2025 Acura MDX Type S first drive

The Rocky Mountain region is home to four distinct seasons, and sometimes it feels like all four seasons take place in a single day. It’s a good thing there are vehicles designed to be versatile and dynamic when the external environment (and road conditions) can change so swiftly.

For almost 25 years, the Acura MDX has proven itself to Utah families as a family friendly three-row vehicle, but the beauty of the MDX lies in its ability to also venture off the beaten path, haul cargo and carve up a canyon road with confidence. 

Photo courtesy of Tyson Hugie

According to recent data from the KSL Cars analytics team, there were over 900 users who searched for the Acura MDX in over 2,500 searches over the course of a year. And according to the Utah State Tax Commission, in the first quarter of 2024 alone, there were 438 used Acura MDX sales across both dealer and private-party transactions. That’s enough to put the MDX in about the top 50 makes and models across the state by volume.

What makes it such a hot commodity in the sport utility market?

Browse KSL Cars for MDX Listings

MDX history 

When the MDX first launched in late 2000 for the 2001 model year, Acura’s press release said, “The MDX was created to be the best luxury class SUV, designed to live up to its designation as a Multi-Dimensional Cross Trainer — an athlete that excels on many playing fields.” 

Up until that point, sport utility vehicles were known to be clumsy and cumbersome, so engineers were determined to make the MDX accelerate, corner and brake like a sports sedan. Acura said, “A pillar of the Acura development approach is that the driver’s seat should be the most rewarding seat in the vehicle.”  

Photo courtesy of Tyson Hugie

From its onset, the MDX was well received. Its 3.5-liter V6 delivered more than ample power, and its Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive system demonstrated prowess when the going got rough. The MDX evolved in design and refinement in the subsequent years, moving into its second generation in 2007, its third generation in 2014, and finally its most recent generation in 2022.

Browse KSL Cars for MDX Listings

The MDX of today

Model year 2022 brought to life what became known as Honda’s PF7 platform, upon which both the Honda Pilot and the Acura MDX are currently assembled. Never content to leave well enough alone, Acura had a few tricks up its sleeve for the latest MDX version. Let’s look at the specifications before we hop behind the virtual wheel.

Power under the MDX’s hood can come from two different engines:

• 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V6 (290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque)

• Type S: 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque)

Both engines come paired with a push button 10-speed automatic transmission, although the Type S — true to its sport-minded goals — has unique tuning.

The MDX can be optioned in front-wheel drive or with what Acura calls Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. The latter employs a proprietary torque vectoring system that is capable of sending up to 70% of torque to the rear axle and 100% of that to the outside rear wheel. As a result, the MDX delivers confidence in rain, shine, snow or anything in between.

Photo courtesy of Tyson Hugie

Updates for 2025

Key updates that were made for the 2025 MDX include:

• Revised front fascia and Diamond Pentagon signature grille

• Darkened headlights and taillights

• Unique wheel options

• Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with built in Google connectivity

• Expanded AcuraWatch safety features

• More center console storage with USB ports

• Laminated glass for better sound insulation

Photo courtesy of Tyson Hugie

One of the features that Acura is most proud of is the new MDX’s ability to change lanes by itself on command. With both the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist system activated at a speed of 55 mph or more, all it takes is a blip of the turn signal to direct the car to move over to the adjacent lane when it is safe to do so. Self-driving capability has been taken to new heights.

Photo courtesy of Tyson Hugie

Another important update pertains to the sound system. The Type S model used for this test drive was equipped with Acura’s 31-speaker (!) Bang & Olufsen surround sound system. It allows for incredibly adaptive sound control settings through a Beosonic touchscreen interface. Adding to the clarity and potency of the system are acoustic lens tweeters, two amplifiers, 24 channels and an 8.8-inch subwoofer.

Photo courtesy of Tyson Hugie

Driving impressions

But what’s it like to drive? Acura invited a handful of journalists to the southern California region to experience the new MDX Type S hands on.

Photo courtesy of Tyson Hugie

The roughly 130-mile route from Encinitas to Santa Ysabel and back allowed KSL Cars to experience the MDX in urban, freeway and twisty, two lane environments. Right from the beginning, the MDX accelerated, handled and braked like a vehicle much smaller than its size. It displayed nimble and controlled behavior during spirited driving maneuvers.

The weight of the steering wheel and the diameter of the wheel itself felt nice. Speaking of the steering wheel, the MDX felt like it had a tighter turning radius than most would have expected.

The Bang & Olufsen infotainment system was intuitive to operate, and the interface provided entertainment, safety and comfort all at the same time. There were a lot of other features to appreciate about the newest Acura MDX. Here were a few:

• Bang & Olufsen sound system

• Build quality

• Confidence inspiring handling

• Exterior and interior look

• Panoramic moonroof

• Power assisted tailgate

• Torque delivery

• Step-in height

When the route was finished, there was a greater appreciation as to why Acura has sold 1.2 million MDX models over the last 25 years. The only gripes were that the air suspension felt floaty under some of the (six available) dynamic modes, and the lane-keeping system overreacted in some city driving. Both of those items can be tweaked in the vehicle’s settings to optimize the driving experience to your own tastes and preferences.

Check one out

Perhaps your family could benefit from a sport-utility vehicle that performs all the important family hauling duties but is also dynamic and fun to drive. With sport-tuned handling and a host of creature comforts, the MDX might actually make you forget you have seat belts available for six other passengers.

Photo courtesy of Tyson Hugie

Depending on whether you need all-wheel drive and all the bells and whistles, you can expect the new MDX to range between $50,900 and $74,950, plus destination.

If a lightly used version better suits your checkbook, cruise on over to KSL Cars to browse for an MDX in your price range and specifications.

Photo courtesy of Tyson Hugie

Follow KSL Cars on Instagram and Facebook for car news, local spotlights and giveaways. Do you or someone you know have an awesome car story? We want to feature it! Send us a message at cars@ksl.com. 

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.