2026 Volvo XC90 Vs. Acura MDX: Side-By-Side SUV Review
2026 Volvo XC90 vs. 2026 Acura MDX at a Glance
- The Volvo XC90 and Acura MDX are both three-row SUVs. However, the third row of the Volvo model is more suited to adults, accommodating people up to 5 feet, 7 inches tall.
- With higher standard and available horsepower, the Acura MDX has a sharper kick, but the Volvo XC90 is the more efficient vehicle.
- Starting at $70,945,1 the most luxurious Volvo XC90 trim, the Ultra, is more cost-effective than the Acura MDX Type S Advance, which costs $75,850.2
- While both SUVs are capable of towing 5,000 pounds,3,4 this performance is standard on the Volvo XC90, which contains standard all-wheel drive. To enjoy AWD and a boost from its standard 3,500-pound towing capacity,4 you need to upgrade your Acura MDX.
Which Three-Row SUV Is Right for You?
The choice between Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX SUVs isn't just a choice between two machines. These three-row models were designed with families, their comfort, and their safety in mind. Whichever one you end up with will wind up being the place you spend time with your kids before and after school or travel in for vacations. In this guide, we've compiled data on their fuel efficiency and towing capacity, but we leave it up to you to decide which one is going to be the future sight of car karaoke or the vehicle you'll teach your teenager how to drive in. You can also talk to our team at Volvo Cars of Cary if you have any follow-up questions.
Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX Specs & Performance
Both of these premium three-row SUVs pride themselves on smooth handling. The Volvo XC90 rides on a standard comfort chassis with Frequency Selective Damping and over 8 inches of ground clearance to help you adapt to different road conditions and easily clear obstacles. The Acura MDX strives to do the same with its Amplitude Reactive Dampers, although most of its trims have a ride height of 7.3 inches.
The Acura model is the more powerful of these two sport-utes, with Type S models having a quick 5.5-second 0-60 time.5 However, this added speed does come at a cost of $75,850.2 The Volvo B6 engine can reach 60 mph in 6.4 seconds at a starting cost of $67,445,1 making it less intimidating to apply for financing.
Here's a closer look at some of the specs you're most likely interested in.
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| 2026 Volvo XC90 | 2026 Acura MDX | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engines | B5 2.0L turbo 4-cyl | B6 2.0L turbo / super 4-cyl | 3.5L V-6 | 3.0L turbo V-6 |
| Horsepower | 247 | 295 | 290 | 355 |
| Max. EPA-est. MPG (Comb) | 266 | 236 | 22 (w/ FWD)7 | 197 |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | FWD or AWD | AWD |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Towing | 5,000 lb3 | 5,000 lb3 | 3,500 lb (w/ FWD)4 | 5,000 lb4 |
Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX Fuel Economy
As the chart above also demonstrates, thenew Volvo XC90 for sale is the more fuel-efficient choice. Its four-cylinder engine coordinates with its hybrid motor system to help you save on gas and reduce emissions.
For those looking to push into electrification even further, there is a Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid also available, which gives you a limited all-electric range and generates more horsepower and torque than either of the MDX powertrains. While Acura automakers are rumored to be considering a hybrid Acura MDX, one has not yet been put into production.
Comparing Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX Trim Levels
The Volvo SUV has a more streamlined list of trims than the Acura model:
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| 2026 Volvo XC90 | 2026 Acura MDX |
|---|---|
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On one hand, you might like the customization implied by the larger menu provided by the Acura SUV. On the other hand, the Volvo model more readily bundles its greatest luxuries together rather than making you climb more steps in a features ladder.
Both of these vehicles start off their lineup strong with a standard panoramic glass roof, a cargo-area power outlet, wireless phone charging, and a 12.3-inch driver information display behind the steering wheel. However, there are also some differences:
- The Volvo SUV has standard four-zone climate control, while the Acura model has a three-zone system.
- Although the Acura MDX has a larger, 12.3-inch central display, the Volvo version is a respectable 11.2 inches and is also free-standing, giving it a more prominent and elegant feel.
- Volvo Cars proudly offers recycled material upholstery in its Core and Plus trims. This bio-attributed material originates from forests in Sweden and Finland, blending beautifully with the vehicle's overall Scandinavian design. The Acura MDX has standard sports seats wearing leatherette upholstery.
2026 Volvo XC90 vs. 2026 Acura MDX Interior & Comfort
Volvo designers have a reputation for infusing tasteful luxury into all of their vehicles. This can include incorporating items like an Orrefors® crystal gear selector knob and a tailored steering wheel with satin silk trim into the cabin of the Volvo XC90.
Luxury isn't just about what you can touch, but how something makes you feel. To that end, Volvo vehicles come with ergonomically designed seats to support your back during long car rides. In this case, you can upgrade your driver's seat to come with Nappa leather upholstery, temperature-control capabilities, and massage functionality.
The Acura MDX also has available massaging, heated and cooled, leather front seats. Rather than a Scandinavian style, some of its design elements take on French inspiration. It's up to you to decide which aesthetic better suits your needs. However, for those who intend to make use of these SUVs' third rows, it's worth noting that the Volvo XC90 offers more third-row legroom.
Acura MDX vs. Volvo XC90 Reliability & Safety
While the IIHS has yet to evaluate either of these vehicles for safety for the 2026 model year, we can look to their 2025 versions for insight. The 2025 Acura MDX was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick, while the 2025 Volvo XC90 received the more prestigious honor of Top Safety Pick+ winner.8
They each proudly offer an advanced suite of driver-assistance features, including their own versions of Blind-Spot Monitoring, Collision Mitigation, and Lane-Keeping technology.
Test-Drive the Volvo XC90 at Volvo Cars of Cary
If you've reviewed our Volvo XC90 deals online and decided you want to take a closer look at this three-row SUV in person, stop by our dealership. Our team will be happy to help you explore its refined cabin, flexible cargo space, and range of exterior colors. If you're still undecided, we can expand your search to other options. Other than the Volvo XC90, you might consider the Volvo EX90, a three-row, all-electric sibling to this SUV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV has more advanced safety technology: the 2026 Volvo XC90 or the 2026 Acura MDX?
The 2026 Volvo XC90 and the 2026 Acura MDX have comparably advanced safety technology, including available Surround-View Cameras, Front and Rear Parking Assist, and Head-Up Displays. However, the 2025 Volvo XC90 was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award winner, which is a higher level of recognition than the 2025 Acura MDX received.8 We will update this page once the 2026 results come in.
Which has more usable third-row legroom: the Volvo XC90 or the Acura MDX?
The Volvo XC90 offers more usable third-row legroom than the Acura MDX. With 31.9 inches of space available in the rearmost row, adults up to 5 feet, 7 inches tall can relax inside the Volvo SUV. The Acura model offers 29.1 inches of legroom and is better suited for teenagers or children. Dimensions, like third-row headroom, are more aligned at approximately 36 inches.
How do the 2026 Volvo XC90 and the Acura MDX compare in terms of performance?
The 2026 Volvo XC90 is the more fuel-efficient SUV thanks to its mild-hybrid four-cylinder powertrain options, while the Acura MDX derives more raw horsepower from its V-6 and turbo twin-scroll engines. They both are capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which involves upgrading from FWD to AWD in the Acura SUV. AWD is standard in the Volvo model.
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.
3When properly equipped.
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.
5Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/acura/mdx-2026
6EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 MPG highway/26 MPG combined (B5 AWD) and 20 MPG city/26 MPG highway/23 MPG combined (B6 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 2026 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.
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit www.iihs.org