2026 Acura MDX vs 2025 TLX Review

Acura of Stockton presents a comparison: 2026 Acura MDX vs 2025 Acura TLX

The 2026 Acura MDX continues to raise the bar for luxury midsize SUVs, offering a refined balance of performance, comfort, and technology that stands in contrast to the sport sedan character of the 2025 Acura TLX. While both models share Acura’s signature design language and premium craftsmanship, the MDX’s bold stance, commanding front fascia, and three-row versatility give it a clear edge for families and drivers in Sacramento, Elk Grove, and Modesto seeking more space. Inside, the 2026 Acura MDX elevates the experience with a new ambient lighting palette, a spacious 12.3-inch high-definition infotainment display, Google Built-In for connected navigation and apps, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system. In comparison, the 2025 TLX caters to those who prioritize agility and a sport-oriented drive, with its lower, more aerodynamic profile and driver-focused cabin layout. Both vehicles offer robust powertrains: the MDX provides a smooth and confident 3.5-liter V6 or the exhilarating 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 in the Type S, while the TLX delivers its own version of performance-tuned excitement, particularly in its Type S variant. In this comparison, Acura of Stockton will continue to review all the ways that the 2026 Acura MDX differs from the 2025 Acura TLX including size, cargo capacity, engine specs, and interior highlights. Depending on the set of needs your next vehicle requires, we hope you make your way over to see us at our lot in Stockton for a test drive!

Engine Specs and Fuel Economy

Starting off with the 2026 Acura MDX, this impressive SUV delivers a well-balanced blend of power, refinement, and capability, starting with its standard 3.5-liter V6 engine. Generating 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, this proven powertrain offers smooth, confident acceleration that’s perfect for both city commutes and long highway drives, reaching 0–60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. Drivers seeking more performance can opt for the exhilarating 2026 Acura MDX Type S, which boasts a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This high-output engine propels the MDX Type S from 0–60 mph in just 5.5 seconds and is paired with a performance-tuned suspension and advanced handling systems for sharper cornering and a sportier, more engaging drive. All-wheel drive is available across the MDX lineup and comes standard on the Type S, ensuring enhanced traction and stability in a variety of road conditions. In terms of efficiency, the standard V6 with front-wheel drive delivers an estimated 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, with all-wheel-drive versions offering slightly lower highway figures. The turbocharged Type S achieves 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway—an expected trade-off for its heightened performance.

Under the hood, the 2025 Acura TLX offers a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 277 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters for an engaging drive. Multiple drive modes let you tailor the experience, from the relaxed, easygoing feel of Comfort and Normal to the sharper, more responsive Sport mode. For those craving more adrenaline, the TLX Type S takes performance to the next level with the same 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 as in the MDX, producing an exhilarating 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse accelerates from 0–60 mph in roughly 5 seconds and features high-performance Brembo brakes for confident, controlled stopping. Sport+ mode heightens responsiveness for a true enthusiast’s experience. Fuel economy remains competitive for its class: the front-wheel-drive TLX returns an estimated 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, while the all-wheel-drive A-Spec achieves 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The more performance-focused Type S delivers 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Interior Comparison

With only subtle changes for the new model year, the 2026 Acura MDX builds on its already luxurious foundation with thoughtful refinements and advanced tech upgrades. A standout enhancement for 2026 is the introduction of the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system on top trims, replacing the ELS Studio setup to deliver richer audio clarity and immersive depth. The 12.3-inch high-definition infotainment display remains, now enhanced with Google Built-In for improved voice commands, seamless Google Maps navigation, and direct access to streaming apps. Inside, the cabin continues to impress with its spacious layout and high-end craftsmanship, now featuring quicker interface response and subtly refreshed dashboard styling to match Acura’s modern design direction. Base trims offer refined leatherette upholstery, while upper trims showcase premium Milano leather or quilted leather for an even more elevated feel. Heated front seats are standard, with ventilated and massaging functions available on Advance and Type S models. The panoramic sunroof, tri-zone climate control, and versatile cargo configurations cater to families, while comfort is complemented by updated ambient lighting and new interior color options that add a fresh, contemporary touch. At a size of over 198 inches in length, the 2026 Acura MDX has room for up to seven passengers across three rows of seating, and offers 18.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity with all rows in use. This can expand to 95 cubic feet with both the back two rows folded down.

Step inside the 2025 Acura TLX and you will find a cabin that fuses athletic styling with premium craftsmanship, featuring similar upscale materials like Milano leather and suede on higher trims. Standard heated sport seats keep both driver and front passenger comfortable, while heated rear outboard seats are available for added passenger luxury. The interior layout includes a sleek push-button shifter, ample storage solutions, and a fully digital gauge cluster, with a head-up display offered exclusively on the Type S. On the technology side, every 2025 Acura TLX in our Stockton inventory is equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The system is controlled via an intuitive touchpad interface—a distinctive alternative to traditional touchscreens. Audio quality is equally impressive, with a 13-speaker system standard and an upgraded 17-speaker setup featured on the A-Spec and Type S trims. Smaller in size when compared to the MDX at just over 194 inches, the TLX offers 13.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the trunk, and room for five passengers.

Trim Level Comparison

The 2026 Acura MDX offers a little more variety with six well-equipped trims for sale at Acura of Stockton. Starting with the Standard trim, customers can enjoy 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, AcuraWatch safety features, simulated leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and an 11-speaker audio system. The Technology Package adds 20-inch wheels, Milano leather seating, navigation, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system, while the A-Spec Package delivers sportier styling, SH-AWD, ultrasuede and leather seating, red ambient lighting, and ventilated front seats. The Advance Package focuses on luxury with massaging 16-way power seats, open-pore wood trim, a heated steering wheel, and third-row USB ports, while the A-Spec Advance Package blends sporty aesthetics with premium amenities. At the top, the Type S Advance pairs a 355-horsepower turbocharged V6 with performance upgrades like Brembo brakes, adaptive air suspension, and a 31-speaker audio system. Meanwhile, the 2025 Acura TLX is offered in three trims: the Technology Package with comfort-focused features and a 13-speaker ELS Studio audio system, the A-Spec Package with sport styling and a 17-speaker audio upgrade, and the high-performance Type S with a turbocharged V6, Brembo brakes, 20-inch wheels, and advanced tech like a head-up display and surround-view camera.

Acura of Stockton

Here at Acura of Stockton, we know a good thing when we see it! The 2025 Acura TLX and 2026 Acura MDX are exceptional examples of Acura’s ability to create vehicles that seamlessly blend stunning performance with high-end luxury amenities.   As a dedicated dealership with experienced and friendly staff,  we want to be the first place you think of when considering the purchase of a new Acura!  With competitive prices and large inventory, we know we can provide what you want, when you want it!  Just ask all of the happy customers we have served from the surrounding areas of Sacramento, Elk Grove, and Modesto!  Whether you are coming in for maintenance at our service station, or to create a unique financing plan to meet your needs, Acura of Stockton is by your side!   We hope this comparison of the 2025 Acura TLX and 2026 Acura MDX has helped you, and please don’t hesitate to come down and see us at Acura of Stockton with any more questions about the differences between these two outstanding vehicles, and to experience each for yourself!