2025 Acura MDX Type S – Quick Take Review

The 2025 MDX Type S is a refresh – but one improvement makes a huge difference.

Review by Tom Sedens. Photos supplied.

When it comes to Acura’s Type S branding, you know you are going to be driving something special. Acura only bestows the Type S badge to its most powerful and capable vehicles. And so it is for the MDX Type S, where pure precision and raw power come together in Acura’s flagship SUV.

Exterior

The exterior, while familiar with its sleek, sophisticated styling, pronounced beltline and the signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, gets the Type S treatment too. You immediately notice the black trim accents and the stunning Berlina 21-inch rims, exclusive to the Type S, wrapped in massive 275-sized performance tires. Around back, the rear diffuser and quad exhaust tips complete the look.

Interior/Tech/Convenience

Inside, the precision-crafted and technologically advanced cabin is at once sporty and luxurious. The beautiful quilted and perforated leather seats with Ultrasuede inserts to keep the driver and passengers in place during spirited driving – they are heated, ventilated and have massaging functions and special Type S embossing.

Behind the bespoke Type S flat-bottomed heated steering wheel is a 12.3-inch Precision Cockpit digital dash that allows the driver to display the exact information they desire.

But let’s not delay this any longer – here is the big change that makes this vehicle so much more livable and lovable. Centered in the dash is a large TOUCHSCREEN that controls the MDX’s functions, including the 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Why is this such a big deal? Because previously Acura employed their not-great-at-all touchpad system to control what was happening on the screen, and I would go so far as to say it may have been a deal-breaker for me. It’s always been a wonderful vehicle, but I wouldn’t want to live with that system. This one is fantastic!

And when it comes to keeping everyone inside the vehicle safe, the driver and passengers can count on AcuraWatch, the full suite of Acura’s industry-leading active driver assistance technology including a heads-up display, all manner of collision mitigation systems and a full surround-view camera system.

Second and Third Row Seating

Second and third-row passengers are treated to equally luxurious and comfortable surroundings. Getting into the third row is a snap thanks to the One-Touch Smart Slide access that moves the second row seating out of the way.

Overhead is a huge panoramic sunroof providing an expansive view that makes every seat in the vehicle bright and airy.

Storage

An SUV can be as sporty as it wants but it still needs to provide utility – it’s right in the name. And the MDX’s power liftgate reveals a substantial cargo space with intelligently designed versatility. With the third row in use, it’s a surprisingly useful 461L space. Fold the third row down, and you get a much more spacious 1107 L. Fold both back rows down and you can help a buddy move with the resulting 2021L space.

Under the Hood and The Drive

The heart of the MDX Type S is a 3.0L turbocharged V6 putting out 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft of torque that is mated to a super-fast 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura’s racetrack-bred Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).

Fuel economy is rated at 13.8/11.2 L/100 km (city/highway) and while 91-octane juice is recommended, it’s not required.

But it is not just about power and straight-line performance. Endowed with an adaptive air suspension and torque-vectoring technology for enhanced handling and control, and a superb Brembo braking system, the Type S is a true high-performance vehicle.

The MDX Type S can just as easily become a comfortable cruiser. The Integrated Dynamics System allows the driver to choose between numerous drive modes, including Normal, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Snow and a fully customizable Individual setting. There’s even a Lift mode if more ground clearance is needed.