2024 款 Acura MDX Type S
This is yet another high-performance SUV, and we fully support it
Unless you've been following developments in the automotive industry closely, you probably didn't know that the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time was the Acura MDX. That's right! Since 2001, MDX has been providing exceptional comfort, practicality, and performance to American homes. For 2025, the MDX story will not only continue, but it will be more engaging than ever.
We do like that Acura has been putting more emphasis on performance than ever lately, adding their Type S badge to more and more vehicles. The badge was first applied to the MDX shortly after the fourth-generation MDX hit the market in 2022, and since we've been looking for an exciting summer romance, we had to put this 2024 Acura MDX Type S to the test.
Type S upgrades are much more than just sleek trim kits, upgrades tend to be fairly comprehensive, and that's the case with the MDX. Building on an already wide and stable platform, the Type S underwent a complete chassis makeover, redesigning the double wishbone front suspension, adding sporty active shock absorbers, and for the first time, enabling on-the-fly adjustment to the Acura air suspension. The variable ratio electric power steering system has also been updated with the addition of larger Brembo brakes behind the new 21-inch wheels with Continental's high-performance tires. They even moved the battery to the rear of the vehicle to help improve balance. The hood, front fenders, and shock absorber tower are also made of aluminum, which also helps with this.
There's also a unique powertrain, as the Type S ditches the long-held 3.5-liter V6 engine of the standard MDX in favor of a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged engine that makes 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It works via a sport-tuned 10-speed automatic transmission and Accura's fourth-generation super-handling all-wheel drive system. So, with 65 horsepower and 87 pound-feet more torque than the MDX A-Spec, we can't wait to hit our Mason Dixon Dragway test track.
Powerful from start, the Type S kicked in immediately, and we sat firmly in the well-supported seat as it quickly accelerated to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. That's a full second faster than we did with standard MDX in 2022. The power delivery remains very strong throughout, with a pleasant low exhaust sound that sounds pleasant but not too loud or harsh. The 10-speed shift is very powerful, with each new gear shifting the power doubling. The MDX maintains a slight "lean-up" stance during a quarter-mile drive, completing it in 13.9 seconds at 100 mph.
The power delivery remains very strong throughout, with a pleasant exhaust sound that is refreshing and not too loud or harsh.
The car's performance enhancements are truly varied. Air suspension with active shock absorbers, torque vectoring super-handling all-wheel drive, and an integrated powertrain with exclusive Sport+ mode. While it's easy to complain that the Acura is too technologically advanced, it's hard to deny the results, as it remains firmly positioned throughout the handling exercises. That's right, we want to have a more steering feel. But the steering of this Type S is very precise. The body roll is minimal, with only a slight understeer approaching the limit. The upgraded brakes were up to the task, stopping us from 111 mph in 60 feet with good pedals and no attenuation.
The Type S's interior treatments include metal trim, Milano leather seats, contrast stitching, paddle shifters on the Type S's flat-bottomed steering wheel, sunroof, wireless phone charging, and Accura's 12.3-inch precision cockpit gauges. The optional premium package adds massage front seats, a head-up display, and a 1,000-watt 25-speaker ELS Studio 3D sound system that appears to be located throughout the cabin. The top display of the dashboard is also 12.3 inches; It's clear and in sight. The input is made on a console-mounted touchpad, which is still not our favorite setup. The second-row passengers have climate control and charging ports, and the Type S retains the three-row flexibility of the MDX.
Externally, there is a distinctive diamond pentagonal grille with additional airflow, a front splitter and a new air intake located under the dashboard, followed by a radiator. At the rear is the rear diffuser-style lower dashboard with four large circular exhaust outlets. Air suspension lets you lift it all 2 inches to clear obstacles if you need to.
The government fuel economy rating is City 17, Highway 21, and Composite 19. Our average fuel consumption is 20.3 mpg. This is slightly below the average for the Energy Impact Score; It consumes 15.7 barrels of oil annually while emitting 7.8 tons of carbon dioxide.
The Type S is available for $69,800 plus an additional $5,350 for the premium kit.
With 355 horsepower and excellent handling, the 2024 Acura MDX Type S is not only the most powerful and best-performing Acura SUV ever, but also the benchmark for its price point. All in all, by adding plenty of legit Type S performance to its best-selling SUV, Acura has made a huge effort to make it more attractive than ever.
specification
- Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 355
- Torque: 354 lb-ft.
- 0~60 mph: 5.4 seconds
- 1/4 mile: 100 mph, 13.9 seconds