What is the weight rating of the hitch on the Acura MDX?
As you plan to tow with an MDX, understanding the hitch’s weight rating—often expressed as tongue weight and gross trailer weight—depends on the model year and whether your vehicle is equipped with the towing package. This article lays out the typical specifications you’ll encounter and how to verify them for your particular MDX.
Answering the question directly: the MDX uses a 2-inch Class III hitch receiver. In most modern MDX models with the towing package, the tongue weight is rated up to about 600 pounds and the gross trailer weight up to 5,000 pounds. Without the towing package, this capacity is commonly lower, typically around 3,500 pounds. Always check your specific year and trim to confirm these numbers.
Key hitch specifications for the Acura MDX
These figures cover the most common configurations across recent MDX generations. Exact numbers can vary by year and whether the towing package is installed, so use them as a guide and verify against your vehicle’s documentation.
- Receiver size and class: 2-inch Class III hitch receiver
- Tongue weight rating (maximum): up to about 600 pounds
- Gross trailer weight (maximum): up to 5,000 pounds with the towing package; around 3,500 pounds without the towing package
- Typical equipment included with the towing package: enhanced cooling, transmission cooler, and wiring harness to support higher tow loads
The above figures reflect common configurations for the MDX when properly equipped. The presence or absence of the factory towing package can make a meaningful difference in towing capacity, so it’s essential to confirm for your specific vehicle.
Year-by-year considerations
To avoid misinterpretation, note that some earlier MDX iterations required the towing package to reach the higher 5,000-pound ceiling, while base or non-towing-packet setups often sit at 3,500 pounds. Always consult the owner’s manual or the official Acura brochure for your exact model year and trim level, as those documents provide the authoritative rating for your hitch.
How to confirm your vehicle’s exact rating
Verifying the precise weight rating for your MDX involves a few quick checks so you tow safely and within limits.
- Inspect the door jamb placard and the hitch label for published tongue weight and gross trailer weight figures
- Review the owner’s manual or the Acura towing guide for your year and trim
- Confirm whether your MDX has the factory towing package installed
- For heavier towing, ensure you meet additional requirements such as brake controller compatibility and trailer wiring
If you’re unsure, contact an authorized Acura service department or consult the dealer where you purchased the vehicle. They can verify the exact rating and confirm any year-specific quirks or requirements.
Summary
In summary, the Acura MDX typically uses a 2-inch Class III hitch with a tongue weight rating around 600 pounds and a gross trailer weight rating up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the towing package. Without the towing package, the capacity commonly sits around 3,500 pounds. Because these figures vary by year and trim, always verify your vehicle’s exact ratings in the owner’s manual or with an authorized dealer before towing.
How do I know my hitch weight limit?
Shorter, lighter vehicles tend to have a lower TWC while larger, heavier vehicles tend to a have a higher TWC. The best way to determine your vehicle's hitch Tongue Weight Capacity is to read your owner's manual.
What is the hitch weight rating for the Acura MDX?
An Acura MDX with an SH-AWD drivetrain can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is often enough for a small-sized fishing boat and trailer. Weigh your trailer and boat, adjust the placement of the trailer so the tongue weight is around 500 pounds, and then you can hitch it to your Acura MDX.
Can you put a trailer hitch on an Acura MDX?
So when it comes to actually putting a hitch on a vehicle like the MDX. It makes sense you know these are fullsize SUVs. And pretty capable. So if you're looking to pull a trailer.
How much weight can an Acura MDX hold?
The tow capacity of the Acura MDX is up to 3,500-5,000 lbs.
The available Sport Hybrid SH-AWD engine however, is paired with a Motor-Integrated 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission.
