Quickest and most powerful Acura SUV ever ticks a lot of boxes but faces stiff competition
What powers the Acura MDX?
“Big whoop,” you say, “my (insert model here) is way faster than the Type S.” OK, but I’m trying to impart the idea of pragmatic performance here. The world needs another 600-hp sport-ute like a fish needs a bicycle. (Proving my hypocrisy knows no bounds, however, I am slated to test a new Range Rover Sport SV, replete with a 626-hp twin-turbo V8.)
Driving the Acura MDX Type S
A January thaw meant no snow to test the merits of the SH-AWD, just a load of rain and significant ponding in areas, which proved no challenge to the grip offered by the Type S’s meaty P275/40R21 Michelin winter rubber.
Let’s delve even further into the tech, like the seven drive modes of the Integrated Dynamics System. In addition to Normal, Comfort, Individual, Snow, Sport and the Type S-exclusive Sport+ mode, the MDX Type S features a Lift mode that increases ground clearance 51 mm to better navigate rough terrain and deep snow. So, we have a crossover with adjustable ride height, automatic load leveling and programmable parking height. Not the first application of this tech in an upscale SUV, but it’s appreciated nevertheless. Also, to improve balance and handling, the battery has been relocated from under the hood to the cargo area.
What makes the Type S stand out from other trims?
Compared with other higher-end crossovers, the MDX is a handsome rig, with broad shoulders, short overhangs and a grille that is distinctive without being cartoonish — or flat-out ugly. The $500 optional Black Pearl paint adds a hint of menace. To that, Acura improves the Type S with several design features to distinguish it from the base versions. This includes a front splitter and an open-surface version of the Diamond Pentagon grille that allows about 10 per cent more air to enter the engine bay. For additional cooling, the side vents flanking the grille route air to a sub-radiator on each side of the engine compartment. At the back, the MDX Type S features a diffuser flanked on each side by two round exhaust outlets. The finishing touch on the Ultra are the exclusive machine-finished 21-inch painted alloy wheels.
2024 Acura MDX interior
Acura doesn’t skimp on the good stuff when it comes to the Type S, though the overall vibe, as mentioned before, is skewed to tech-inspired sportiness rather than sumptuous luxury. That said, sliding your bum onto the soft-touch Milano leather seats — with Ultrasuede inserts — and hitting the massage function is quite delightful. There’s a flat-bottom steering wheel, a whole bunch of buttons arrayed across the dash and centre console, contrast stitching on the dash, doors, and lower instrument panel, metal sport pedals and a metal-plated glove box handle. There’s a head-up display, which thankfully doesn’t disappear when wearing polarized sunglasses. A 12.3-inch all-digital instrument display is standard along with the Acura True Touchpad Interface paired with a 12.3-inch ultra-wide HD centre display. But infotainment touchpads are so last decade, this one requiring a very light touch to avoid skipping past the function you want to select. Also, while most of the graphics are good, the navigation system’s map is rather basic, lacking detail and colour.
I remain less than enthusiastic about the sport-ute’s electronic, shift-by-wire gear selector. Instead of a traditional shift lever, Park, Neutral and Drive are selected by pushing individual buttons on the centre console. Reverse is achieved by pulling back on a switch. Not that it’s baffling but it appears this setup is different for the sake of being different rather than improving things. As with the previous generation MDX, however, Acura has claimed this configuration creates more “working space” in the console area. Those who want to get the most out of their Type S can use the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual gear selection.
The S Type’s biggest issue as a seven-seat, family-friendly rig is that, like many of its rivals that attempt to stuff a third row in the allotted cabin space, it operates better as a five-seater. Even then, if the front seat is set up for a taller driver (guilty) or passenger, legroom will likely be at a premium for any full-sized occupants in the second row. Pressing a button will drop the second-row seatback and slide the base forward for access to the third row. Admittedly, I made no attempt to squeeze my 6-foot-1 frame back there. It’s only suitable for the young, short and limber. Keeping the third row folded does greatly expand the MDX’s cargo volume, from a maximum of 512.5 litres behind the back row to 1,368 litres.
2024 Acura MDX fuel economy
Is the Acura MDX reliable?
Repairpal.com gives the Acura MDX a Reliability Rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it second out of 14 for luxury mid-size SUVs. “The severity of repairs is low while frequency of those issues is average, so major issues are uncommon for the MDX.” Meanwhile Consumer Reports says the Type S displays a comfortable ride, with handling that is “secure but mundane.” The front seats are wide and supportive, and the interior is well-made. The rear seat’s midsection is removable, which creates an aisle to the third row. “The MDX’s biggest knock is the infotainment system’s reliance on a finicky touchpad to interact with the screen; we found it very distracting to use, forcing the driver to look too long at the screen and away from the road.” Nonetheless, CR recommends the MDX, giving it an overall score of 74, and says it is better than average for reliability and satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
Pros
✔ Stylish and sporty in Type S guise
✔ Plenty of smooth, useable power from turbo V6
✔ Loaded with high-tech features
Cons
✘ Legroom can be tight for taller second- and third-row occupants
✘ Really would benefit from a hybrid powertrain
✘ It’s become a lot pricier, which means a lot more competitors