acura mdx 2025 type s
2025 Acura MDX Type S: The Ultimate Luxury Performance SUV Review
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- Powertrain: 3.0L turbocharged V-6 producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and SH-AWD.
- 0–60 mph: Approximately 5.1 seconds, making it one of the quickest three-row SUVs in its class.
- Starting MSRP: Around $67,500, with fully loaded configurations approaching $78,000.
- Seating: Available in both 6-passenger (captain's chairs) and 7-passenger (bench) configurations.
- Best For: Buyers seeking a blend of daily drivability, three-row practicality, and genuine sporty performance without BMW X5 or Audi Q7 pricing.
- Biggest Weakness: Infotainment interface lags behind competitors, and rear-seat comfort trails premium rivals.
Introduction: Why the 2025 Acura MDX Type S Matters
The Acura MDX Type S has long occupied a unique niche in the luxury performance SUV segment — offering sport-tuned dynamics and three-row实用性 at a price point that undercuts German competitors by thousands. For 2025, Acura refines an already compelling formula rather than reinventing it, with subtle enhancements to interior materials, technology integration, and driving refinement.
This review examines every facet of the 2025 MDX Type S — from its aggressively tuned 3.0-liter turbo V-6 to its latest suite of driver-assistance features — to help you determine whether it deserves a place on your shortlist.
Exterior Design: Aggressive Stance, Refined Lines
Signature Type S Styling Cues
The 2025 MDX Type S distinguishes itself from the standard MDX with a pronounced set of exterior updates. The honeycomb-pattern front grille, now finished in gloss black with Type S badging, gives the SUV a wider, more planted appearance. Flared wheel arches accommodate 21-inch machined-face alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile performance tires (275/40R21 on the front, 285/40R21 on the rear).
Lighting and Aerodynamics
LED headlights with adaptive front-lighting system and signature J-shaped DRLs flank the grille, while the rear features a full-width LED taillight bar with smoked lenses. An active grille shutter improves aerodynamic efficiency at highway speeds, contributing to the MDX Type S's relatively class-best 0.38 drag coefficient.
Notable Additions for 2025
- Exclusive Type S gloss-black mirror caps and trim accents
- Refined rear diffuser with quad exhaust outlets (chrome-tipped)
- Available Dynamic Noise Cancellation roof panel for reduced wind noise
- Two exclusive paint finishes: Performance Red Pearl and Majestic Black Pearl with Type S designation
Interior and Technology: Upgraded Materials, Evolving Infotainment
Cabin Quality and Materials
Acura has materially elevated interior quality for 2025. The Type S now features Perforated Nova Bloom or Obsidian leather-trimmed seats with enhanced bolstering, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a semi-aniline leather-wrapped steering wheel with red contrast stitching. Sound-deadening materials have been increased throughout the cabin, with an additional 15 pounds of acoustic insulation compared to the previous model year.
Infotainment System
The centerpiece of the Type S dashboard is the 12.3-inch touchscreen display running Acura's latest infotainment software. Key capabilities include:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Over-the-air (OTA) update capability
- Built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- HD Radio and streaming music integration
- Natural voice recognition with improved accuracy
However, the interface still lacks the responsiveness and intuitive layout found in competitors like the BMW iDrive 8 and Mercedes-Benz MBUX. Physical climate controls remain — a decision praised by many reviewers — but the menu structure can feel convoluted when adjusting drive-mode parameters.
A-SPEC vs. Type S Interior Differences
The Type S interior is distinguishable from the A-SPEC trim by its exclusive seat trim, carbon-fiber-accented trim options, Type S embroidered headrests, and a red-accented instrument cluster theme. Both trims share the same core infotainment hardware, but the Type S adds Drive Mode Selector with additional Sport+ and Custom mappings.
Surround-View Camera and Technology
Acura's 360-degree Surround-View Camera with dynamic guidelines is available and highly functional in tight parking situations. The Head-Up Display (HUD) projects speed, navigation, and driver-assist information onto a large semi-transparent screen, and the 2025 model improves HUD visibility in direct sunlight.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Powertrain Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L Turbocharged V-6 (Direct Injection) |
| Horsepower | 355 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 354 lb-ft @ 1,400–5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic (Type S-tuned) |
| Drivetrain | SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) |
| 0–60 mph | ~5.1 seconds |
| Top Speed (Electronically Limited) | 130 mph |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs (with Type S tow package) |
SH-AWD System: The Type S Advantage
Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system