What Is The Towing Capacity Of The Acura MDX?
At a Glance
- Harness a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with SH-AWD.
- The Acura MDX is powered by a 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine; opt for the Type S Advance trim for a twin-scroll turbocharger that boosts horsepower to 355.
- A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters delivers that power smoothly.
- Choose between standard FWD or available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive configurations.
- The MDX is weekend-ready and capable of towing small campers, boats, and Jet Skis with confidence and stability.
In addition to a powerful engine, a luxurious interior, and a host of tech-savvy features, the Acura MDX towing capacity is one of the many reasons this premium three-row SUV is a popular option. The 2026 Acura MDX can do it all gracefully, from taking the kids to school to tackling heavy traffic on the way to work. On the weekends, when it's time to haul your heavy toys, the MDX is equally ready for adventure. Let's look at the Acura MDX towing specs before you see it for yourself at Muller's Woodfield Acura.
What Can the Acura MDX Tow?
Considering the Acura MDX is a luxury SUV, it may be hard to believe that it can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. However, its sleek and sophisticated design hides the power under the hood. The MDX is powered by a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque through a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel drive is standard, and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive is available, which is necessary to get the maximum towing capacity. With front-wheel drive, the MDX can tow up to 3,500 pounds,1 which is enough power to tow a small fishing boat, Jet Skis, or motorcycle trailers. But if you want to tow heavier equipment, opting for the SH-AWD model, including the high-performance, 355-horsepower MDX Type S Advance, is a necessity.
The Acura MDX can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the all-wheel drivetrain, perfect for small boats, Jet Skis, and recreational equipment.
Acura MDX: Towing Capacity by Trim Level
The chart below will show you that for Acura MDX towing specs, it's all about the drivetrain – Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) gets you the maximum towing capacity.
| 2026 Acura MDX | 2026 Acura MDX Technology Package | 2026 Acura MDX A-Spec Package | 2026 Acura MDX Advance Package | 2026 Acura MDX A-Spec Advance Package | 2026 Acura MDX Type S Advance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5-liter V-6 | 3.5-liter V-6 | 3.5-liter V-6 | 3.5-liter V-6 | 3.5-liter V-6 | 3.5-liter twin-scroll turbocharged V-6 |
| Horsepower | 290 | 290 | 290 | 290 | 290 | 355 |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 354 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters | 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters | 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters | 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters | 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters | 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters |
| Drivetrain | FWD / Super Handling AWD | FWD / Super Handling AWD | Super Handling AWD | Super Handling AWD | Super Handling AWD | Super Handling AWD |
| Max Towing Capacity |
|
|
5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) |
|
|
19 / 25 / 21 - SH-AWD2 | 19 / 25 / 21 - SH-AWD2 | 19 / 25 / 21 - SH-AWD2 | 17 / 21 / 19 - SH-AWD2 |
| Curb Weight |
|
|
4,544 lbs | 4,544 lbs | 4,544 lbs | 4,776 lbs |
There's a lot more than towing that sets the MDX trim levels apart. Read our Acura MDX trim level comparison guide if you want a more detailed walkthrough.
The Acura MDX can tow up to 3,500 or 5,000 pounds, when properly equipped, in its lower trim levels. SH-AWD models can pull the most.
Acura MDX: Towing Capacity by Year
The Acura MDX has balanced luxury comfort with impressive capability for years, and its towing capacity reflects that versatility. Looking at models from 2019 to now, it's easy to see that Acura stayed true to its winning formula, as a 3,500 to 5,000-pound towing capacity has always been the sweet spot.
Models equipped with SH-AWD help enhance towing stability by distributing the power between all wheels for better control. In addition to strong towing performance, the MDX also offers practical payload capacity, allowing you to carry passengers, cargo, and gear while towing.
While towing strength has remained consistent over the years, other elements like technology, safety features, and interior upgrades have continued to evolve. Learn more in our Acura MDX comparison by year primer.
The MDX has consistently towed the same weight since the 2019 model year, showing that Acura has stuck to a winning formula.
Test-Drive the Acura MDX Today at Muller's Woodfield Acura
If you're ready to experience the power and sophistication of the Acura MDX, stop by Muller's Woodfield Acura for a test drive. You can also explore how the MDX compares with its corporate sibling in our Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot comparison.
Also, if you want to see how the Acura MDX competes with other brands, check out our Acura MDX vs. Toyota Highlander comparison. We're sure you'll like how the MDX stacks up, and when you're ready to schedule an appointment, we'll be happy to work with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Acura MDX powerful enough to tow a camper?
Yes, the Acura MDX is powerful enough to tow a small camper when properly equipped. With its 3.5-liter V-6 engine and available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), the MDX can tow up to 5,000 pounds.1 That towing power gives it the capability to tow small boats, lightweight campers, and small trailers. Ask our team for more information on the MDX's towing capabilities.
Is AWD required for maximum MDX towing capacity?
All-wheel drive is required to achieve the Acura MDX's maximum towing capacity. Models equipped with Acura's SH-AWD can tow up to 5,000 pounds.1 The front-wheel-drive Acura MDX models have a lower towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, making the SH-AWD model the better choice if you plan to tow small trailers, boats, or small campers.
Do you need a towing package for the Acura MDX?
Yes, you generally need the available towing package to safely tow with the Acura MDX, especially to make use of its maximum towing performance. The package includes equipment like a trailer hitch, a hitch ball, a wiring harness, and a transmission cooler, which help the SUV handle heavier loads. If you're interested in adding the towing package at the time of purchase, our sales team can help.
1Towing 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.
2Based 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.