The Acura MDX Type S is the ultimate combination of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. As the high-performance variant of Acura’s flagship SUV, the Type S trim delivers exhilarating power, precision handling, and premium features that set it apart from the base model. Let’s take a look at what’s new for the 2025 Acura MDX Type S (including a revamp of a notoriously awkward feature).
How Fast Is the Acura MDX Type S?
The 2025 Acura MDX Type S is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This robust powertrain allows the MDX Type S to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just about 5.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest luxury SUVs in its class. The SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system enhances traction and cornering, ensuring a confident and dynamic driving experience.
What Is the Difference Between Acura MDX Type S and Base Model?
The Acura MDX Type S offers several upgrades over the base model, including performance enhancements, drivetrain improvements, and advanced luxury features. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
Engine Differences
- MDX Type S: 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque
- Base Model: 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 engine with 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque
Drivetrain Differences
- MDX Type S: Standard SH-AWD, optimizing traction and handling
- Base Model: Standard FWD with optional SH-AWD
Luxury/Tech Features Differences
- MDX Type S: 16-way power front seats, massaging front seats, premium Milano leather with Ultrasuede, 25-speaker Band, an Olufsen premium sound system, and adaptive air suspension
- Base Model: 12-way power front seats, standard leatherette seating, 9-speaker Acura premium audio system, standard suspension
Price Difference
- MDX Type S: Starting around $75,250
- Base Model: Starting around $51,200
What Packages Are Available for the Acura MDX Type S?
The 2025 Acura MDX Type S has three optional packages:
- All-Season Protection Package I
- All-Season Floor Mats
- Cargo Tray
- Splash Guards
- All-Season Protection Package II
- All-Season Floor Mats
- Wheel Locks
- Cargo Tray
- All-Season Protection Package III
- Splash Guards
- All-Season Floor Mats
- Wheel Locks
What Is Sport+ on an Acura MDX Type S?
The Sport+ mode on an Acura MDX Type S is one of the drive modes available in the vehicle, designed to enhance performance and provide a more dynamic driving experience. It adjusts several vehicle systems to optimize them for more spirited driving. Here’s what Sport+ mode typically modifies in the Acura MDX Type S:
- Throttle Response: The throttle response becomes more immediate, meaning the engine will react more quickly when you press the accelerator, providing a more engaging driving experience.
- Transmission Behavior: In Sport+ mode, the transmission shifts more aggressively, holding gears longer and downshifting more quickly to keep the engine in a higher RPM range, which is ideal for performance driving.
- Suspension Stiffness: The suspension system becomes firmer in Sport+ mode to improve handling and reduce body roll, allowing for better cornering and stability during fast driving.
- Steering Feel: The steering may become more responsive and precise, offering a sportier, more direct feel on the road.
- All-Wheel Drive and Torque Distribution: On the MDX Type S, which features Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, Sport+ mode can adjust the power distribution to the wheels to enhance traction and performance during aggressive driving, particularly on twisty or uneven roads.
- Exhaust Sound: In some vehicles, Sport+ mode may alter the exhaust sound to produce a more aggressive, throaty note, enhancing the performance feel of the vehicle.
What Are the Brembo Brakes on an Acura MDX Type S?
Brembo brakes are a high-performance brake system provided by Brembo, an Italian company known for its advanced brake technology. The system is designed to enhance braking performance by providing superior stopping power, durability, and heat management compared to standard brake systems.
Brembo brakes are especially well-suited to the sportier and more performance-oriented trim of the MDX. They include features like:
- Larger Brake Rotors: Brembo brakes feature larger rotors that can handle more heat and stress, which improves braking efficiency during high-speed driving or in performance-oriented situations.
- Piston Design: Brembo calipers feature more pistons (typically 4 or more) for better force distribution. This greatly enhances brake feel and consistency under hard braking.
- Heat Dissipation: The advanced materials and design used by Brembo help in better heat dissipation, reducing brake fade during extended or heavy braking.
- Improved Stopping Power: Brembo brakes are engineered to provide stronger and more immediate braking, which is ideal for a high-performance SUV like the MDX Type S.
Are There Any Changes for the 2025 Acura MDX Type S?
For 2025, the Acura MDX Type S has a few tweaks, most notably an upgrade to a 12.3 inch proper touchscreen. This replaces the touchpad controls that operated the infotainment system previously. Drivers consistently reviewed the touch controls as awkward, and Acura took the feedback to heart. The new system comes pre-loaded with a full suite of Google apps for added convenience and seamless smart device integration. The cabin has also been insulated further and the rear glass is laminated, so it is around 10% quieter than the previous model.
All MDX trims will feature a Bang and Olufsen luxury sound system, but the Type S is the only one to have the all-new AcuraWatch™ 360 system. This system utilizes additional front corner radars, front millimeter wave radar, and a higher fidelity camera to deliver the most advanced assist capabilities possible. r
Test Drive the 2025 Acura MDX Type S
Experience the thrilling performance and refined luxury of the 2025 Acura MDX Type S for yourself. Visit Mile High Acura to schedule a test drive and see why this high-performance SUV is redefining the driving experience. Contact us to reserve your Acura MDX Type S.
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