Safety Tech1
- Speed Control1
- Engine1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
Families drive more miles and make more trips. That makes fuel economy one of the biggest factors in the real cost of owning the 2026 Acura MDX.
What Is the 2026 Acura MDX Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Acura MDX achieves up to 22 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,150. That is $664 more per year than the $2,486 average for premium SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 21 to 22 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $3,150 per year |
| 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $3,300 per year |
| 4dr SUV w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $3,150 per year |
| 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $3,300 per year |
| 4dr SUV AWD w/A-Spec Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $3,300 per year |
| Base Advance AT | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $3,300 per year |
| 4dr SUV AWD w/A-Spec and Advance Packages (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $3,300 per year |
| Type S AWD GAS | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $3,300 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $15,750 to $16,500 depending on trim.
The most efficient trim ranks in the top 7% for fuel cost within its EPA vehicle class.
A family vehicle racks up miles fast. That means the hidden costs, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, matter as much as what you pay at the pump. AAA estimates them below.
What Does the 2026 Acura MDX Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Acura MDX ranges from $108,870 to $159,020 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,817 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873 per year |
| Depreciation | $5,074 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $862 per year |
| Financing | $1,815 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.84 per mile |
Families often prioritize safety features and cargo space over horsepower. The trim table below shows how those factors vary across the 2026 Acura MDX lineup.
How Do the 2026 Acura MDX Trims Compare?
8 trims are available for the 2026 Acura MDX, spanning $51,800 to $75,850. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | $51,800 | 22 MPG | $3,150 per year | FWD | 290 hp | 4,268 lbs | $108,870 |
| 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | $54,000 | 21 MPG | $3,300 per year | AWD | 290 hp | 4,510 lbs | $135,670 |
| 4dr SUV w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | $57,200 | 22 MPG | $3,150 per year | FWD | 290 hp | 4,302 lbs | $114,270 |
| 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | $59,400 | 21 MPG | $3,300 per year | AWD | 290 hp | 4,544 lbs | $141,070 |
| 4dr SUV AWD w/A-Spec Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | $62,400 | 21 MPG | $3,300 per year | AWD | 290 hp | 4,544 lbs | $144,070 |
| Base Advance AT | $66,900 | 21 MPG | $3,300 per year | AWD | 290 hp | 4,544 lbs | $148,570 |
| 4dr SUV AWD w/A-Spec and Advance Packages (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | $68,900 | 21 MPG | $3,300 per year | AWD | 290 hp | 4,544 lbs | $150,570 |
| Type S AWD GAS | $75,850 | 21 MPG | $3,300 per year | AWD | 355 hp | 4,776 lbs | $159,020 |
The entry price has increased $1,650 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
added 2025
- 4dr SUV AWD w/A-Spec Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
- 4dr SUV AWD w/A-Spec and Advance Packages (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
- Type S AWD GAS
Trims no longer available
last available 2024
- Base A-Spec AT
- Type S AT
- Type S Advance AT
Price changes since 2024
- Base Advance AT $64,100 (2024) → $66,900 (2026) +$2,800
- 4dr SUV w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) $54,850 (2024) → $57,200 (2026) +$2,350
- 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) $57,050 (2024) → $59,400 (2026) +$2,350
- 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A) $50,150 (2024) → $51,800 (2026) +$1,650
- 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A) $52,350 (2024) → $54,000 (2026) +$1,650
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | $50,150 22 MPG | $51,200 22 MPG | $51,800 22 MPG |
| 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | $52,350 21 MPG | $53,400 21 MPG | $54,000 21 MPG |
| 4dr SUV w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | $54,850 22 MPG | $56,600 22 MPG | $57,200 22 MPG |
| 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | $57,050 21 MPG | $58,800 21 MPG | $59,400 21 MPG |
| Base A-Spec AT | $60,550 21 MPG | — | — |
| Base Advance AT | $64,100 21 MPG | $66,300 21 MPG | $66,900 21 MPG |
| Type S AT | $68,450 21 MPG | — | — |
| Type S Advance AT | $73,800 21 MPG | — | — |
| 4dr SUV AWD w/A-Spec Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | — | $61,800 21 MPG | $62,400 21 MPG |
| 4dr SUV AWD w/A-Spec and Advance Packages (3.5L 6cyl 10A) | — | $68,300 21 MPG | $68,900 21 MPG |
| Type S AWD GAS | — | $75,250 21 MPG | $75,850 21 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
The trim comparison above covers what you pay at purchase. The reliability data below covers what you pay to maintain it over time.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Acura MDX?
The 2026 Acura MDX scores 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal's reliability index, above the average for premium SUVs. RepairPal data reflects repair frequency and severity from shops nationwide. Source: RepairPal.
Acura backs the 2026 MDX with the warranty terms shown below. Coverage begins from the original purchase date and varies by component.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Acura MDX Come With?
The warranty terms below reflect Acura's published coverage for the 2026 MDX. All trims share the same warranty. Coverage begins on the date of first retail sale.
| Basic Warranty | 4yr/50k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 6yr/70k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/50k |
What Are the 2026 Acura MDX Specs?
The specifications below cover engine output, dimensions, and drivetrain for the 2026 Acura MDX. These are manufacturer-reported figures and may vary by trim configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Mid-size crossover SUV
| Engine | 3.5L V6, 3L V6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 290 - 355 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 127.6 - 148.7 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $179 - $238 |
| Torque | 267 - 354 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 407 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 198.4 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 78.7 in |
| Height | 67.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in |
| Curb Weight | 4,268 - 4,776 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Acura MDX?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- Recall status changed
All data shown for the 2026 Acura MDX comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. The safety and reliability data above is especially relevant for a vehicle your family depends on. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Acura MDX FAQ
Which 2026 Acura MDX trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 8 available trims, the 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A) has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $108,870, starting at $51,800 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $159,020. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Acura MDX?
In the suv segment, the closest alternatives to the 2026 Acura MDX are 2026 BMW X3 (starting at $51,300, 4-star NHTSA, 27 MPG); and 2026 Genesis GV60 (starting at $52,525, 5-star NHTSA, 306 mi range); and 2026 Lexus RX (starting at $50,525, 5-star NHTSA, 24-36 MPG / 25 MPG (Plug-In Hybrid)). Each page on this site covers the same data sources so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Acura MDX from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 3 new trims were added, 3 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $1,650 for the Acura MDX lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Acura MDX cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Acura MDX include about $1,132 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $263 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,395 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Acura based?
Acura's headquarters are in Japan. Assembly location varies by model and sometimes by trim. The "Brand Origin" label on this site refers to corporate headquarters, not the factory where your specific vehicle was built. See our Japan-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Acura models are available for 2026?
Acura offers multiple models for 2026. Our Acura models page lists every available Acura vehicle with safety ratings, fuel costs, and ownership data.
What is the 2026 Acura MDX safety rating?
The 2026 Acura MDX earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 0 recall campaigns on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.
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Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.