2025 Volvo XC90 Vs. Acura MDX Comparison Breakdown
2025 Volvo XC90 vs. 2025 Acura MDX at a Glance
- The Acura MDX starts at a lower MSRP but quickly balloons to over $7,000 extra on the highest trim.1,2
- While the Acura has an impressive engine, the Volvo XC90 can outpace its standard option with the B6 lineup, available on all levels – and fuel efficiency is not a close competition.
- Despite being the shorter vehicle, the Volvo XC90 has competitive legroom, headroom, and cargo specs – including significantly more third-row legroom.3
- Comfort is firmly with the Volvo SUV, thanks to four-zone climate control, afterrun climate, and enhanced insulation.
- Both models sport impeccable safety options, but the Volvo XC90 gets earlier access to a 360-Degree Camera and available Pilot Assist.
If you're searching for a one-of-a-kind luxury vehicle to enhance your day-to-day, our Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX comparison guide is a must-read. Both of these three-row SUVs are prime examples of excellent value for the entire family. However, the Volvo XC90 at Volvo Cars Richmond takes that extra step, furnishing your interior with incomparable features and delivering extraordinary MPG ratings.
However, the Acura model is a close competitor. Let's review the pros and cons for both so you can test-drive with confidence.
Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX Specs
To begin, the powertrain options under the hood of these family vehicles have two different priorities. The Acura model's standard 3.5-liter V-6 uses its disappointing MPG rating to reach 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Acura MDX only has one other engine – exclusive to its most expensive Type S trim – which is a 355-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder. By default, the Acura MDX comes in FWD with 3,500 pounds of towing capacity.4
The engine offerings for the Volvo XC90 excel. The B5 and B6 engines are both incredibly capable options with standard AWD, 5,000 pounds of towing capacity without any add-ons,5 and engaging 0-60 mph times. The T8 Plug-In Hybrid engine pushes 455 horsepower.
2025 Volvo XC90
| 2025 Acura MDX
| |
|---|---|---|
| Price |
|
| Engine |
|
| Horsepower |
|
| Torque |
|
| AWD | Drivetrain | FWD, AWD Available |
| 8-speed auto | Transmission | 10-speed auto |
| 23 / 30 / 266 | EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 19 / 26 / 227 |
| 7 | Maximum Seating Capacity | 7 |
| 10.6 / 85.7 cu ft | Maximum Cargo Capacity | 16.3 / 95 cu ft |
| 5,000 lbs5 | Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs4 |
Acura MDX vs. Volvo XC90 Fuel Economy
The biggest win for the Volvo XC90 is gas savings. Where the best MPG ratings for the MDX are 19/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),7 the new Volvo XC90 for sale gets 23/30/26 MPG.6 And remember, the Acura MDX has FWD by default, while the Volvo model has standard AWD. AWD Acura MDX models have an EPA-estimated 19/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).7
Acura MDX vs. Volvo XC90 Interior & Comfort
The 2025 Volvo XC90 vs. 2025 Acura MDX comparison heats up in the cabins. A custom-crafted crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors® lets you shift in style, Gray or Brown Ash genuine wooden decor enhances your dashboard, and Nordico or Nappa leather upholstery creates a homey atmosphere in the Core, Plus, or Ultra levels.
Acura models are comfortable, featuring amenities like 12-way leather-trimmed seats. However, the interior of an Acura MDX lacks the flare that the Volvo XC90 prioritizes; genuine wooden accents are only available starting on the Advance package, for example.
Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX Infotainment & Tech
The interior differences become more pronounced once you consider technology. The Volvo XC90 utilizes a built-in Google Assistant™ to make navigating the 11.2-inch central display intuitive. An easy-to-access wireless charging pad and four-zone climate system further improve your comfort – and that of your family.
The Acura SUV shares many of those tech luxuries, such as Google Built-In, impressive screen space, and a wireless charging pad. However, it falls flat in some key categories. For instance, it only has three-zone climate control without afterrun functionality.
Acura MDX vs. Volvo XC90 Reliability & Safety
We conclude our Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX tour with a look into safety software. Regardless of the midsize SUV you select, you'll find helpful driver-assistance features, including standard Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Aid, and Blind Spot Information Systems. Both models have an available Head-Up Display, letting you get warnings directly on the windshield.
However, driver assistance may be the biggest disparity between these two models. The Acura MDX misses out on key functions that the Volvo XC90 has standard, like Slippery Road Assist. The Acura SUV also doesn't have a comparable program to Volvo Pilot Assist. If that wasn't enough, several standard programs on the Volvo XC90 find themselves relegated to higher-level Acura trims: Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Active Lane Change Assist, and Rain Sensors all require more investment in the Acura lineup.
These slight alterations are the reasons why the 2025 Volvo XC90 was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS,7 while the 2025 Acura MDX was just a Top Safety Pick8 without the coveted "Plus" addition. If peace of mind is a priority, the Volvo SUV is the way to go.
Find Scandinavian Luxury at Volvo Cars Richmond
Our Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX guide shows that, while the Acura MDX is a fantastic vehicle, the Volvo XC90 is the preferred option for families valuing safety, MPG ratings, and prestigious comfort. And our Volvo XC90 lease deals are here to help you get that higher trim level you and your family will adore for years to come.
To see the Volvo SUV conquer more luxury competition, visit our Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Volvo XC90 or Acura MDX more fuel-efficient?
If fuel efficiency is your priority, the Volvo XC90 offers three distinct powertrains with better EPA-estimated ratings than the Acura MDX. The base MPG rating of the Volvo XC90 is 23/30/26 (City/Highway/Combined),6 with standard AWD. The best ratings for the Acura MDX are 19/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),7 and that's with standard front-wheel drive.
Between the Volvo XC90 and MDX, which is more versatile with its powertrains?
The Volvo XC90 comes in three powertrain variants: the B5, B6, and T8 plug-in hybrid. If you want an Acura MDX, you only get two powertrain choices: a 3.5-liter V-6 or a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder. Neither Acura engine is electrified, meaning the Volvo XC90 is your best bet if you want to try out plug-in hybrid potency and all-electric mileage.
Which SUV has a more luxurious interior: the 2025 Volvo XC90 or the MDX?
While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the Volvo XC90 offers Scandinavian design elements that the Acura MDX can't emulate. For example, the crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors® – standard across all trims – has no similar luxury in the Acura cabin. The four-zone climate control in the Volvo SUV is more comprehensive than the three-zone you get in the Acura MDX.
1Prices shown are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), Base Price or Starting At price and excludes destination fees, taxes, title, license, and registration and/or electronic filing fees, dealer fees.
2Prices shown do not include taxes title or license. Prices shown include a destination and handling charge. The destination and handling charge for TLX is $1,095 or $1,195, and RDX and MDX are $1,195 or $1,350. Integra is $1,095 or $1,195. ZDX is $1,350. Actual vehicles/accessory costs, labor and installation vary. Please consult your selected dealer.
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/volvo/xc90
4Towing requires the addition of the Acura accessory trailer hitch and hitch ball. Please see your Acura dealer for details. Added cargo weight in the vehicle may reduce max towing capacity, see Owners Guide for details.
5When properly equipped.
6EPA estimated range is 30 MPG city/23 MPG highway/26 MPG combined (B5 AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/
7Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.