Can the 2026 Acura MDX tow my camper around Sioux Falls, SD?

Vern Eide Acura – Can the 2026 Acura MDX tow my camper around Sioux Falls, SD?

The 2026 Acura MDX is a premium three-row SUV built for everyday comfort and weekend versatility, and many shoppers ask whether it can confidently tow their gear for getaways around the Sioux Falls area. The short answer is that the MDX is engineered to handle towing with composure — and understanding which powertrain and setup you choose makes all the difference. Below, our team at Vern Eide Acura explains what the official towing ratings mean in the real world, how SH-AWD® helps on ramps and gravel access roads around town, and what to consider before you hook up a trailer or boat.

Your towing numbers at a glance

Acura publishes clear, package-specific towing capacities for the 2026 MDX. Those numbers, combined with the SUV’s balanced chassis and available performance enhancements, are why MDX owners confidently head to local spots like Lake Alvin Recreation Area, Wall Lake, Big Sioux Recreation Area in Brandon, and Lake Vermillion Recreation Area west of town.

• FWD rating: Up to 3,500 lbs. when properly equipped
• SH-AWD® rating: Up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped
• Engines: 290-HP V-6 or 355-HP Turbo V-6 on Type S Advance
• Chassis: Double-wishbone front suspension and an ultra-rigid body for confident control
• Stability tech: Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®), Agile Handling Assist®, and AcuraWatch™ driver-assist features

If your towing plans include a light pop-up camper, small fiberglass fishing boat, jet skis, or a single-axle utility trailer, the MDX with Front-Wheel Drive can be a smart fit within its 3,500-lb rating. If you’re stepping up to a heavier camper, a larger boat with added gear, or frequent long-haul towing on I-29 or I-90, the rear-biased Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system — rated for 5,000 lbs — is the better match.

Why SH-AWD® matters for Sioux Falls towing

Beyond the higher tow rating, SH-AWD® makes a noticeable difference when you are backing down a damp boat ramp at Lake Alvin, pulling away from gravel at Newton Hills State Park, or merging onto the prairie-swept stretches of I-90 with a trailer. Because SH-AWD® can actively send power to the rear wheels — and even side to side in certain conditions — it helps the MDX stay planted and responsive when the tongue weight shifts or the surface gets slick. That extra confidence is valuable when wind gusts come across open fields or when you need steady traction on a dirt access road after a rain.

The MDX’s Integrated Dynamics System also lets you firm up steering and responsiveness in Sport, or keep things calm and smooth in Comfort or Normal when you are towing and want consistent shifts. On the MDX Type S Advance, available Lift mode adds extra ground clearance for rougher approaches or rutted access points — helpful for campgrounds that are off the paved path.

Real-world examples around Sioux Falls

Every trailer is different, but here is a general way to think about pairing your 2026 MDX to what you tow near Sioux Falls:

• Within FWD capability: Light pop-up campers, compact aluminum or small fiberglass fishing boats, single-axle utility trailers, and small enclosed trailers with modest cargo
• Best with SH-AWD®: Larger fiberglass boats with gear, midsize travel trailers, two-place ATV or snowmobile trailers loaded with accessories, and longer enclosed cargo trailers
• Type S Advance advantages: Adaptive Air Suspension, SH-AWD® standard, larger Brembo® front brake calipers and Electro-Servo brakes for confident control

If you are on the fence between the two ratings, choosing SH-AWD® gives you added margin for passengers and cargo in the MDX, plus more leeway for the extra items that inevitably come along for a weekend at Big Sioux Recreation Area or a long run to Lewis and Clark Recreation Area down near Yankton.

Smart setup: accessories and prep we recommend

Proper hardware makes towing simpler and safer. Our parts and service teams help Sioux Falls owners equip the MDX with the right gear and ensure it is installed to Acura specifications. We also carry Acura Genuine Accessories that complement towing days and adventure life.

• Acura Genuine Accessories: Roof Rails w/ Crossbars, Running Boards, Splash Guard Set, Cargo Protector, Folding Cargo Tray, and more for organized, easy-loading weekends
• Wiring solutions: We can outfit MDX with the appropriate trailer wiring and connectors for your specific trailer setup
• Tires and load checks: We confirm tire condition and inflation appropriate for the added load
• Visibility aids: If equipped, the Surround-View Camera, Parking Sensors, and multi-view rear camera help with tight maneuvering

Before your first tow, bring your trailer to Vern Eide Acura. We can walk you through hitch height, connector function, and a light check — and talk through best practices for weight distribution and loading based on your gear.

Driving tips for towing around Sioux Falls

Conditions change quickly here — from calm city streets to gusty crosswinds on open prairie highways — so a few habits go a long way when you have a trailer behind your MDX.

• Plan your route and ramps: Choose launch points and campground entrances with space to stage and turn, especially during peak hours
• Use manual paddle shifters when needed: On longer grades, downshift to help maintain speed and reduce brake heat
• Mind speed and spacing: Leave extra following distance for wind gusts along I-29 and I-90
• Load thoughtfully: Keep heavy items low and centered, and verify that your trailer tongue weight and total load are within limits in the owner’s manual
• Do a pre-departure walkaround: Check latch pins, safety chains, connector, lights, and tire pressures

If you are new to towing, our team will happily do a hands-on demo at our dealership on S Grange Ave to help you feel comfortable with backing, brake modulation, and camera views.

Tech that makes towing days easier

Long hauls to the lakes are more relaxed with the MDX cabin and connectivity features. Google built-in lets you use Google Maps on the 12.3-inch touchscreen for route planning and live traffic. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ keep your playlists and calls hands-free while you focus on the road. AcuraLink® Connected Services adds convenient features like Remote Start, so the cabin is comfortable while you load coolers and rods before you roll out.

AcuraWatch™ driver-assistive technologies come standard on every 2026 MDX. Blind Spot Information helps with lane changes when your mirrors are filled with a trailer, and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor assists when you are easing out of a fuel island or a packed boat ramp lot. Low Speed Braking Control can help in close quarters, and Traffic Jam Assist helps take the edge off slowdowns on Louise Ave or 41st Street when you are heading home.

When the Type S Advance is worth it

For owners who want the most stable, confident feel with cargo or a trailer attached, the MDX Type S Advance brings meaningful hardware to the table. The 355-HP Turbo V-6 pairs with SH-AWD® for confident passing and merging with a loaded trailer, while the Adaptive Air Suspension can raise or lower ride height and smooth out pavement transitions that might otherwise unsettle your gear. Larger Brembo® front brake calipers and the Electro-Servo brake system deliver a reassuring pedal feel — especially useful on repeated stops in town or when you are descending to a launch site.

Inside, the Type S Advance cabin keeps drivers fresh on longer towing days. 16-way power front seats with 9 massage modes and the available Bang & Olufsen® Ultra Sound System mean you arrive at Lake Madison as energized as when you left Sioux Falls.

How Vern Eide Acura supports your towing plans

We do more than sell you a vehicle — our Sioux Falls team helps you outfit it for your life. From choosing FWD vs. SH-AWD® based on your trailer and routes, to installing towing hardware and verifying your lighting and connectors, our factory-trained technicians and Genuine Acura Parts team make setup simple. We will also review your MDX’s Maintenance Minder™ intervals and confirm fluid and brake health before your first big trip.

If you are comparing the MDX to other three-row luxury SUVs for towing, bring us your trailer details and a short list of destinations. We will build a personalized recommendation, walk you through the differences across MDX, Technology, A-Spec®, Advance, A-Spec® Advance, and Type S Advance packages, and set up a demonstration drive so you can feel the stability and visibility systems in action.

Ready to get started? Visit Vern Eide Acura at 4030 S Grange Ave in Sioux Falls or contact us to schedule a towing consultation and MDX test drive. We are here to help you make the most of every weekend — from the Big Sioux to the Missouri River — with the right MDX and the right setup.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need SH-AWD® to tow 5,000 lbs with the 2026 Acura MDX?

Yes. The 2026 MDX with SH-AWD® is rated up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. Front-Wheel Drive MDX models are rated up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped. We will help you match the rating to your trailer and gear.

Will towing impact my fuel economy?

Any vehicle will see reduced fuel economy while towing due to added weight and aerodynamic drag. The 2026 MDX EPA ratings are 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined for FWD, 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined for SH-AWD®, and 17 city / 21 highway / 19 combined for Type S Advance. Your results will vary based on load, speed, terrain, and weather.

Can Vern Eide Acura install the towing hardware and wiring on my MDX?

Yes. Our factory-trained technicians can equip your MDX with towing hardware and trailer wiring that fits your trailer needs, using Acura Genuine Accessories where available and integrating cleanly with the vehicle’s systems.

Does the MDX have features that help with trailer maneuvering?

Yes. The multi-view rear camera is standard, and if equipped, features like the Surround-View Camera, Parking Sensors, and Blind Spot Information can assist with low-speed parking, aligning at the ramp, and lane changes with a trailer attached.

Is the MDX Type S Advance better for frequent towing?

For drivers who tow often, the MDX Type S Advance adds power from the Turbo V-6, SH-AWD® as standard, Adaptive Air Suspension with Lift mode, and larger Brembo® front brake calipers for confident control. Many owners appreciate these upgrades when trailering multiple times per season.

Request more 2026 Acura MDX information