2025 Acura MDX Type S: A Thrilling Drive for an SUV
MALIBU, Calif. – When navigating the winding, mountainous roads of Malibu, one wouldn’t typically expect a three-row SUV to shine. Yet, the 2025 Acura MDX Type S succeeds in challenging this notion, delivering a surprisingly comfortable and thrilling driving experience even where its counterparts fall short.
The magic begins when switching to Sport or Sport+ mode, which is exclusive to the Type S. These settings lower the air suspension by 15 mm and tighten the adaptive dampers, ensuring the vehicle remains steady on various terrains. While the suspension settings can make rough patches of road feel jarring in these modes, this is easily mitigated by customizing the Individual Drive Mode for a softer ride. The steering feedback is another highlight, offering firm control when needed and loosening slightly in tighter corners at lower speeds, making the MDX Type S exciting yet manageable to drive.
Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive: The Star of the Show
True to Acura’s long-standing tradition of superior handling, the fourth generation of the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system is a masterpiece. This advanced torque-vectoring system can send up to 70% of the available power to the rear axle and 100% to the outside rear wheel when cornering. The results? Unquestionable performance gains. The braking system, equipped with robust 14.3-inch front Brembo brakes, integrates an electric servo for adaptable force application, adding to the car’s braking precision. Turning the MDX Type S becomes intuitive with the sport-designed steering wheel, that allows the front end to grip firmly while the rear end follows with a hint of oversteer in more aggressive turns. Despite its 4,776-pound curb weight, the MDX feels significantly lighter.
Powertrain: Capable But Not Exceptional
Under the hood lies a 3.0-liter V6 engine with a single twin-scroll turbo that generates 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Achieving 0 to 60 mph in the mid-five-second range, it’s quick but not extraordinary by modern standards. However, the 10-speed automatic transmission impresses with adaptive shifts, downshifting eagerly during deceleration for corners, and upshifting faster in Sport+ mode. The active exhaust note is more pronounced in Sport+ but tends to sound artificial, somewhat resembling a V8 rather than its true Honda V6 origin.
High-Tech Interior Upgrades
Perhaps the most significant improvement in the 2025 model lies in the center console layout. Acura has finally ditched the controversial True Touchpad interface, which was criticized for its flawed functionality. The new MDX now features a responsive touchscreen interface derived from the Honda Accord, integrated with Google Built-in, offering enhanced Google Maps and a variety of apps via Google Play Store. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also seamlessly integrated. Unfortunately, satellite radio is absent, making offline music downloads necessary in areas with limited cellular coverage.
Enhanced Audio Experience
A new Bang & Olufsen sound system, replacing the former Panasonic/ELS setup, is now a hallmark of the 2025 MDX. The Type S Advance trim alone boasts an extravagant 31 speakers, including 12 embedded in the ceiling, powered by 24 channels and two amplifiers alongside an 8.8-inch subwoofer. However, the system’s 3D surround can be overly aggressive, leading to inconsistent audio quality among tracks. The Beosonic control feature requires time to master and can be somewhat distracting during driving.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The AcuraWatch suite sees several significant upgrades. Enhanced adaptive cruise control, more perceptive blind spot warnings, and a smarter forward collision mitigation system are notable advancements. Exclusive to the Type S Advance, this model includes features such as automatic lane change within adaptive cruise control, proactive steering intervention for blind spot alerts, and forward cross traffic detection.
Flexible and Luxurious Interior Design
The MDX interior continues to impress with its high-quality materials and thoughtful design. Leather, faux suede, and open-pore wood dominate the aesthetic, supplemented by luxurious switchgear and premium Bang & Olufsen speaker enclosures. The real game-changer is the reimagined center console layout, freeing space for a sunglasses compartment and easier access to the wireless charger by eliminating the touchpad wrist rest.
Unique Seating Configurations
One standout feature is the removable middle seat in the second row, allowing flexibility between a seven-passenger bench and a six-passenger captain’s chair setup. Although it doesn’t stow away completely like in the Honda Pilot, the utility it offers is invaluable.
Conclusion
The 2025 Acura MDX Type S melds family functionality with exhilarating driving capabilities, setting new benchmarks for three-row SUVs. With its superior handling, upgraded tech, and flexible interior, the MDX Type S remains a standout choice in its segment. While there are minor caveats such as the artificial engine sound and an overly complex audio system, the elimination of the touchpad interface marks a significant improvement.
For additional insights and updates, visit Automotive.fyi or follow us on X at @automotivefyi.
Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi