2026 Acura MDX Towing Capacity Specs & Package & Chart By Year

When you're in the market for a vehicle that can haul equipment for your weekend adventures, look into the Acura MDX towing capacity. At Phil Smith Acura, we think everyone should know just how impressive the 2026 MDX tow rating is and how consistent this SUV 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 chosen configuration, you can tow up to 5,000 pounds with this midsize crossover luxury SUV when properly equipped. For drivers who want to learn more about the Acura MDX towing capacity, 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 Acura MDX, double-check the configuration on your desired SUV to ensure you're reviewing the right specs for the trailering duties you have planned.

The difference doesn't come in which trim you select, but in which drivetrain you choose. The 2026 Acura MDX towing capacity reaches a maximum of 3,500 pounds¹ in front-wheel-drive configurations. Get more by choosing one of the SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) 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 variants without an ATF cooler share the FWD towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

These numbers aren't new. This upscale SUV 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

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Acura MDX Maximum Towing Capacities by Year
	FWD	SH-AWD With ATF Cooler	SH-AWD Without ATF Cooler
2026	3,500 lbs¹	5,000 lbs²	3,500 lbs¹
2025	3,500 lbs¹	5,000 lbs²	3,500 lbs¹
2024	3,500 lbs¹	5,000 lbs²	3,500 lbs¹
2023	3,500 lbs¹	5,000 lbs²	3,500 lbs¹
2022	3,500 lbs¹	5,000 lbs²	3,500 lbs¹
2021	No Acura MDX for the 2021 model year	No Acura MDX for the 2021 model year	No Acura MDX for the 2021 model year
2020	3,500 lbs¹	5,000 lbs²	3,500 lbs¹
2019	3,500 lbs¹	5,000 lbs²	3,500 lbs¹
2018	3,500 lbs¹	5,000 lbs²	3,500 lbs¹
2017	3,500 lbs¹	5,000 lbs²	3,500 lbs¹
2016	3,500 lbs¹	5,000 lbs²	3,500 lbs¹
2015	3,500 lbs¹	5,000 lbs²	3,500 lbs¹
2014	3,500 lbs¹	5,000 lbs²	3,500 lbs¹

Discover the Acura MDX Tow Package

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

Trailer Hitch: Several trailer hitch accessory packages 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 requirements.
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 versions get when properly equipped.

Acura MDX Towing Accessories & Features

The Acura MDX Towing Package is a great way to get all the essential 2026 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 assist you with ordering the necessary Acura MDX towing components a la carte. Our Acura accessories catalog has what you seek.

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 adds sleekness and proudly displays the Acura logo. Other options include a trailer-hitch locking pin and a trailer-hitch ball mount.

There are many more towing equipment solutions 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 can eliminate worries during hook-ups and low-speed maneuvers – the hardest parts of towing. The optional 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 technologies that will aid you 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 your SUV maintain a specific speed and distance with the car in front of you.

Talk to our team to learn more about how these technologies make getting the most out of the Acura MDX towing capacity a seamless experience.

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 configurations will have varying payload ratings. Even within the same trim, selecting certain optional amenities can cause the Acura MDX payload rating to vary. To locate the specific payload capacity for your Acura MDX, check the label on the 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 assist drivers with learning how to 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 2026 MDX towing capacity is up to 5,000 pounds² when equipped with SH-AWD. FWD versions 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 an Acura MDX tow hitch involves laying underneath the SUV and moving around heavy metal parts by hand when 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 by contacting our team 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 SUVs are capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds² when properly equipped with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, an ATF cooler, and the appropriate trailer hitch equipment. If you're unsure what equipment you have, 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.

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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.