2025 Acura MDX Type S SH-AWD Advance: The Brand’s Flagship Performance Crossover

Highlight: A new 12-inch touchscreen now features Google built-in.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $76,600 (Base Model: $52,550)

Seating Capacity: 6 to 7

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; traction control; a forward collision warning system; a collision mitigation braking system; a lane departure warning system; a lane keep assist system; a road departure mitigation system; a radar activated cruise control system; an electronic blind spot system; a lane change alert system; a rear cross traffic monitor; an auto high beam system; a backup camera; hill start assist; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a tire repair kit

Standard Equipment (Base MDX): 19-inch wheels; front wheel drive; 290-hp; a 10-speed automatic transmission; a push button ignition system; keyless entry access; pseudo leather seating surfaces; power front seats with power lumbar support; heated front seats; second row manual seats with removable middle seat; third-row access with one touch feature; a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a panoramic sunroof; a power lift tailgate; a radar activated cruise control system; and a tri-zone automated climate control system   

Standard Equipment (SH AWD Advancement Type S): 21-inch wheels; 3.0-liter turbo/355-hp; AWD; rev matching downshifts; adaptive air suspension with air leveling; active exhaust valves; Brembo brakes; self-sealing tires; active lane change assist; lane change mitigation; a blinds spot information system with steering avoidance; front cross traffic warning; a 31-speaker Bang & Olusfen Premium audio system; quilted seats with Milano premium leather; type S sport appearance package; 27 different ambient lighting conditions; a heated steering wheel; massaging front seats; LED fog light; LED door handles; power liftgate; heated second row seats; and a heated steering wheel

Options: exterior urban gray paint

Other Trim Levels:

Technology

A-Spec

Advance

A-Spec Advance

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an ELS 31-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower: 3.0-liter, V6/354-hp (test model)

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 17-city/21-hwy (test model)

What’s New: For the 2025 model year, the MDX receives a mild makeover, ranging from an edgier front fascia to a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with Google built-in and an available 31-speaker audio system.

Why:

Seats up to 7

A variety of trims

Sporty exterior appearance

19 or 21-inch wheels available

AWD available

A new larger touchscreen infotainment system

A power moonroof

A standard list of safety driving aids

Easy access to third-row with a push button system

Google built-in

A wireless charging pad

A tri-zone automatic climate control system

31-speakers available

Power tailgate

Heated steering wheel

Massaging front seats

Heated second row seats

An exhaust amplifier on S-type model

But: 

SiriusXM is no longer available

The programmed stations required a reset every time we started the vehicle. Was there a software bug in the infotainment?

Third row provides limited legroom

No electrified version  or hybrid

Verdict: Acura’s three-row flagship SUV is available in a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. The updated MDX with its new infotainment system is available in a variety of trims. Pricing for the base model starts out the gate in the low $50,000 range and can easily climb over the mid $70,000 range, if performance is the focus.

For buyers seeking a luxury performance crossover or SUV that provides more driving engagement and performance, the MDX Type S should be on one’s shopping list. While the vehicle doesn’t handle quite like the precision driven mid-level European trims from Audi's Q7, BMW's X5 and Mercedes-Benz's GLE, the Acura Type S with the 355-horsepower engine provides a driving edge comparable to what would expect from their sportier Acura TLX Type S sports sedan. Also when comparing apples to apples, the Acura Type S doesn't really offer much in terms of a price difference, when up against the BMW X5 with the mid-level trim. The primary advantage with the MDX is the addition of the third-row. 

However, there is a significant difference in pricing with the mid-level Mercedes-Benz GLE, which makes the Acura MDX a winner based on economics along. 

Overall, the MDX provides all the amenities one would expect in a luxury SUV less SiriusXM being available.

Competition: Audi Q7; BMW X5; and Mercedes-Benz GLE

Non Type S Competition:  Cadillac XT5, Genesis GV80 and Lexus TX