Automotive

Acura MDX Type S Review: Family Life with a Little Spice!

A three-row crossover SUV with a turbo V-6 and a sport tuned air suspension will kick up any family-life dish a notch.

Adding another nameplate to the Type S line-up, the MDX Type S gives the enthusiast with a family something to enjoy. And sure, bring the kids. Based on the fourth generation MDX, released in 2022, the sporting SUV starts with a strong structure and well tuned chassis. Add in easily adaptable ergonomics and premium feel, there’s a lot to like.

Here’s my full video review of the Acura MDX Type S

Acura MDX Overview:

Acura offers two trims of the MDX Type S: Type S and Type S Advance. The Type S starts at $69,045. Going Advance adds $5350 to the price, so you’ll part with at least $74,395. Spending the extra money mainly adds luxury items to this performance crossover SUV, such as surround view cameras, 10.5-inch HUD, higher end sound system, massaging front seats, heated second row seats, heated steering wheel, and more.

My test car went without all of that, but still included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a center console touch screen of the same size. It also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a wireless touchpad. You also sit on leather seats with faux suede inserts. And those seats are heated and ventilated too.

Powering the MDX Type S is the same turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, Acura placed in the TLX Type-S. It pumps out as much as 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Before making its way to all-four-wheels, power goes through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The three-row, seven seat, crossover SUV provides plenty of space for passengers. And healthy amounts of cargo space: 16 cubic feet behind the third row. Lowering the third row improves that to 39 cubic feet. Lowering second provides 71 cubic feet of space.

But, critically, Acura put in serious work and equipment to make the MDX Type S a lively handler. Adaptive shock absorbers, adjustable height and stiffness air springs, as well as a stiffer front anti-roll bar all aid in maximizing the usefulness of the torque vectoring all-wheel-drive system. This is a big utility vehicle that engages and entertains the driver. Magnificent!

Please check out my video above to see more and hear my full opinion. I strive to provide a detailed understanding of what the Acura MDX Type S.

What’s Good:
Space. Comfortable seats. Fun to drive! 		What Could be better: Fuel economy below competitors. Thirsty motor.My conclusion: Dual purpose family SUV and enthusiast friendly machine.

Another crossover SUV to keep your eye on: 2023 Hyundai Palisade

MAIN COMPETITORS:

SPECIFICATIONS:

2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD Type S: 5-door, 7-passenger, Crossover SUV

  • Base price: $67,895
  • Price as tested: $68,395         
  • Options: Performance Red Pearl Paint, $500
  • Powertrain:
    • Engine: Turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6
      • Power: 355 horsepower at 5500 rpm
      • Torque: 354 lb-ft of torque between 1400-5000 rpm
    • Transmission: 10-speed automatic transmission
    • Drive: all-wheel-drive
  • Fuel Economy
    • City 17 mpg
    • Highway 21 mpg
    • Combined 19 mpg
  • Dimensions
    • Length: 198.4 inches
    • Width: 78.7 inches
    • Height: 67.1 inches
    • Wheelbase: 113.8 inches
  • Weights and Capacities
    • Curb weight: 4741 lbs.
    • Interior volume: 139 cu ft
    • Cargo volume (3rd/2nd/1st rows up): 16/39/71 cu ft
  • Calculated weight to power: 13.4 pounds per horsepower
  • Mfr’s claimed 0-60 mph: na seconds
  • Mfr’s claimed Top Speed: na mph
  • Government classified size: standard sport utility vehicle, 4WD

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