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Acura MDX vs Tesla Model Y

2026 Acura MDX vs 2026 Tesla Model Y — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Acura MDX

2026 Acura MDX

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WD
VS3 – 2Acura MDX wins 3 of 5 categories
Tesla Model Y

2026 Tesla Model Y

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $3,200 a year less in fuel for the Tesla Model Y (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Acura MDX is the bigger car, about 10 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Acura MDX has had fewer recall campaigns (34 vs 43).

The two cars

The 2026 Acura MDX is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 198 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,506 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

The 2026 Tesla Model Y is a small SUV powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 189 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,363 lb.

Buying used? The 2024 MDX and the 2024 Model Y have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 MDX and the 2023 Model Y.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Premium Gasoline
Fuel
EV
3.5L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Engines
EV
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

22 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
19 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
–
EV range
357 mi
$3,750
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$550

Performance & space

290 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
–
Seats (most)
5
198.4 in
Length
188.6 in
78.7 in
Width
78 in
66.9 in
Height
63.8 in
4,506 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,363 lb

Safety & reliability

9
Driver-assist features standard
12
1
Recalls (2026)
8
34
Recalls, all years since 2005
43
9
Owner complaints (latest year)
424

Interest

9,898
Wikipedia views, 30 days
33,157

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2024
2016
Year to avoid
2023

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Acura MDX if…

  • You want more room (10 in longer)
  • You put reliability history first (34 vs 43 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Tesla Model Y if…

  • You want an EV with more range (357 miles)
  • You want something easier to park (10 in shorter)
  • You want a hybrid or electric option
  • You want more standard driver-assist tech

Pros & cons of each

2026 Acura MDX

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 27% below the 2026 small SUV average of 30.2 MPG.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • Modest powerUp to 290 hp, versus about 409 hp for similar 2026 models.

2026 Tesla Model Y

  • Long EV rangeUp to 357 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Full 2026 Acura MDX specs →Full 2026 Tesla Model Y specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →