2026 Acura MDX Towing Capacity Guide

Towing Boats & Trailers in the Hudson Valley

With summer fast approaching in the Hudson Valley, it's the perfect time to plan weekend getaways to the Catskills, Lake George, or the Jersey Shore. If you are looking for a premium three-row SUV that offers luxury for the daily commute and serious muscle for the weekend, the 2026 Acura MDX is engineered for the job.

Quick Answer: How much can the 2026 Acura MDX tow?

When properly equipped, the 2026 Acura MDX has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), or 3,500 pounds with standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). To tow safely, all models require the genuine Acura accessory trailer hitch and hitch ball.

2026 Acura MDX Towing by Drivetrain


Front-Wheel Drive
(FWD)


Up to 3,500 lbs capacity

3.5-liter V-6 engine / 290 hp

Ideal For: Light-duty towing, single-axle trailers, making trips to the hardware store, or towing lightweight outdoor equipment.

Super Handling AWD
(SH-AWD®)


Up to 5,000 lbs capacity

Rear-biased power distribution

Ideal For: Heavier loads, small boats, campers, and gaining crucial stability on wet roads or slippery boat ramps.

Required Equipment
Towing Accessories


Acura Trailer Hitch & Ball

Trailer Wiring Harness

ATF Cooler (for 5,000 lbs limits)

Dealer Tip: Always have your towing accessories installed by factory-trained technicians. Bumper tie-downs cannot be safely used for towing.

Real-World Towing: What Can the Acura MDX Pull?

Numbers on a spec sheet are great, but what does that look like in the real world for Hudson Valley drivers? Here is a breakdown of what you can confidently hitch to the back of your 2026 MDX.


What you can tow with the 3,500-lb FWD capacity:

  • Jet Skis: A dual jet-ski trailer typically weighs around 1,500 to 2,000 pounds total, making it an easy haul for the MDX.
  • Motorcycles and ATVs: Hauling a pair of dirt bikes or ATVs on a small utility trailer to your favorite Upstate trails.
  • Small Utility Trailers: Perfect for landscaping tools, riding lawnmowers, or DIY home improvement hauls.

What you can tow with the 5,000-lb SH-AWD® capacity:

  • Small to Medium Boats: A 16-to-20-foot aluminum fishing boat or a lightweight fiberglass runabout (along with the trailer) easily falls within this limit.
  • Lightweight Campers: Teardrop trailers and small pop-up campers.
  • Enclosed Cargo Trailers: Safely transport furniture, larger equipment, or moving boxes in a single-axle enclosed trailer.

Start Your Summer at Acura of Wappingers Falls

Ready to upgrade your family's weekend adventures? Browse our current selection of 2026 Acura MDX inventory, view our latest specials, or contact our Parts and Service department to equip your current Acura with a factory-certified towing package today.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can the 2026 Acura MDX pull a boat?

Yes. When equipped with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) and the proper towing accessories, the 2026 Acura MDX can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This is more than enough capacity to pull a small-to-medium-sized fishing boat, a pair of jet skis, or a lightweight runabout.

Do I need SH-AWD® to tow with the MDX?

No, you do not need SH-AWD® to tow. Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Acura MDX models can tow up to 3,500 pounds. However, upgrading to SH-AWD® increases your limit to 5,000 pounds and provides vastly superior traction for launching boats on wet ramps or towing through unpredictable New York weather.

Where can I get a tow hitch installed on my Acura in Dutchess County?

You can purchase and install genuine Acura OEM towing accessories-including the trailer hitch, hitch ball, and wiring harness-directly at the Acura of Wappingers Falls Service Center. Our certified technicians ensure the hitch is safely integrated into your vehicle's frame.

Is the Acura MDX good for Hudson Valley winters and summer road trips?

Absolutely. The MDX's available SH-AWD® system is designed to seamlessly adapt to road conditions. In the winter, it provides exceptional grip through snow and ice on Route 9. In the summer, it translates that same power into stable, confident towing for your family vacations.