2026 Acura MDX

2026 Acura MDX Research and Review

The 2026 Acura MDX advances an already strong three-row luxury SUV with meaningful refinements that Gaithersburg, Bethesda, and Potomac families will feel on every commute — acoustic laminate windshield and front side glass are now standard across the entire lineup for a noticeably quieter cabin, a 12.3-inch touchscreen is now standard from the base trim, and Google Built-In comes standard on all 2026 MDX configurations. Enhanced AcuraWatch with next-generation driver-assistance capability strengthens an already comprehensive safety suite, and improved massaging front seats on upper trims add a comfort dimension that makes the MDX's long-haul capability match its daily-use refinement. The foundational MDX package — 290-horsepower V6, available Super Handling AWD, and up to 5,000 lbs towing capacity — carries forward unchanged. At Rosenthal Acura, serving the Washington DC metropolitan area since 1986, we carry the full 2026 MDX lineup.

Browse our 2026 MDX inventory, apply for MDX financing online, and value your current SUV before visiting our showroom.

• New for 2026: Acoustic laminate windshield and front side glass standard — quieter cabin on I-270 and the ICC.
• New for 2026: 12.3-inch touchscreen and Google Built-In standard across all MDX trims.
• New for 2026: Enhanced AcuraWatch with next-generation driver-assistance capability.
• 290-hp V6 with available SH-AWD and up to 5,000 lbs towing — foundational MDX capability unchanged.

2026 MDX Notable Updates

The 2026 MDX's most immediately felt improvement for Maryland and Virginia drivers is the acoustic laminate windshield and front side glass now standard across the lineup — a refinement that noticeably reduces road noise on I-270's concrete segments and the ICC's long straight sections, delivering a quieter cabin environment that was previously a characteristic of only upper MDX trims. Google Built-In now standard on every 2026 MDX provides Google Maps with live DC-area traffic, Google Assistant for hands-free operation, and Google Play across the lineup — not just on top configurations. The 12.3-inch touchscreen standard from the base trim and enhanced AcuraWatch with next-generation capability advance the MDX's technology and safety baseline meaningfully for the 2026 model year.

Upper trims receive improved 16-way adjustable front seats with an enhanced massage function — a meaningful luxury enhancement for Potomac and Chevy Chase buyers who spend significant time in the MDX on family travel and long commutes. Contact our team to discuss current MDX trim availability.

• Acoustic glass standard — a notably quieter 2026 MDX cabin on Maryland and Virginia roads.
• Google Built-In standard — live DC traffic navigation across the entire 2026 MDX lineup.
• Enhanced AcuraWatch — next-generation driver assistance for Maryland and Virginia conditions.

2026 MDX Performance: SH-AWD, V6, and the Type S

The 2026 MDX's powertrains carry forward unchanged — the right decision for a combination that already leads the segment. The 3.5-liter VTEC V6 producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft through a 10-speed automatic makes the MDX's three-row body feel lighter and more responsive than competing full-size luxury SUVs at similar outputs. Available Super Handling AWD (SH-AWD) vectors torque left to right across the rear axle, actively pulling the MDX through corners rather than merely stabilizing it, and increases maximum towing capacity to 5,000 lbs for Chesapeake boat owners and western Maryland cabin travelers among the DC-area buyer community.

The MDX Type S Advance is the performance pinnacle of the three-row luxury segment — 355 horsepower from a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 developed by Acura's motorsport engineers, Performance SH-AWD, Brembo 4-piston front brakes, adaptive air suspension with Lift Mode, and the 31-speaker Bang and Olufsen Ultra Sound System. Seven selectable drive modes including Lift Mode give the Type S Advance a capability profile that BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Volvo XC90 competitors at its price point don't match. Value your current SUV online and apply for MDX financing.

• 290hp V6 with SH-AWD and 5,000 lbs towing — capability for active DC-area family lifestyles.
• Type S Advance: 355hp, adaptive air suspension, 31-speaker B&O, 7 drive modes.
• 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty — Acura's long-term ownership confidence.

Shop the 2026 Acura MDX at Rosenthal Acura in Gaithersburg

Rosenthal Acura at 623 N Frederick Ave is the only Acura dealership in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia to earn the Dealership of Distinction award, and we have served Gaithersburg and Montgomery County since 1986. The 2026 MDX is available now. Call (301) 840-9333 to schedule your test drive and compare standard MDX and Type S configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is new on the 2026 Acura MDX?

The 2026 MDX adds acoustic laminate windshield and front side glass as standard equipment across all trims for a noticeably quieter cabin, a 12.3-inch touchscreen now standard from the base trim, Google Built-In standard across the lineup, enhanced AcuraWatch with next-generation driver-assistance, and improved 16-way adjustable massaging front seats on upper trims.

What engine does the 2026 Acura MDX have?

The standard 2026 MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter VTEC V6 producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic. The MDX Type S uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 producing 355 horsepower. Super Handling AWD (SH-AWD) is available on the standard MDX and standard on the Type S.

What is Super Handling AWD on the 2026 Acura MDX?

SH-AWD is Acura's torque-vectoring AWD that distributes power not just between front and rear axles but left to right across the rear axle — actively assisting cornering rather than simply stabilizing the vehicle. With SH-AWD, the MDX's maximum towing capacity increases to 5,000 lbs.

What is the Acura MDX Type S Advance near Bethesda, MD?

The MDX Type S Advance produces 355 horsepower from a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, featuring Performance SH-AWD, Brembo 4-piston front brakes, adaptive air suspension with Lift Mode, and the 31-speaker Bang and Olufsen Ultra Sound System. Seven selectable drive modes include Lift Mode for on-demand ride height adjustment.

Where can I test drive a 2026 Acura MDX near Gaithersburg, MD?

Rosenthal Acura is located at 623 N Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20879. We carry the full 2026 MDX lineup including the MDX Type S Advance. Call (301) 840-9333 to schedule your test drive and compare configurations.