Comparing 2026 Volvo XC90 Vs. Acura MDX: SUV Showdown

When one considers the Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX, they're looking at two midsize crossover SUVs with two very different spirits. 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 Acura MDX in many aspects.

2026 Volvo XC90 vs. 2026 Acura MDX Specs

The new Volvo XC90 is available with three powertrains. Two are mild-hybrid setups, while the third is the plug-in hybrid T8 AWD powertrain found on the Volvo XC90 PHEV. 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 266 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 by adding a supercharger to the mix. The final option when picking out a Volvo XC90 is the T8 AWD 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 just five seconds, thrilling the whole family.

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 2026 Volvo XC90 vs. 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.

2026 Acura MDX vs. 2026 Volvo XC90 Fuel Efficiency

As a hybrid vehicle in all of its forms, the Volvo XC90 easily dominates the Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX MPG battle, all while making comparable or more power. Starting things off, the 2026 B5 AWD models score an EPA-estimated 23/30/26 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 2026 Volvo XC90 PHEV can drive for 32 miles on all-electric power³ and earns an EPA-estimated 58 MPGe (Combined).³ The incredible EV abilities and fuel efficiency of this plug-in-hybrid model can help you save at the pump.

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, especially considering that it wins with standard AWD (vs. the Acura MDX SUV's standard FWD).

Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX Dimensions

With a 39.7-foot turning circle, the Volvo XC90 is noticeably more maneuverable than the Acura MDX and its 40.5-foot turning circle. The new Volvo XC90 is 195 inches long, 79.1 inches wide (without the mirrors), and 69.9 inches tall. The car's generous exterior measurements translate into a roomy interior, too.

The front row provides 40.9 inches of legroom, 38.9 inches of headroom, and 56 inches of hip room. The Volvo XC90 second row has 37 inches of legroom, 38.5 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of hip room. The third-row seats offer 31.9 inches of legroom, 36.3 inches of headroom, and 44.9 inches of hip room.⁵

The 2026 Acura MDX is 198.4 inches long, 78.7 inches wide, and 67.9 inches tall, making it less agile to park and maneuver than the Volvo model. Its front row has 41.6 inches of legroom, 38.5 inches of headroom, and 59.3 inches of hip room. Passengers in the middle row get 38.5 inches of legroom, 38.1 inches of headroom, and 57.8 inches of hip room.

The back seats of the Acura MDX sport 29.1 inches of legroom, 36.2 inches of headroom, and 40.6 inches of hip room. While the Acura MDX has some appealing interior measurements, its back row is significantly more cramped. As your kids become pre-teens and teens, the additional space afforded by the Volvo XC90 will be much more accommodating of their growth.

Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX Interior

The 2026 Volvo XC90 has a luxurious interior that will become your new home away from home. The vehicle comes standard with the following appointments:

• Quilted Nordico upholstery
• Panoramic roof
• Heated power front seats
• Heated rear seats
• 4-zone climate control
• Wireless smartphone charger
• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster

Mid- and top-level models are even more well-equipped. You can find Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated and massaging front seats, 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, which allows you to start your SUV remotely via the Volvo Cars App. Every trim within the Volvo XC90 lineup also comes with Google built-in services, such as Google Maps™ and Google Assistant™. This portion of the Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX matchup clearly tilts toward the Volvo SUV.

2026 Volvo XC90 vs. 2026 Acura MDX Safety Features

The Volvo XC90 and Acura MDX are well-equipped with modern safety features. The Volvo XC90 comes standard with these driver aids:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Alert
• Rear Collision Mitigation Support
• Lane Keeping Aid
• Oncoming Lane Mitigation
• Road Sign Information System
• Rear Park Assist Camera
• Front and Rear Park Assist
• Pilot Assist
• Rain Sensor
• Whiplash Injury Protection
• Intelligent Driver Information System
• Slippery Road Alert

The 2026 Acura MDX has similar features, but it does not come standard with front parking sensors (Front and Rear Park Assist on the Volvo XC90). The Acura MDX also lacks standard rain-sensing windshield wipers, which are another base-trim feature of the Volvo XC90.

2026 Volvo XC90 vs. 2026 Acura MDX Trim Levels

The 2026 Volvo XC90 SUV is available in three trim levels, whether you select a mild-hybrid model or the Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid 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 as follows:

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

Thank you for reading our Volvo XC90 vs. Acura 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 front and rear 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 2026 Volvo XC90 is much more fuel-efficient and delivers more MPGs than the Acura MDX, as it is a hybrid, while the Acura model is not. The entry-level Volvo XC90 scores an EPA-estimated 23/30/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).¹ The base Acura MDX, on the other hand, gets up to 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 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 provides 36.3 inches of headroom and 31.9 inches of legroom,⁵ while the Acura MDX SUV's third row lags behind slightly with 36.2 inches of headroom and 29.1 inches of legroom.

¹EPA 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/

²EPA estimated range is 20 MPG city/26 MPG highway/23 MPG combined (B6 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/

³Estimated 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.

⁴Based 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.

⁵This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/volvo/xc90/specs/2026/volvo_xc90_volvo-xc90_2026/473215