2025 Acura MDX vs. 2025 Volvo XC90 Comparison

This is really a battle of the haves versus the haves. The Acura MDX is a premium midsize SUV; so too is the 2025 Volvo XC90.

Both are 3-row utility vehicles with room for seven people with plenty of power and looks that aren’t cutting edge, yet very appealing. Each of these vehicles offers something for everybody, making the choice between the two pretty difficult.

Let’s see how the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90 compare.

2025 Acura MDX

Courtesy of a midcycle refresh, there are some changes for the Acura MDX, including updates to the front and rear bumpers. On the inside, gone is the old clunky console-mounted trackpad, replaced with a 12.3-inch touchscreen powered by Google built-in.

Most models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 290 horsepower. It’s connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission and features front-wheel drive (FWD) for the base model, but if you move up two trim packages to the A-Spec all-wheel drive (AWD) becomes standard spec. If you jump to the Type S Advance performance variant, you’ll enjoy a 355-hp V6 with all-wheel drive.

Acura MDX Highlights

Posh, innovative interior: The MDX’s luxurious and tech-rich cabin is a massive selling point. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless smartphone charging and Wi-Fi. Our ears really like the sound of the new Bang & Olufsen audio system that’s standard in all but the base trim.

AcuraLink: Free for three years, AcuraLink brings features such as maintenance scheduling, automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, and remote lock/unlock — to name just a few.

Multi-function second row: One especially neat feature in the MDX is the standard multi-function second row with a removable middle seat. This enables either seating for up to seven when the middle is left in place, or a pair of captain’s seats and easy third row access when removed.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the MDX models for sale near you. 

2025 Volvo XC90

Few brands are as identifiable as Volvo. The XC90 exemplifies that ethos with its simple yet elegant exterior styling, which is matched by a similarly uncluttered and upscale cabin. A choice of two mild-hybrid turbo 4-cylinder powertrains is available, one making 247 hp, the other 295 hp. All XC90 models come standard with all-wheel drive. The XC90 is also available as a plug-in hybrid, reviewed separately.

For 2025, XC90 updates include a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen that gives you access to the infotainment system. The XC90 can be had in one of three trim levels: Core, Plus, or Ultra. As you move up the line, you get more of the cool stuff, like heated and ventilated seats, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and even a crystal gear selector knob. Like the MDX, the XC90 can seat up to seven, or six if you configure it with second-row captain’s seats.

Volvo XC90 Highlights 

Search it up: The XC90 comes with Google built-in, allowing you to access Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play as you tool down the road.

Stay focused: The available head-up display gives you all the needed information as you navigate to your final destination, including getting updates on how far before your next turn and the speed limit for the road you’re traveling.

Clean environment: Volvo’s known for keeping you safe in crashes, but now it’s looking to keep you safe in other ways, starting with the cabin air. The XC90 features an advanced air purifier that prevents 95% of the PM 2.5 particles from entering the cabin.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the XC90 models for sale near you. 

Similarities

Both the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90 midsize luxury SUVs have attractive exterior styling, seating for up to seven, top safety ratings, and robust powertrains — a fantastic combination. 

Pricing

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Acura MDX vehicles and New 2025 Volvo XC90 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Specifications

	2025 Acura MDX	2025 Volvo XC90
Popular Powertrains
Engine	3.5-liter 6-cylinder	2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder
Horsepower	290 hp @ 6,200 rpm	247 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque	267 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm	266 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
Transmission	10-speed automatic	8-speed automatic/AWD
Fuel Economy	19 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg	23 city/30 highway/26 combined
Also Available	AWD	higher-output 4-cylinder; plug-in hybrid
Basic Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	6 years/70,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety	5-Star	5-Star
Max Seating Capacity	7	7
Wheelbase	113.8 inches	117.5 inches
Overall Length	198.4 inches	195.0 inches
Width	78.7 inches	79.1 inches
Height	67.9 inches	69.9 inches
Turning Diameter	40.5 feet	39.7 feet
Headroom, Front	38.5 inches	38.9 inches
Headroom, 2nd Row	38.1 inches	38.5 inches
Headroom, 3rd Row	36.2 inches	36.3 inches
Legroom, Front	41.6 inches	40.9 inches
Legroom, 2nd Row	38.5 inches	37.0 inches
Legroom, 3rd Row	29.1 inches	31.9 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	61.9 inches	57.7 inches
Shoulder Room, 2nd Row	60.3 inches	56.5 inches
Shoulder Room, 3rd Row	55.2 inches	46.9 inches
Cargo Volume	16.3/39.1/71.4 cu. Ft.	12.6/35.6/65.5 cu. Ft.

Conclusion

These two premium SUVs are very competitive. They offer similar technologies and performance, but there is one big difference between the two: starting price. The XC90 is several thousand dollars more than the MDX. One might think money wouldn’t be as important in the premium segment, but why do you think many of the potential shoppers of luxury vehicles have the funds to spend on them? The MDX wins by a nose.