2025 Acura MDX vs 2026 Volvo XC90

$51,200 · Crossover

$61,050 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura MDX arrives with an enthusiastic spirit, boasting a robust 290 hp from its V6 to tackle the road, immediately setting it apart in spirited driving compared to the composed 2026 Volvo XC90's 247 hp output. The Acura prioritizes raw momentum, channeling power through its standard front-wheel-drive configuration, while the Volvo leans into sophisticated stability with standard all-wheel drive. Priced significantly lower at $51,200 versus the XC90's $61,050, the MDX offers a $9,850 saving that demands attention. However, the XC90 counters with slightly superior efficiency, achieving a 24 MPG combined rating versus the MDX’s 22 MPG combined. While the Acura offers more peak horsepower, the Volvo's slightly smaller footprint (195.0 inches long vs. 198.4 inches) suggests agile maneuverability despite its slightly higher 69.9-inch stature.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volvo XC90

The 2026 Volvo XC90 is preferred for commuting due to its better fuel economy, achieving 27 MPG on the highway compared to the MDX's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volvo XC90

Families will appreciate the standard All-Wheel Drive on the XC90, offering enhanced security over the MDX's standard Front Wheel Drive.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura MDX

The 2025 Acura MDX delivers superior outright performance with 290 horsepower, significantly outgunning the XC90's 247 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX is the clear value leader, starting $9,850 less expensive than the Volvo XC90 while offering more horsepower.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

You prioritize peak performance and responsive acceleration, as the MDX commands 290 hp.
You are looking to save nearly $10,000, with the MDX priced at $51,200 compared to the XC90's $61,050.
You prefer the robust power delivery of a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Volvo XC90 if...

Maximum all-weather security is paramount, thanks to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You seek marginally better running costs, delivering a 24 MPG combined rating versus 22 MPG.
You prefer a slightly shorter vehicle length (195.0 inches) for easier urban parking maneuvers.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura MDX	Volvo XC90
Length	198.4"	195.0"
Width	78.7"	-
Height	67.9"	69.9"
Wheelbase	113.8"	117.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Volvo
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	290 hp @ 6200 rpm	247 hp
Torque	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	266 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Volvo
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Volvo
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	22/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/481.0 mi.	413.6/507.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	18.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Volvo
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Volvo
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	11	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Stereo Power	—	220W
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Volvo
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Volvo
Front Head Room	38.5 in.	38.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	59.3 in.	56.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Volvo
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.5 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	56.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.8 in.	56.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Volvo
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/55R19	275/45R20
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Volvo
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Volvo
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura MDX and 2026 Volvo XC90.

How does the power difference between the two crossovers affect daily driving?

The 2025 Acura MDX has a distinct advantage with 290 horsepower, making merging and passing more assertive. The 2026 Volvo XC90, with 247 horsepower, provides adequate power but feels less punchy when pushed hard.

Is the Acura MDX or the Volvo XC90 more economical on gas?

The Volvo XC90 edges out the competition slightly with a combined fuel economy of 24 MPG, compared to the MDX's 22 MPG combined rating. Both recommend premium unleaded fuel for their engines.

What is the significant MSRP difference between the MDX and the XC90?

The 2026 Volvo XC90 carries a substantial premium, starting at $61,050, while the 2025 Acura MDX undercuts it significantly at $51,200, representing a difference of $9,850.

Which crossover offers better foundational traction capabilities?

The 2026 Volvo XC90 includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment, providing superior traction distribution. The 2025 Acura MDX defaults to a Front Wheel Drive configuration.

How do the transmissions compare between the MDX and the XC90?

The performance-oriented Acura MDX utilizes a more advanced 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the Volvo XC90 pairs its engine with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Is one vehicle notably smaller or larger in physical dimensions?

The Acura MDX is slightly longer at 198.4 inches, whereas the Volvo XC90 is shorter in length (195.0 inches) but notably taller at 69.9 inches compared to the MDX's 67.9 inches.