San Diego has a way of putting a three row SUV to work. Morning commutes that shift from smooth to slow without warning. Weekend road trips that start as “just up the coast” and turn into a full day out. Add in friends, kids, and cargo, and suddenly the details of comfort and capability matter.
That is what trim levels are for. A trim is simply a version of the same MDX with a specific mix of features, design touches, and drivetrain. The core MDX stays consistent, but the feel changes as you move up the lineup.
Below, we break down every 2026 Acura MDX trim and explain who each one fits. If you want help narrowing it down, we can walk you through the options at K&S Acura of Kearny Mesa, then put the right trims back to back on a test drive.
2026 MDX Trim Overview
Complete 2026 MDX Trim List
Here is the full 2026 Acura MDX lineup with starting MSRPs from Acura:
- MDX FWD starting at $51,800
- MDX FWD with Technology Package starting at $57,200
- MDX SH-AWD starting at $54,000
- MDX SH-AWD with Technology Package starting at $59,400
- MDX SH-AWD with A Spec Package starting at $62,400
- MDX SH-AWD with Advance Package starting at $66,900
- MDX SH-AWD with A Spec Advance Package starting at $68,900
- MDX SH-AWD Type S Advance starting at $75,850
Availability and pricing can vary. We recommend using these as a planning tool, then confirming what is on the ground when you are ready to shop.
FWD Versus SH AWD Explained
A practical way to choose an MDX is to start with drivetrain.
FWD keeps the experience straightforward for drivers who do not need all wheel drive hardware for their daily routine.
SH-AWD is Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. Acura describes it as rear biased and designed to send power to all four wheels for precision control. That matters in real driving, especially when the road surface changes, the weather shifts, or your route includes hills and quick merges.
If towing is part of your plan, Acura also publishes a clear split:
- FWD towing capacity is listed at 3,500 lb
- SH-AWD towing capacity is listed at 5,000 lb
2026 MDX Standard Models
MDX FWD Standard
Starting MSRP: $51,800
This trim is for shoppers who want the essentials done right. You get a premium three row foundation without paying for features you may not value day to day. It feels clean, modern, and intentional.
Acura lists standard highlights that set the baseline experience, including a panoramic moonroof, tri zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and core connectivity features like Google built in, a 12.3 inch color touchscreen, and a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility and wireless Android Auto compatibility are also part of the published feature set.
If you want an MDX that covers the fundamentals and keeps the budget disciplined, this is the starting point.
MDX SH AWD Standard
Starting MSRP: $54,000
This trim is built for drivers who care about how the MDX behaves, not just what it includes. Choosing SH-AWD is often about confidence and control. It is the kind of upgrade you notice on on ramps, in changing weather, and in everyday situations where you want the vehicle to feel composed.
If you are already leaning toward SH-AWD for traction feel or towing, this trim gives you that foundation without requiring a package jump.
2026 MDX Technology Package
MDX FWD Technology Package
Starting MSRP: $57,200
Technology Package is where the MDX starts to feel more tailored. Acura positions it as an add on that layers in meaningful comfort and convenience upgrades.
Published Technology Package highlights include:
- 20 inch Shark Gray machine finished 10 spoke wheels
- Key fob activated remote engine start with vehicle feedback
- Power folding side mirrors
- Iconic Drive ambient LED cabin lighting with 27 themes
- Sport seats with perforated Milano premium leather trimmed interior with contrast stitching
- GPS linked climate control
- Bang and Olufsen premium audio system with 19 speakers
- Power lift tailgate with hands free access and walk away close
- Rain sensing windshield wipers
- Parking sensors front and rear
- Low speed braking control
For many shoppers, this trim is the “everyday premium” pick. You feel the upgrades constantly, not just on special occasions.
MDX SH AWD Technology Package
Starting MSRP: $59,400
This version pairs the Technology Package content with SH-AWD. It is a strong fit if you want both a richer cabin experience and Acura’s all wheel drive system, along with the higher published towing capability for SH-AWD.
If you want one trim that balances comfort, tech, and drivetrain confidence, this is often the one we suggest test driving early.
2026 MDX A Spec Package
MDX SH AWD A Spec Package
Starting MSRP: $62,400
A Spec is the trim for shoppers who want the MDX to look and feel more athletic. Acura builds A Spec on SH-AWD and layers in sport focused design details and interior materials.
Acura lists A Spec package highlights such as:
- SH-AWD
- 20 inch Shark Gray 10 spoke wheels
- A Spec exterior sport appearance package
- LED fog lights
- A Spec badging on front fenders and rear hatch
- Sport seats with perforated Milano premium leather and Ultrasuede with contrast stitching and piping
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Leather wrapped flat bottom sport steering wheel
- Ebony headliner
- Geometric patterned brushed aluminum
- Metal footrest and pedals
If you want a sport styled cabin and a more assertive look, A Spec is the clear pivot point in the lineup.
2026 MDX Advance Package
MDX SH AWD Advance Package
Starting MSRP: $66,900
Advance is tuned for comfort and elevated amenities. If your MDX is going to carry people often, or you simply want the cabin to feel more luxurious and less utilitarian, this trim is designed around that priority.
Acura lists Advance Package features that include:
- SH-AWD
- Roof rails
- LED outer door handle lights
- Curvilinear quilted and perforated Milano premium leather with contrast stitching and piping
- Front 16 way power seats with additional adjustments and a 9 way massage function
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated rear seats in outboard positions
- Authentic open pore wood trim
- Expanded Iconic Drive ambient lighting coverage
- Third row USB A charging ports
- 10.5 inch head up display
- Surround view camera system
- Head up warning
If you spend long stretches behind the wheel, or you want the MDX to feel like a calm place to be, Advance tends to make a strong case.
2026 MDX A Spec Advance Package
MDX SH AWD A Spec Advance Package
Starting MSRP: $68,900
This trim blends the sport styling cues of A Spec with the comfort and amenities found in Advance. It is for drivers who like a sharper aesthetic but do not want to give up the richer cabin experience.
Acura lists A Spec Advance package elements such as:
- 20 inch Berlina Black split 10 spoke wheels
- A Spec exterior sport appearance package
- A Spec interior sport appearance package
- Flat bottom sport steering wheel, ebony headliner, and geometric patterned brushed aluminum
- Metal footrest and pedals
If you want an MDX that looks sportier while still leaning into comfort, this trim is built for that exact preference.
2026 MDX Type S Advance
MDX Type S Advance Highlights
Starting MSRP: $75,850
Type S Advance is the performance oriented model in the MDX lineup, and Acura supports that positioning with mechanical upgrades, not just cosmetic changes.
Acura lists Type S Advance highlights that include:
- 355 hp 3.0L Turbo V6
- Twin scroll turbo type listed in the specifications
- Adaptive air suspension with auto leveling
- 21 inch Berlina Black machine finished wheels
- Brembo front 4 piston braking system
- Electro Servo Brake system
- Integrated Dynamic System with Sport Plus and Lift modes
- Bang and Olufsen premium audio system with 31 speakers
If your priority is performance feel and hardware, this is the trim designed around it.
Choosing a 2026 MDX Trim
Family Focused Priorities
For families, the best trim is usually the one that supports daily comfort without forcing compromises.
- MDX FWD works well if you want a premium three row and do not need SH-AWD for your routine.
- Technology Package trims add convenience and cabin upgrades you will notice constantly, including remote engine start and an upgraded audio system.
- Advance Package trims add comfort oriented features and visibility technology such as the head up display and surround view camera system.
If you regularly carry passengers in every row, trims with added rear comfort and extra charging ports tend to feel more complete over time.
Performance Oriented Priorities
If driving feel is high on your list, choose drivetrain first.
- SH-AWD trims give you Acura’s published rear biased all wheel drive design and the higher towing capacity Acura lists for SH-AWD.
- A Spec leans into sport styling and interior details while keeping SH-AWD as standard.
- Type S Advance is built around performance hardware, including the turbo V6 output, Brembo front brakes, and adaptive air suspension.
Budget First Priorities
A grounded way to shop is to rank your priorities in a simple order:
- Choose FWD or SH-AWD first if towing or all wheel drive confidence matters to you.
- Decide what features you truly want every day, especially seating comfort and the driver assistance and visibility tech you will use often.
- Pick the design direction you prefer after the essentials are covered.
If you want help sorting the priorities, we can do it quickly in a consultation and then confirm it with a test drive.
Quick Comparison
Here is the fast fit guide we use when shoppers want clarity without the deep dive:
- MDX FWD for the simplest entry point and a strong core feature set
- MDX SH-AWD for drivers who prioritize SH-AWD capability and higher published towing capacity
- MDX FWD Technology for shoppers who want more convenience and cabin upgrades without moving to SH-AWD
- MDX SH-AWD Technology for a balanced mix of SH-AWD confidence and Technology content
- MDX SH-AWD A Spec for sport styled design and interior materials with SH-AWD
- MDX SH-AWD Advance for comfort forward features like massage capable front seats, head up display, and surround view camera system
- MDX SH-AWD A Spec Advance for the sport look paired with the upgraded comfort direction
- MDX SH-AWD Type S Advance for performance hardware including the turbo V6, Brembo front brakes, and adaptive air suspension
Shop the 2026 MDX at K&S Acura of Kearny Mesa
Browse New MDX Inventory
If you want to see what is available right now, start with our current selection here:
https://www.ksacurakearnymesa.com/searchnew.aspx
We can help you filter by trim and drivetrain, then confirm feature content on the exact vehicles you are considering.
Schedule a Test Drive
A test drive should answer real questions, especially when you are deciding between package levels. We will help you compare trims back to back so the differences feel obvious.
Call our Sales team: 858-295-0312
Visit us: 4525 Convoy Street, San Diego, CA 92111
Service phone: 858-295-3232
FAQ
1) Which 2026 Acura MDX trims offer SH-AWD?
SH-AWD is offered across multiple trims, including SH-AWD versions of the MDX, Technology, A Spec, Advance, A Spec Advance, and Type S Advance. The lineup also includes two FWD trims: MDX FWD and MDX FWD with Technology Package.
2) What is the difference between FWD and SH-AWD?
FWD is the straightforward drivetrain option. SH-AWD is Acura’s rear biased all wheel drive system designed to send power to all four wheels for precision control. Acura also lists a higher towing capacity for SH-AWD than FWD.
3) Technology vs Advance vs A Spec how do we explain it?
Technology focuses on convenience and cabin upgrades like remote engine start, ambient lighting themes, upgraded audio, parking sensors, and hands free tailgate functionality. Advance leans into comfort and visibility features such as massage capable front seats, heated rear seats, head up display, and a surround view camera system. A Spec is the sport styled direction with appearance and interior design elements, plus features like ventilated front seats and sport focused cabin details.
4) What makes the 2026 MDX Type S Advance different?
Type S Advance is the performance oriented trim. It includes a 355 hp 3.0L Turbo V6 and performance hardware such as a Brembo front 4 piston braking system and adaptive air suspension with auto leveling, along with drive modes that include Sport Plus and Lift.
5) How do we help you choose the right trim?
We start with how you will use the MDX, then match drivetrain and package content to those priorities. After that, we schedule a test drive so you can confirm the trim feels right in real driving, not just on paper.
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