Compare The 2026 Volvo XC90 Vs. Acura MDX Luxury SUVs

Our Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX comparison pits two top contenders in the luxury three-row SUV market against one another. The Acura MDX is known for its sporty appeal, but the Volvo XC90 is lauded for its unmistakable Scandinavian design, efficient hybrid performance, and more expressive safety features. The team here at Wynne Volvo Cars of Hampton is confident you'll love the larger menu of upscale amenities and tech-forward driver aids in the Volvo XC90 – join us as we explore the highlights of each sport-ute.

Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX Specs

We begin by taking a look under the hood. The 2026 Volvo XC90 has a choice between two powertrains: the B5 and B6. The former is a 247-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid setup. The latter upgrades the same with a supercharger to increase horsepower to 295. The Acura MDX has a distinct advantage in power, offering 290 or 335 horsepower, depending on the trim level.

However, there are a few issues with Acura MDX performance. For starters, any Volvo XC90 trim can access the stronger B6 powertrain, but only the range-topping Type S Advance can utilize the model's powerful turbo engine. Plus, the Volvo XC90 gives you standard AWD and a 5,000-pound towing capacity¹ no matter what build you choose. Meanwhile, the Acura MDX starts off with FWD and a 3,500-pound towing capacity² – you'll have to shell out more to get road-gripping performance and towing strength that matches the Volvo SUV.

It's worth noting that the Volvo XC90 has a PHEV variant – the Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid – with the automaker's T8 powertrain that blows the Acura MDX with 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque.

Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX Fuel Economy

The other problem with the Acura MDX engines is fuel efficiency. The Volvo XC90 is a mild hybrid, meaning that it has an excellent EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 23/30/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),⁵ even with standard AWD. The Acura MDX isn't as efficient – it only reaches up to 19/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)⁶ with FWD, according to the EPA. That number only drops when you add AWD or the turbo engine to the equation.

Consider the Volvo XC90 PHEV we mentioned above to go even further. With upgraded electrification, the Volvo XC90 PHEV earns an EPA-estimated 58 MPGe (Combined)⁷ and 32 miles of electric-only range.⁷

Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX Interior & Comfort

With a smaller array of trims, the Volvo XC90 gives drivers easier access to high-end amenities that the Acura MDX either moves toward more expensive options or doesn't have at all. For example, all Volvo XC90 models come with four-zone climate control, while the Acura MDX only covers three zones. What if you want a heated steering wheel? You could go for the fourth-level Acura MDX Advance Package, or get it standard with the Volvo XC90.

Volvo XC90 cabins also have unique Scandinavian details that you can't get elsewhere. Its standard Orrefors® crystal gear selector knob adds a distinct jewel shine to your center console, and genuine gray ash wooden accents craft a homey environment in the Ultra trim. Acura MDX owners can get genuine wooden accents on select trims, but its focus is more on a sport-inspired cockpit than a truly elegant interior.

Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX Trim Levels

Let's turn our attention to trims. The Acura MDX goes from an accessible (if barebones) base to more costly levels, hiding many features higher in the list of these six models:

• Acura MDX (Base)
• Technology Package
• A-Spec Package
• Advance Package
• A-Spec Advance Packages
• Type S Advance

Alternatively, the Volvo XC90 prefers to give you more from the start, and has a simplified three-trim lineup:

• Core
• Plus
• Ultra

Acura MDX vs. Volvo XC90 Reliability

The last stop in our Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX brings us to what safety features these two models offer to you. Both the Volvo and Acura SUVs will keep you secure on the road. They each have an advanced Blind-Spot Information system, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a method to keep you safely behind other vehicles on the highway – Pilot Assist for the Volvo XC90 and Low Speed Follow for the Acura MDX.

However, the Volvo XC90 takes extra steps to ensure you get more with the Core trim level. For example, your Volvo XC90 Core comes with Rain-Sensing Wipers and more advanced rear sensor technology – Rain-Sensing Wipers are available for the Acura MDX. These and other safety disparities led the IIHS to award the Volvo XC90 with a more prestigious accolade in 2025 – the Top Safety Pick+ Award.³ The Acura MDX received a Top Safety Pick Award that year,⁴ which is still impressive, but not to the same degree.

Shop the Winning Volvo XC90 at Wynne Volvo Cars of Hampton

If you crowned the Volvo XC90 the winner of this three-row luxury SUV comparison, as we have, check out our Volvo XC90 specials. These ever-rotating incentives make getting behind the wheel of your favorite Volvo XC90 configuration that much more enticing.

If you're ready to get in the driver's seat and happen to be in our area, use our online finance application to get pre-approved for a lease or loan package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which SUV is better for towing: the new Volvo XC90 or the Acura MDX?

The Volvo XC90 is the preferred towing vehicle over the Acura MDX. While both models have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, only the Volvo XC90 has that capability across all configurations. The Acura MDX begins with a 3,500-pound tow rating for its standard FWD models,² which means the Volvo XC90 is the more consistent SUV for towing.

Is the Volvo XC90 a safer vehicle than the Acura MDX?

Both the Volvo XC90 and Acura MDX offer fantastic safety features. However, the Volvo XC90 has some advantages that earned it a Top Safety Pick+ Award from the IIHS in 2025,³ while the Acura MDX received only a Top Safety Pick Award that year.⁴ This was because of a better overlap front test and standard rear automatic braking, alongside other sensor tech that makes the Volvo SUV shine.

Does the Acura MDX have a plug-in-hybrid version like the Volvo XC90 does?

No, the Acura MDX does not have a plug-in-hybrid option, unlike the Volvo XC90. The Volvo XC90 PHEV offers a modest all-electric range, ideal for errands or short commutes, that introduces you to an eco-friendly drive with a supporting gasoline engine. The only electrified option from the Acura lineup is the all-electric ZDX, a two-row model that is behind on updates.

¹When properly equipped.

²Towing 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.

³Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/volvo/xc90-4-door-suv/2025

⁴Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Acura/mdx-4-door-suv/2025

⁵EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 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/

⁶Based 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.

⁷Estimated range according to the EPA driving cycles. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving behavior, driving conditions, how you maintain your vehicle, battery and other external factors. Visit fueleconomy.gov for further information.