The Acura MDX has been in production for nearly 20 years. This guide provides towing capacity tables for each model year from 2010-2020. The data for the towing capacity comes directly from the owners manual for each model year with the page annotated.
The quick and simple answer is that each model year has a towing capacity of 5000 pounds with two passengers aboard. The trailer weight and max tongue load diminishes with each additional passenger. After the 2014 model year, the max towing capacity of 5000 is only achieved on the 4 wheel drive model with a transmission cooler.
Hybrid models from EVERY MODEL year are not given a tow rating, and it is suggested that towing with them can void the warranty.
2010 Acura MDX Towing Capacity
Max Towing Capacity = 5000 lbs
| Number of Occupants* | Maximum Total Trailer Weight |
Maximum Tongue Load**
|
| 2 | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
| 3 | 4,751 lbs (2,155 kg) | 470 lbs (213 kg) |
| 4 | 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) | 370 lbs (168 kg) |
| 5 | 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg) | 276 lbs (125 kg) |
| 6 | 3,999 lbs (1,814 kg) | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| 7 | Towing Not Recommended | |
*The corresponding weight limits assume occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back, each occupant weighs 150 lbs (68 kg), and each has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area. Any additional weight, including cargo or accessories, reduces the maximum trailer weight and maximum tongue load. Never exceed the gross axle weight ratings (see page 481).
**Recommended tongue load should be 5 － 15% of the total trailer weight for boat trailers, and 8 － 15% of the total trailer weight for all other trailers.
Source: 2010 Acura MDX Owner’s Manual Page 482
Towing Notes
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) － The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all accessories, all cargo and the tongue load is 5,952 lbs (2,700 kg).
- Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) － The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue load must not exceed 2,888 lbs (1,310 kg) on the front axle, and 3,175 lbs (1,440 kg) on the rear axle.
- Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) － The maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle and trailer is 10,053 lbs (4,560 kg) with the proper hitch. The GCWR must be reduced 2 percent for every 1,000 feet (305 meters) of elevation.
2011 Acura MDX Towing Capacity
Max Towing Capacity = 5000 lbs
| Number of Occupants* | Maximum Total Trailer Weight |
Maximum Tongue Load**
|
| 2 | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
| 3 | 4,751 lbs (2,155 kg) | 470 lbs (213 kg) |
| 4 | 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) | 370 lbs (168 kg) |
| 5 | 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg) | 276 lbs (125 kg) |
| 6 | 3,999 lbs (1,814 kg) | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| 7 | Towing Not Recommended | |
*The corresponding weight limits assume occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back, each occupant weighs 150 lbs (68 kg), and each has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area. Any additional weight, including cargo or accessories, reduces the maximum trailer weight and maximum tongue load. Never exceed the gross axle weight ratings (see page 481)
**Recommended tongue load should be 5 － 15% of the total trailer weight for boat trailers, and 8 － 15% of the total trailer weight for all other trailers
Source: 2010 Acura MDX Owner’s Manual Page 484
Towing Notes
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) － The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all accessories, all cargo and the tongue load is 5,952 lbs (2,700 kg).
- Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) － The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue load must not exceed 2,888 lbs (1,310 kg) on the front axle, and 3,175 lbs (1,440 kg) on the rear axle.
- Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) － The maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle and trailer is 10,053 lbs (4,560 kg) with the proper hitch. The GCWR must be reduced 2 percent for every 1,000 feet (305 meters) of elevation.
- Tongue Load- The weight that the tongue of a fully loaded trailer puts on the hitch should be 5 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight for boat trailers, and 8 to 15 percent of total trailer weight for all other trailers
2012 Acura MDX Towing Capacity
Maximum Towing Capacity = 5000 lbs (2268 kg)
| Number of Occupants* | Maximum Total Trailer Weight |
Maximum Tongue Load**
|
| 2 | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
| 3 | 4,751 lbs (2,155 kg) | 470 lbs (213 kg) |
| 4 | 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) | 370 lbs (168 kg) |
| 5 | 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg) | 276 lbs (125 kg) |
| 6 | 3,999 lbs (1,814 kg) | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| 7 | Towing Not Recommended | |
*The corresponding weight limits assume occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back, each occupant weighs 150 lbs (68 kg), and each has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area. Any additional weight, including cargo or accessories, reduces the maximum trailer weight and maximum tongue load. Never exceed the gross axle weight ratings.
**Recommended tongue load should be 5 － 15% of the total trailer weight for boat trailers, and 8 － 15% of the total trailer weight for all other trailers.
Source: 2012 Acura MDX Owners Manual Page 486
Towing Notes
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) － The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all accessories, all cargo and the tongue load is 5,952 lbs (2,700 kg).
- Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) － The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue load must not exceed 2,888 lbs (1,310 kg) on the front axle, and 3,175 lbs (1,440 kg) on the rear axle.
- Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) － The maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle and trailer is 10,053 lbs (4,560 kg) with the proper hitch. The GCWR must be reduced 2 percent for every 1,000 feet (305 meters) of elevation.
- Tongue Load The weight that the tongue of a fully loaded trailer puts on the hitch should be 5 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight for boat trailers, and 8 to 15 percent of total trailer weight for all other trailers.
2013 Acura MDX Towing Capacity
Maximum Towing Capacity = 5000 lbs (2268 kg)
| Number of Occupants* | Maximum Total Trailer Weight |
Maximum Tongue Load**
|
| 2 | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
| 3 | 4,751 lbs (2,155 kg) | 470 lbs (213 kg) |
| 4 | 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) | 370 lbs (168 kg) |
| 5 | 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg) | 276 lbs (125 kg) |
| 6 | 3,999 lbs (1,814 kg) | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| 7 | Towing Not Recommended | |
*The corresponding weight limits assume occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back, each occupant weighs 150 lbs (68 kg), and each has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area. Any additional weight, including cargo or accessories, reduces the maximum trailer weight and maximum tongue load. Never exceed the gross axle weight ratings.
**Recommended tongue load should be 5 － 15% of the total trailer weight for boat trailers, and 8 － 15% of the total trailer weight for all other trailers.
Source: 2014 Acura MDX Owner’s Manual Page 490
Towing Notes
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) － The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all accessories, all cargo and the tongue load is 5,952 lbs (2,700 kg).
- Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) － The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue load must not exceed 2,888 lbs (1,310 kg) on the front axle, and 3,175 lbs (1,440 kg) on the rear axle.
- Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) － The maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle and trailer is 10,053 lbs (4,560 kg) with the proper hitch. The GCWR must be reduced 2 percent for every 1,000 feet (305 meters) of elevation.
- Tongue Load The weight that the tongue of a fully loaded trailer puts on the hitch should be 5 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight for boat trailers, and 8 to 15 percent of total trailer weight for all other trailers.
2014 Acura MDX Towing Capacity
| Number of Occupants | 4WD Models With ATF Cooler | 4WD models without ATF cooler |
2WD models |
| 2 | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
|
| 3 | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) 3 | 3,250 lbs (1,474 kg) |
3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
|
| 4 | 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
|
| 5 | 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
|
| 6 | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
|
| 7 | Towing Not Recommended | ||
Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:
- Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back
- Each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg)
- Each occupant has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area Any additional weight, cargo or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight and maximum tongue load.
Source: 2014 Acura MDX Owner’s Manual Page 309
2015 Acura MDX Towing Capacity
| Number of Occupants | 4WD Models With ATF Cooler | 4WD models without ATF cooler |
2WD models |
| 2 | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
|
| 3 | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) 3 | 3,250 lbs (1,474 kg) |
3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
|
| 4 | 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
|
| 5 | 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
|
| 6 | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
|
| 7 | Towing Not Recommended | ||
Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:
- Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back
- Each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg)
- Each occupant has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area Any additional weight, cargo or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight and maximum tongue load.
Source: 2015 Acura MDX Owner’s Manual Page 311
2016 Acura MDX Towing Capacity
| Number of Occupants | 4WD Models With ATF Cooler | 4WD models without ATF cooler |
2WD models |
| 2 | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
|
| 3 | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) 3 | 3,250 lbs (1,474 kg) |
3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
|
| 4 | 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
|
| 5 | 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
|
| 6 | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
|
| 7 | Towing Not Recommended | ||
Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:
- Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back
- Each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg)
- Each occupant has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area Any additional weight, cargo or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight and maximum tongue load.
Source: 2016 Acura MDX Owner’s Manual Page 327
2017 Acura MDX Towing Capacity
The hybrid version of the 2017 MDX has no official towing capacity. Doing so can void your warranty (owner’s manual page 236)
| Number of Occupants | 4WD Models With ATF Cooler | 4WD models without ATF cooler |
2WD models |
| 2 | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
|
| 3 | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) 3 | 3,250 lbs (1,474 kg) |
3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
|
| 4 | 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
|
| 5 | 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
|
| 6 | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
|
| 7 | Towing Not Recommended | ||
Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:
- Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back
- Each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg)
- Each occupant has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area
- Any additional weight, cargo or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight and maximum tongue load.
Source: 2017 Acura MDX Owner’s Manual Page 354
2018 Acura MDX Towing Capacity
Towing is not recommended with the hybrid version of the 2018 MDX.
| Number of Occupants | 4WD Models With ATF Cooler | 4WD models without ATF cooler |
2WD models |
| 2 | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
|
| 3 | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) 3 | 3,250 lbs (1,474 kg) |
3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
|
| 4 | 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
|
| 5 | 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
|
| 6 | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
|
| 7 | Towing Not Recommended | ||
Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:
- Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back
- Each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg)
- Each occupant has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area
- Any additional weight, cargo or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight and maximum tongue load.
Source: 2018 Acura MDX Owner’s Manual Page 452
2019 Acura MDX Towing Capacity
Towing is not recommended with the hybrid version of the 2019 MDX.
| Number of Occupants | 4WD Models With ATF Cooler | 4WD models without ATF cooler |
2WD models |
| 2 | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
|
| 3 | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) 3 | 3,250 lbs (1,474 kg) |
3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
|
| 4 | 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
|
| 5 | 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
|
| 6 | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
|
| 7 | Towing Not Recommended | ||
Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:
- Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back
- Each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg)
- Each occupant has 17.6 lbs (8 kg) of cargo in the cargo area
- Any additional weight, cargo or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight and maximum tongue load.
Source: 2019 Acura MDX Owner’s Manual Page 452
2020 Acura MDX Towing Capacity
| Number of Occupants | 4WD Models With ATF Cooler | 4WD models without ATF cooler |
2WD models |
| 2 | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
|
| 3 | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) 3 | 3,250 lbs (1,474 kg) |
3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
|
| 4 | 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) |
3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
|
| 5 | 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg) | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) |
2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
|
| 6 | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) |
2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
|
| 7 | Towing Not Recommended | ||
Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:
- Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back
- Each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg)
- Each occupant has 17.6 lbs (8 kg) of cargo in the cargo area
- Any additional weight, cargo or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight and maximum tongue load.
Source: 2020 Acura MDX Owner’s Manual Page 452