3 Reasons the 2026 Acura MDX SH-AWD Type S Advance Beats the Competition

Audio, handling, and interior design. If you came for the list, you’re all set. Thanks for the click! We do hope you’ll stick around a bit longer and let us tell you what we think these three aspects of the MDX make it the leader in the premium three-row SUV class.

Who are we to judge? In two decades of vehicle testing, I’ve had the pleasure of testing some really fantastic three-row SUVs. Looking back over my test notes, I see that I reviewed the MDX in 2022, 2024, and 2025. This will be my fourth weeklong test report of the MDX in five years. These don’t include the short drives I was fortunate to have at media events like the New England Motor Press Association’s winter test day event and Ragtop Ramble. I’ve tested the best from Mercedes, Lexus, BMW, Dodge (yes, Dodge is a player in this segment for sure), Land Rover, and many other fine brands. Each has something it’s best at. In my opinion, the Acura MDX has established itself as a leader in three distinct ways.

2026 MDX Audio
If you told me a couple of years ago that there could ever be a better audio system than the ELS Studio 3D Signature Edition Premium sound system, I would not have thought it possible. That system is phenomenal. Acura moved away from it, and I thought it would be a short moment of excellence in automotive audio and that Acura just got lucky. I was wrong on both points.

The 2026 Acura MDX we tested has a Bang and Olufsen Ultra Sound System with 31 speakers. Let me double-check that. Yes, 31 speakers. That’s about 20 more than any decent audio system has in 2026, and man, can you hear the difference.

The best way I can describe this system is to say it has flexibility, clarity, punch, and range. It’s flexible because it works amazingly well on older classic rock and also today’s music hits. One was originally analog and used bass drums kicked by a person, and today we use digital recording, and the downbeats are electronic. This system makes both sound amazing.

In terms of clarity, let’s take the classic Brandi, Your a Fine Girl by Looking Glass. It was recorded in 1972, and I am old enough to remember when it was new. Barely. I’ve been listening to that song for 54 years, and I swear to you I heard new instruments and sounds in it today. It’s like you are in the recording studio. Crisp, clear, and with each frequency present and accounted for. In lesser systems, you just enjoy the muddy-sounding old analog groove. With this one, you can actually enjoy that song like it’s quality music.

Now let’s play some Linkin Park. Maybe Numb. That song bursts at you, and you want to feel the energy. The Acura MDX gives it to you as you remember it on your old big cabinet speakers in your first apartment. Cue up a modern song with some serious bass, and you feel the thump in your chest. You can move the music mood around using a nifty circular adjustment, rather than simply having bass, treble, and midrange sliders. You’ll love it. 

2026 Acura MDX Handling
The handling in the MDX is, well, super. It may sound daft, but it’s true. The MDX is light on its feet. It drives smaller than its actual size, and it will remind you what 7,000-pound EV SUVs can never give you. Lightness and that eager-to-play feeling. It feels tossable. I didn't actually toss it, but you know what I mean. If you are buying that third row because you must, this is the best SUV to make it OK.

2026 Acura MDX - Interior
Lately, I’m finding myself in some amazing interiors. I just stepped out of the Dodge Durango’s top trim, and it really impressed me. Masculine and well-dressed like the Most Interesting Man In the World sort of looks. The MDX is the opposite. It’s like a model in Armani. It feels modern, but not silly like some of the new EV brands. The infotainment is part of the interior, not THE interior. It has Google built in, but Acura will also give you Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rather than nickel and dime you like some brands now do with subscriptions. Every aspect of the MDX’s interior feels like it was crafted by someone who cares. Someone who really understands what perfect can be.

2026 Acura MDX - The Rest of the Story
What’s not to like about a turbocharged six-cylinder mated to a 10-speed auto? It’s got more than you can ever dream of using on public roads, and it is silent and smooth. There are massaging seats, lane change assist, and since you are going to have kids in it now and then, it’s a Top Safety Pick.

The 2026 Acura MDX SH-AWD Type S Advance has a consumer cost of $77,900, including Destination and Handling, but not including dealer Doc Fees. Its warranty spans six years and 70,000 miles, and it is built in East Liberty, Ohio. Tell us in the comments below if you think its three special strengths make it worthy of your consideration.

Shopping certified Pro-owned as well? Let us offer you some past MDX reviews for prior years:
2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD Advance Review- Sublime Satisfaction
2024 Acura MDX SH-AWD Type S ADV - A Comprehensive Sensory Delight
2025 Acura MDX Type S - What Makes It Special?

John Goreham is a 14-year veteran of Torque News. An accomplished writer and a long-time expert in vehicle testing, Goreham also serves as the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association and has a growing social media presence. He’s also a 10-year staff writer and community moderator for Car Talk. Goreham holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an undergraduate Certificate in Marketing. In addition to vehicle and tire content, he offers deep dives into market trends and opinion pieces. You can follow John Goreham on X and TikTok, and connect with him on LinkedIn.

Top of page and seat images by John Goreham. Other images courtesy of Acura.