Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Acura MDX near Bethany, CT

Key Features of the 2026 Acura MDX

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™

Available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ is one of the most important reasons to consider the MDX, especially for Connecticut drivers who appreciate confident handling on highways, winding roads, and busy local routes. This rear-biased system can send power to all four wheels, helping the SUV feel planted and responsive. In everyday driving, SH-AWD® supports traction and stability. In more spirited driving, torque vectoring helps the MDX rotate through corners with greater precision. The 10-speed automatic transmission keeps the engine in its responsive range, while paddle shifters allow the driver to take a more active role. With SH-AWD®, the MDX also offers a max towing capability of 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped, adding practical strength for small trailers and recreational gear. The Type S Advance builds on this foundation with performance-focused tuning, a turbocharged engine, and additional chassis hardware that sharpens the overall feel.

Integrated Dynamics System

The Integrated Dynamics System allows the MDX to adapt its personality to the drive. Drivers can select from modes such as Snow, Comfort, Normal, and Sport, while the Type S Advance adds Sport+ and Lift modes for an even wider range of control. Comfort Mode provides easier steering inputs and a quieter engine note, making the SUV feel smooth and relaxed. Normal Mode balances ride comfort, throttle response, and handling for daily use. Sport Mode increases steering feedback and, when equipped with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, enhances torque vectoring for a more athletic character. Type S Advance models go further with Sport+, which brings firmer damper behavior, quicker throttle response, and a lower ride height at higher speeds. Lift mode, also exclusive to Type S Advance, can add 50mm of ground clearance for demanding on-road conditions. This range of drive settings helps the MDX feel tailored rather than one-dimensional.

Three-Row Seating

The MDX cabin is designed for real-world flexibility, not just a long specification sheet. Seating for up to seven comes standard, and the multi-functional 2nd row includes a removable middle seat that can create easier access to the 3rd row. The 3rd-row seats feature a 50/50 split, allowing shoppers to balance passenger space and cargo needs. Behind the 3rd row, the MDX provides 16.3 cu. ft. of standard cargo area volume and up to 18.1 cu. ft. of max cargo area volume. Fold the 3rd row, and space expands to 39.1 cu. ft. standard, or up to 48.4 cu. ft. max. With the rear two rows folded flat, cargo volume reaches up to 95.0 cu. ft. The hidden cargo storage area includes a reversible smart lid with a plastic side for easier cleanup, and the lid can be stowed to increase space for bulkier items even when all three rows are in use.

Google built-in

Technology in the MDX feels modern because it is designed around familiar digital tools. Google built-in is standard on all packages and includes access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play, and more. Saying “Hey Google” can help control navigation, music, cabin temperature, and other functions, allowing the driver to keep attention on the road. The 12.3-in color touchscreen is the widest screen ever featured in an Acura, and it integrates naturally into the dashboard with bright, clear graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility and wireless Android Auto™ compatibility are also standard, making smartphone pairing simple. The 12.3-in Precision Cockpit™ digital instrument cluster is configurable, so drivers can choose a layout that fits preferences and view advanced driver-assistive system alerts directly ahead. Standard wireless charging, AcuraLink® Connected Services, Wi-Fi Hotspot Capability, and multiple USB ports across all three rows make the MDX a strong choice for connected families.

AcuraWatch™

Every MDX includes AcuraWatch™, a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies designed to help enhance driver awareness, avoid collisions, and mitigate impact severity. Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) can alert the driver when a potential frontal impact is detected and may apply brake pressure when needed. Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) can warn of an unintentional departure from a detected lane or roadway and may apply steering torque and braking assistance. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow helps maintain a set following interval and can bring the vehicle to a complete stop when traffic requires. Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) applies steering assistance at higher speeds to help keep the Acura centered in a detected lane. Additional technologies include Pedestrian Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition, Traffic Jam Assist, Blind Spot Information System, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, available Low Speed Braking Control, and available Surround-View Camera on select packages.