Comparing 2025 Volvo XC90 To 2025 Acura MDX: SUV Showdown
- The Volvo XC90 has three powertrain options, while the Acura MDX has just two
- The Volvo XC90 boasts better fuel economy scores than the Aucra MDX
- Your friends or kids will have more space in the third row of a Volvo XC90 than that of an Acura MDX
- The Acura MDX has fewer compelling standard features and safety technologies than the Volvo XC90
When one considers the Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX, they're looking at two midsize crossover SUVs. Both models offer drivers power, efficiency, and luxury, but only one will be right for you and your loved ones. The Volvo Cars Sarasota team is excited for you to learn about the specs, safety features, and trim levels of these bold vehicles and see how the Volvo model rises above the MDX in many aspects.
2025 Volvo XC90 vs. 2025 MDX Specs
The new Volvo XC90 is available with three powertrains. Two are mild-hybrid setups, while the third is a plug-in hybrid powertrain found on the Volvo XC90 Recharge. The standard option is the B5 AWD choice. It melds the power of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder internal combustion engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid battery-and-motor architecture, producing 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
The next choice is the B6 AWD powertrain, which raises the horsepower rating to 295 and the torque to 310 pound-feet. The final option when picking out a Volvo XC90 is the T8 eAWD powertrain. It uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an 18.8-kWh battery-and-motor system to output 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. This model can jump from zero to 60 miles per hour in about five seconds, according to the manufacturer.
The Acura MDX only has two engine options, neither of which utilizes the extra efficiency of hybrid technology. The standard choice is a 3.5-liter V-6 that puts out 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. If you opt for the top-tier – and pricey – Acura MDX Type S Advance, you'll get a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.
The 2025 Volvo XC90 vs. 2025 Acura MDX performance portion of our comparison goes handily to the Volvo vehicle. It has the strongest engine option and also comes standard with all-wheel drive, while the Acura MDX has standard front-wheel drive. Now, we'll compare the efficiency of these vehicles' engines.
2025 Acura MDX vs. 2025 Volvo XC90 Fuel Efficiency
The EPA has yet to release 2025 gas mileage estimates for the Volvo XC90. Since the 2025 model is largely a carryover, we are confident they'll be similar to the 2024 ratings. 2024 B5 AWD models score an EPA-estimated 22/27/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 If you opt for the B6 AWD iteration, you'll enjoy an EPA-estimated 20/26/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge earns an EPA-estimated 58 MPGe (Combined).3 The incredible efficiency of this plug-in hybrid model can help you save a bundle at the pump. As we shall see, this section of our Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX matchup is also difficult for the latter SUV.
For the Acura MDX, its 3.5-liter V-6 combined with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 19/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4 Adding all-wheel drive lowers the score to an EPA-estimated 19/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4 The turbocharged V-6 offers an EPA-estimated 17/21/19 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4
The question of Acura MDX vs. Volvo XC90 fuel efficiency goes squarely to the Volvo SUV. The vehicle provides more powerful engine options and far more competitive gas mileage.
| 2025 Volvo XC90 Core | 2025 Acura MDX | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl with mild-hybrid system | 3.5L V-6 |
| Drivetrain | B5 AWD | FWD (AWD available) |
| FWD (AWD available) | 247 | 290 |
| EPA-est. MPG (Cty/Hwy/Comb) | 22/27/241 | 19/26/224 |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.8 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Fuel Type | 91 octane | 91 octane |
| Standard Features |
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Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX Dimensions
The new Volvo XC90 is 195 inches long, 79.1 inches wide (without the mirrors), and 69.9 inches tall. With a 39.7-foot turning circle, you can maneuver this three-row SUV through narrow parking lots. The car's generous exterior measurements translate into a roomy interior, too. The front row provides 38.9 inches of headroom, 57.7 inches of shoulder room, 40.9 inches of legroom, and 56 inches of hip room.
The second row has 38.5 inches of headroom, 56.5 inches of shoulder room, 37 inches of legroom, and 56.5 inches of hip room. The back seats offer 36.3 inches of headroom, 46.9 inches of shoulder room, 31.9 inches of legroom, and 44.9 inches of hip room.
The 2025 Acura MDX is 198.4 inches long, 78.7 inches wide, and 67.1 inches tall, making it a less agile to park and manuever than the Volvo model. Its front row has 38.5 inches of headroom, 61.9 inches of shoulder room, 41.6 inches of legroom, and 59.3 inches of hip room. Passengers in the middle row get 38.1 inches of headroom, 60.3 inches of shoulder room, 38.5 inches of legroom, and 57.8 inches of hip room.
The back seats of the MDX sport 36.2 inches of headroom, 55.2 inches of shoulder room, 29.1 inches of legroom, and 40.6 inches of hip room. While the MDX has some appealing interior measurements, its back row is significantly more cramped. As your kids become pre-teens and teens, 29.1 inches of legroom simply won't cut it.
| 2025 Volvo XC90 Core | 2025 Acura MDX | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 69.9 in | 67.1 in |
| Length | 195 in | 198.4 in |
| Width | 79.1 in | 78.7 in |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 7 | Up to 7 |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 85.7 cu ft | 95 cu ft |
Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX Interior
The 2025 Volvo XC90 has a luxurious interior that will become your new home away from home. The vehicle comes standard with:
- Leatherette upholstery
- Panoramic roof
- Heated front seats
- Four-zone climate control
- Keyless entry
- Powered front seats
Mid- and top-level models are even more well-equipped. You can find heated rear seats, Nappa leather upholstery, high-level interior illumination, a premium sound system, and numerous other upgrades on the Plus and Ultra variants of the car.
The Acura MDX has an impressive set of features, but they fall short of those offered by the Volvo vehicle. Starting out, it has three-zone climate control and doesn't come with a standard air purifier, which the Volvo model does have. The base model also lacks remote engine start, unlike the Volvo XC90 via the Volvo Cars App. Every trim within the Volvo XC90 lineup also comes with Google Built-In services, such as Google Mapsâ„¢ and Google Assistantâ„¢. This portion of the Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX matchup clearly tilts toward the Volvo SUV.
2025 Volvo XC90 vs. 2025 MDX Safety Features
The Volvo XC90 and Acura MDX are well-equipped with modern safety features. The Volvo XC90 comes standard with:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Alert
- Collision Mitigation Support, rear
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Oncoming Lane Mitigation
- Road Sign Information system
- Park Assist Camera
- Park Assist, front and rear
- Pilot Assist
The 2025 MDX has similar features but does not come standard with parking sensors (Park Assist on the Volvo XC90). While this is a relatively small difference, it's another point in favor of the Volvo vehicle.
2025 Volvo XC90 vs. 2025 MDX Trim Levels
The 2025 Volvo XC90 SUV is available in three trim levels whether you select a mild-hybrid model or a plug-in hybrid Recharge variant:
- Core
- Plus
- Ultra
Every model offers excellent value with practical and luxurious amenities. The Acura MDX is available in more trims; this means that each step up offers you fewer additional features for the added expense. The choices are:
- MDX
- Technology Package
- A-Spec Package
- Advance Package
- A-Spec Advance
- Type S Advance
Thank you for reading our Volvo XC90 vs. Adura MDX comparison. The Volvo XC90 offers more exciting engine choices, better fuel economy, and more standard features and technology. Our team knows the Volvo XC90 can serve you and your loved ones well.
Whether you want to purchase one of these dynamic SUVs or sign up for a Volvo XC90 lease, we're excited to do business with you. Please visit us today to discuss Acura MDX vs. Volvo XC90 reliability or to take a Volvo XC90 test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Volvo XC90 safer than the Acura MDX?
The Volvo XC90 comes with a more robust lineup of standard safety and driver assistance features. The Acura MDX lacks parking sensors on its base model, for example, while this technology comes standard on the Volvo SUV in the form of Park Assist. Please reach out to the Volvo Cars Sarasota team today to learn more about Volvo safety technology.
Which is more fuel-efficient: the Volvo XC90 or the Acura MDX?
The 2025 Volvo XC90 is expected to achieve similar MPG values as the previous model year, meaning it will likely offer better fuel economy than the Acura MDX. The entry-level Volvo XC90 scores an EPA-estimated 22/27/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 The base Acura MDX, on the other hand, gets an EPA-estimated 19/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4
Which has more interior space: Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX?
The Volvo XC90 and Acura MDX both have roomy three-row cabins. The largest point of departure between the two comes in the third row, where the Volvo XC90 has more room for your passengers. It enjoys 36.3 inches of headroom and 31.9 inches of legroom, while the Acura MDX SUV's third row lags behind slightly with 36.2 inches of headroom and 29.1 inches of legroom.
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1For more information, please visit the official US government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov.