2025 Acura MDX Towing Capacity Specs & Package + Chart By Year

We are your source for all things related to the Acura MDX towing capacity. Here at Phil Smith Acura, we think everyone should know just how impressive the 2025 Acura MDX towing capacity is and how consistent this model has been over the years. This might be a luxury vehicle, but that doesn't mean it can't get down and dirty for the tough jobs you throw at it. Depending on your configuration, you can get up to 5,000 pounds from this midsize crossover luxury SUV when properly equipped. If you're looking to tow with your Acura MDX, keep scrolling to learn more about its capabilities.

How Much Can an Acura MDX Tow?

As you may or may not know, different Acura MDX configurations will lend themselves to varying MDX towing specs. Before getting your new 2025 or 2024 Acura MDX, double-check the configuration on your vehicle to make sure you're looking at the right specs.

The difference doesn't come in which trim you select but in which drivetrain you choose. The 2025 Acura MDX towing capacity is a maximum of 3,500 pounds¹ in front-wheel drive models. Get more by choosing one of the SH-AWD models with an ATF cooler, which are rated to get up to 1,500 more pounds than their front-wheel drive counterparts with a maximum Acura MDX tow rating of 5,000 pounds.² All-wheel drive models without an ATF cooler share the FWD towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

These numbers aren't new. This high-end model has been sporting this towing capacity for many years. Just take a look at the chart below, which depicts maximum towing capacities by configuration and model year.

Acura MDX Towing by Year

Discover the Acura MDX Tow Package

If you get one of our Acura MDX lease deals, there are a few available accessories you'll need to consider to get the maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds.² These include the following:

• Trailer Hitch: There are several trailer hitch accessory packages that include equipment like a hands-free access tailgate sensor, rear gutter attachment, and trailer hitch trim cover.
• Trailer Hitch Ball: You can opt for a 1.87-inch or 2-inch hitch ball, depending on your needs.
• ATF Cooler: The ATF cooler is vital to reaching the maximum towing capacity for SH-AWD models. Without it, you're relegated to the same towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds that FWD models get when properly equipped.

Acura MDX Towing Accessories & Features

The Acura MDX Towing Package is a great way to get all the essential 2025 Acura MDX towing features. You will need the trailer hitch and trailer hitch ball to be able to tow. However, you may already be an experienced Acura towing pro and have one or more of said equipment. We can help you order the necessary Acura MDX towing components a la carte. Our Acura accessories catalog has what you need.

On top of the gear necessary for reaching your maximum Acura MDX tow capacity, you'll find some other great style and functionality-enhancing towing items. Want to cover up your hitch when it's not in use? A genuine Acura trailer hitch trim cover will add sleekness and proudly display the Acura logo. Other options include a trailer hitch locking pin and trailer hitch ball mount.

There are many more towing equipment options for the Acura MDX for sale to discover, as well as an equally rich selection of helpful Acura MDX towing features. For example, the available 360-Degree Surround-View Camera System helps eliminate worries during hook-ups and low-speed maneuvers – the hardest parts of towing. The available Adaptive Air Suspension with Auto-Leveling, which self-adjusts to compensate for the added weight, makes towing even more of a breeze. Check out some of the other standard and available driver-assistance features that will help while towing or simply driving below:

• Navigation System with 3D View: Chart your course.
• Traffic Jam Assist: Navigate highway congestion more easily.
• Blind Spot Information System: Mitigate decreased visibility.
• Lane Keeping Assist System: Help your Acura MDX stay in the lane on long stretches of road.
• Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control: Limit sway while pulling a trailer.
• Hill Start Assist: Get going smoothly with additional power while starting up a hill.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Cut down on long-haul fatigue by letting the vehicle maintain a specific speed and distance with the car in front of you.

Talk to our team to learn more about how these features make using the Acura MDX towing capacity a seamless experience.

Take It All on With the Acura MDX Towing Capacity

The most important thing to know before towing isn't just what your Acura MDX towing capacity is – you also need to know the weight of whatever you're going to be towing, cabin occupants, and cargo. For example, some people need to tow small utility trailers with them. Don't make the mistake of only recording the trailer's weight by itself. You need to ensure that the trailer is weighed with everything you need to tow in it – whether that be equipment, luggage, or livestock.

If you fail to consider the load weight, you could accidentally exceed the max Acura MDX towing capacity. This could lead to reduced braking response, engine overheating, and tire failure, to cover just a few examples. Our Acura service center is here to help when the worst happens, but it's better to tow mindfully. If you need help determining the weight of what you're hauling, call us, and we'll walk you through the correct steps to ensure you get the proper measurements.

Acura MDX Payload Capacity vs. Towing Capacity

Acura MDX towing power refers to how much weight can be pulled via the hitch, but even those who've never towed know that plenty of weight gets brought along inside your Acura MDX. How do you measure the maximum weight you can store in your Acura MDX? With the Acura MDX payload capacity. Just like the Acura MDX towing capacity, it's a hefty figure that stands tall against the competition.

However, this rating will depend on the weight of the Acura MDX itself – certain trim levels will have varying payload ratings. Even for a same-trim model, selecting certain optional features can cause the Acura MDX payload rating to vary. To find a specific payload capacity for your Acura MDX, check the label in your driver's side door jamb or consult your Acura MDX owner's manual. The team here at Phil Smith Acura is also always happy to help drivers tow safely and confidently, so don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight can an Acura MDX tow?

The Acura MDX towing capacity varies by drivetrain layout and optional equipment. For example, the 2024 MDX towing capacity is up to 5,000 pounds² when equipped with SH-AWD. FWD models reach a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. Either would provide enough towing capacity for small boats, utility trailers, or motorcycles. Your owner's manual will contain more detailed information.

How do I install the tow hitch on the Acura MDX?

We recommend leaving the installation to the professionals, as equipping your Acura MDX with a tow hitch involves laying underneath the vehicle and moving around heavy metal parts by hand if you don't have a car lift and the right tools. The installation requires carefully maneuvering the tow hitch into place with a mechanical lift, lining it up with the holes in the frame, and securing the bolts.

How much can an Acura MDX tow with the tow package?

When equipped with a trailer hitch and hitch ball, the Acura MDX towing capacity is up to 3,500 pounds.¹ Adding the genuine Acura ATF cooler increases this rating on SH-AWD models, allowing the Acura MDX to achieve a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.² Find out more about your Acura MDX SUV's towing capabilities today.

Can an Acura MDX pull a boat?

An Acura MDX with an SH-AWD drivetrain can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is often enough for a small-sized fishing boat and trailer. Weigh your trailer and boat, adjust the placement of the trailer so the tongue weight is around 500 pounds, and then you can hitch it to your Acura MDX. Contact us for more safe towing tips.

Which Acura MDX can tow 5,000 pounds?

Most modern Acura MDX models are capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds² when properly equipped with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, an ATF cooler, and the appropriate trailer hitch equipment. If you're unsure of what equipment you have, you can consult your owner's manual or reach out to our team. We'd be happy to get you squared away with the information you need to tow safely.

¹Towing 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.

²5,000 lb. capacity is with the optional Acura Genuine Accessory ATF cooler. Towing requires the addition of the Acura accessory trailer hitch and hitch ball. Please see your Acura dealer for details. Number of occupants and added cargo weight in the vehicle may reduce max towing capacity, see Owner's Guide for details.