VOLVO XC90 VS. ACURA MDX COMPARISON

Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX comparison

In the world of three-row luxury SUVs, two models stand tall above the crowd. Compare the Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX to see which is right for you. Both are competitive members of this segment, offering great spaciousness, powerful performance, eco-friendly benefits, confidence-inspiring safety, and much more. But the Volvo XC90 can take things further.

From higher performance levels to more spaciousness and additional safety benefits, too, the new Volvo XC90 is the perfect addition to any growing family's driveway. We've assembled this guide to show you all the advantages the Volvo XC90 offers; read on, and visit Principle Volvo Cars for a test drive.

Volvo XC90 or Acura MDX, Which is More Powerful?

When you compare Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX configurations, you'll find that the Volvo XC90 can leave the Acura MDX in its dust and offer more mpg to boot.

Starting with base-level specs, the Acura MDX will make 290 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V-6 engine, while the Volvo XC90 B5 AWD makes 247 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. But, the Volvo XC90 B5 AWD delivers an EPA-estimated 22/28 MPG (city/highway);1 the Acura MDX delivers an EPA-estimated 19/26 MPG (city/highway)2.

However, the Volvo XC90 comes equipped with AWD as standard, while the Acura MDX charges extra for AWD. And when given AWD, the Acura MDX only delivers an EPA-estimated 19/25 MPG (city/highway)2

In the Volvo XC90 and Acura MDX comparison, upgrading to the Volvo XC90 B6 AWD will give you a 295 horsepower kick and an EPA-estimated 20/26 MPG (city/highway).1 The much more expensive Acura MDX Type S makes 350 horsepower but only delivers an EPA-estimated 17/21 MPG (city/highway)2; it's also the end of how powerful an Acura MDX can be.

The Volvo XC90 Recharge eclipses the MDX Type S with 455 horsepower, a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds, an EPA-estimated 32 miles3 of electric range, and an impressive EPA-estimated 58 MPGe4.

Whether you look at a Volvo XC90 or Acura MDX, you'll find a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds5, 6 when properly equipped.

Compare Acura MDX and Volvo XC90 Dimensions

While it is surely nice to have power, a truly luxurious SUV experience relies on a spacious cabin. Compare Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX dimensions, capacities, and passenger space, and you'll find that the Volvo XC90 offers more to love.

Both SUVs can seat up to seven. But, the Acura MDX has 71.4 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the first row seats, while the Volvo XC90 has 85.7 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the first row.

This should mean that the Acura MDX is a smaller vehicle, but it isn't. The Volvo XC90 offers more agility, as the Acura MDX is 3.4-inches longer and 3.1-inches wider than the Volvo SUV.

How do the Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX interior measurements reflect this? By revealing that the Volvo XC90 is a masterclass in spacious engineering. For headroom, the Volvo XC90 has 0.4-inches more in the front and second rows, with an extra 0.1-inch in the third row. The Volvo XC90 also offers a serious advantage, with 2.8-inches more third-row legroom than the Acura MDX.

Acura MDX vs. Volvo XC90 Safety & Features

While the Volvo XC90 vs. MDX showdown has revealed advantages for power and spaciousness in favor of the Volvo XC90, the features tell an even more powerful story.

Both models offer standard wireless smartphone charging, a panoramic moonroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, available 360-degree camera systems, front seat massage functions, and a head-up display. But, the Volvo XC90 goes further in many areas. The Volvo XC90 has a standard four-zone auto climate control system; the Acura MDX only gets three zones. The Volvo XC90 moonroof also has an auto-closing sunshade when high cabin temperatures are detected; the MDX's moonroof does not.

When you compare Volvo XC90 to Acura MDX features, you'll also find that the Volvo XC90 standard sound system offers more speakers, and its seats ergonomically adapt to your body with unparalleled comfort. The exclusive, premium materials also form an art-gallery-like experience.

The Volvo XC90 also shines when it comes to safety. Aside from an IIHS Top Safety Pick+7 award, you'll find competitive standard benefits.

This includes a blind-spot monitor. Adaptive cruise control. Rain-sensing windshield wipers. Automatic emergency braking. A forward collision warning. A rearview camera. Lane-departure warning. Lane-keeping assistance. Front and rear parking sensors, and many more; With the Volvo XC90 compared to Acura MDX features, the Acura comes close but loses out due to a lack of standard benefits like front/rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and the Volvo Pilot Assist with its semi-autonomous driving capabilities.


Volvo XC90

2023 Volvo XC90

Engine: 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder
0-60: 7.3 seconds
EPA-estimated combined MPG1: 25
Seats: Up to 7
Length: 195"
Width: 75.71"
Cargo Space: 85.7 cu. ft.
Fuel Tank Size: 18.8 gal
Interior Benefits:
  • 10-speaker high performance audio system
  • 12.3-inch digital instrument display
  • Google built-in services
  • Four-zone automatic climate control
  • Volvo Pilot Assist
  • Two-way power lumbar support for front seats
Shop Model: Volvo XC90 For Sale
Acura MDX

2023 Acura MDX

Engine: 3.5L V6
0-60: 6.3 seconds
EPA-estimated combined MPG2 22
Seats: Up to 7
Length: 198.4"
Width: 78.7"
Cargo Space: 95 cu. ft.
Fuel Tank Size: 18.5 gal
Interior Benefits:
  • 9-speaker premium audio system
  • 12.3-inch digital instrument display
  • Amazon Alexa® Built-In
  • Three-zone automatic climate control
  • Traffic Jam Assist
  • One-way power lumbar support for front seats

Acura MDX or Volvo XC90: Discover the Volvo XC90 at Principle Volvo Cars

With a great trim lineup waiting for your perusal, the Volvo XC90 offers many more benefits and advantages to discover. Our Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX comparison can only reveal a fraction of what this Scandinavian masterpiece offers; visit us today to experience the rest with a test drive.


Volvo XC90 vs Acura MDX Safety Features

Volvo XC90 Acura MDX
Adaptive Cruise Control Standard Standard
Collision Mitigation Standard Standard
Lane Keep Assist Standard Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring Standard Standard
Back-Up Camera Standard Standard
Front and Rear Parking Sensors Standard Available
Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers Standard Available

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger the Volvo XC90 or the Acura MDX?

The Acura MDX is 3.4-inches longer and 3.1-inches wider than the Volvo XC90. However, with the Volvo XC90 compared to Acura MDX, you'll find that the Volvo XC90 can carry an extra 14.3 cubic feet of cargo and offer 0.4-inches more front/second-row headroom. With 2.8-inches of extra third-row legroom, the Volvo XC90 can be more agile yet more spacious than the Acura MDX.

How do the Volvo XC90 safety features compare to the Acura MDX?

Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX safety features reveal that Volvo Cars is committed to offering top-level safety features as standard benefits. Their features are a close race, but with standard front/rear parking assistance and whiplash-reducing seats, the Volvo XC90 offers more at every trim level.

Are the Volvo XC90 and the Acura MDX considered to be luxury SUVs?

Yes. Both the Volvo XC90 and Acura MDX are luxury SUVs. However, the Acura MDX takes an edgier, sporty approach, while the Volvo XC90 focuses on pure luxury at every level (while also offering more top-end horsepower than the Acura MDX).


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1For more information, please visit the official US government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov.

2Based on 2023 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.

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.

4This is a hybrid plug in vehicle. Since electricity is not measured in gallons, a conversion factor is used to translate the fuel economy into miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe). Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe 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. For more information, including information on MPGe, see www.fueleconomy.gov

5When properly equipped.

6Towing 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.

7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Volvo/xc90-4-door-suv/2023

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