Against 247 other V6 cars rated 2024–2026, the MDX beats their 21 mpg average by 1 mpg, about $84 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2001, the 3L 6-cyl Hybrid (2017–2020), does 27 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.7L 6-cyl (2007–2013), 17.6: $760 a year apart.
Every Acura MDX engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl Hybrid | 26 / 27 | 2017–2020 | $1,422 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 18.1 / 24.8 | 2001–2026 | $1,855 | |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 15.6 / 20.6 | 2007–2013 | $2,182 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota RAV4 gets 37.5 mpg, the Jeep Wrangler 18.8 mpg and the Honda CR-V 35 mpg, next to 22 mpg for the 2026 MDX.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2024–2026 | −$84 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,810 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Acura MDX gives up 7 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 19 in the city, $544 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 19 mpg | $2,021 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (37%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the MDX changed over the years
The MDX peaked in 2020 at 25 mpg (23 city, 27 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2009 at 17 — 8 mpg apart, or $723 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 22. The biggest single-year change came in 2014: 18 to 23 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2025 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2024 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2023 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2022 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2020 | 23 / 27 | 2 | $1,536 | |
| 2019 | 23 / 27 | 2 | $1,536 | |
| 2018 | 23 / 27 | 2 | $1,536 | |
| 2017 | 23 / 27 | 2 | $1,536 | |
| 2016 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2015 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2014 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2013 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2012 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2011 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2010 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2009 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2008 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2007 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2006 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2005 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2004 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2003 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2002 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2001 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 29 EPA ratings of the Acura MDX — 3 engines across 2001–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,810. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Acura MDX get?
22 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2001 the MDX has averaged 20.8 mpg.
Is the 2026 MDX more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 22 against 22 mpg combined.
Which MDX year has the best gas mileage?
The 2020, at 25 mpg combined (23 city, 27 highway).
Does the MDX get better gas mileage than the Toyota RAV4?
No: 22 mpg for the 2026 MDX against 37.5 for the 2026 Toyota RAV4, about $721 a year more to run.
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