*Tested* The Updated 2025 Acura MDX Type S edges closer to 3-row SUV perfection...

#acura #mdx #types #luxury
How good is Acura's updated MDX? I test out the #flagship #suv for Acura outside of San Deigo, CA to find out...
Acura today revealed an extensive refresh of the 2025 MDX, the performance brand's flagship and the best-selling 3-row luxury SUV of all-time. The MDX boasts styling enhancements, a new 12.3-inch touchscreen interface featuring Google built-in1, a quieter cabin, improved safety features, and a Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system. The high-performance 2025 MDX Type S with Advance Package debuts the new AcuraWatch™ 360 system that introduces more advanced driver assistive capabilities thanks to additional front corner radars, a higher-fidelity front camera, and new front millimeter wave radar. The standard AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver assistive technologies on all other MDX grades also features updated hardware for enhanced safety performance.
The 2025 MDX and MDX Type S performance SUVs will begin arriving at Acura dealers nationwide this May.
"The best never stand still; they keep getting better, and that's what we did with the new 2025 Acura MDX by taking our most popular model and flagship 3-row SUV to a new level, as we continue to advance Precision Crafted Performance at every point in the Acura lineup," said Mamadou Diallo, Senior Vice President of American Honda Auto Sales. "We've enhanced MDX in almost every way, adding incredible new tech, a quick and intuitive touchscreen interface, world-class Bang & Olufsen luxury audio and lots more. It's simply the best MDX we've ever made."
New for the 2025 model year is the arrival of the MDX A-Spec with Advance Package, which combines sport appearance with additional premium features including a head-up display, 16-way power front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, heated steering wheel, and Surround View Camera. MDX with Advance Package and MDX A-Spec with Advance Package also feature curvilinear-quilted leather and massaging front seats, previously exclusive to MDX Type S.
Additionally, the turbocharged MDX Type S now comes standard with the previously optional Advance Package, further enhancing the high-performance variant with premium features, including a head-up display, 16-way power front seats, 9-way massaging front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, heated steering wheel, and Surround View Camera. The 2025 MDX Type S with Advance Package introduces Acura's most impressive audio system yet, an all-new 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system that elevates MDX's already class-leading audio experience.
What's New (MDX):
Enhanced AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver assistive technologies (standard)
12.3-inch touchscreen interface featuring Google built-in1 (standard)
Redesigned center console with improved functionality, USB-C ports inside and in the rear of the console box, increased storage and a more accessible wireless smartphone charger (standard)
Front fascia with redesigned bumper, open-frame Diamond Pentagon grille with new more aggressive mesh pattern, and darkened headlights and taillights (standard)
Redesigned 20-inch wheels (Technology Package and above)
Available curvilinear-quilted 16-way Milano leather front seats with 9-way massaging function (Advance Package, A-Spec with Advance Package)
11-speaker (+2), 8-channel audio system
19-speaker (+3 on Advance Package and A-Spec, +7 on Technology) Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system (Technology Package and above)
Extensive refinement updates for a quieter cabin, including laminated rear door glass and additional insulation (Technology Package and above)
Rear seatbelt reminder system (standard)
Two new available colors: Canyon River Blue Metallic (all trims except A-Spec and A-Spec with Advance Package) and Urban Gray Pearl (A-Spec with Advance Package)
What's New (MDX Type S with Advance Package):
31-speaker (+6) Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system
AcuraWatch™ 360 system adds Front Cross Traffic Warning7, Lane Change Collision Mitigation and Active Lane Change Assist
Redesigned front seats with Ultrasuede bolsters and Type S logo embossed on head restraints
Redesigned 21-inch wheels with machined face and Berlina Black accents
Front fascia with redesigned bumper and frameless Diamond Pentagon grille
New available color: Urban Gray Pearl
00:00 - Walkaround
03:12 - Cargo
04:03 - Powertrain
05:05 - Backseats
07:34 - Frontseats
13:25 - Highway Driving
21:23 - New Sound System
24:42 - Handling

[@abr7192]

Thank you for the overview. I love the Type S! The styling is elegant for an SUV. The infotainment system improvement is fantastic. This is a great value play in my opinion.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

Wow, it’s very practical.

[@darinmurphy6426]

You ate this review up 👏🏾👏🏾

[@robertt8654]

There are 3rd row a/c vents in the floor beneath the 2nd row seats.

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Excellent

[@miszmookster]

Bad mpg though, as low as 15, that’s not good 😅

[@JayJay-he9bk]

Glad they got rid of that ancient track pad!!😅😅

[@sylvaindupont8077]

What about ambient lighting? Does it come with over the air update?❤

[@ytsux9259]

I test drove one and it was very nice.

[@eddyalvarenga]

Digital rearview mirrors?

[@volcalstone]

Oh man that moving reflections from the gloss black dash trim piece on the passenger would drive me crazy.

[@kenfrankel3498]

So which cars/SUV’s have better sound systems. ( thought that 31 speakers would make for A++ rating )

[@gtl1010]

Hi - it's my understanding from reading Acura's press release, that the additional sound deadening materials have been added to premium MDX models EXCEPT for the Type S. Can anyone confirm this?

[@rightlanehog3151]

Kirk, Did Acura update the timing belt for 2025? 🤔

[@mike9588]

What would there be to update necessarily?

[@ibz.a]

Does the regular 3.5L have cylinder deactivation?

[@ROGERDATTT]

Chain instead of belt maybe ?

[@agentcontrast9784]

tx fsport or phev vs this if keeping long term?

[@ibz.a]

@@agentcontrast9784 phev

[@kevinbarry71]

Big improvement. I wish Honda didn't take 500 years to figure out basic stuff.

[@senorgato70]

I say the same thing. But it seems like they give a "lesser" version of a new model, then put the good stuff in at the mid-cycle refreshes to keep the sales momentum through the rest of the life cycle. I just wish they'd give the best version up front.

[@senorgato70]

Love the MDX. The front-end styling may be my favorite of any SUV, looks aggressive and elegant in equal parts. Acura really needs to add hybrid powertrains to their lineup, especially in the SUVs.

[@ibz.a]

Regular MDX (not S) vs TX350 or Grand Highlander hybrid max? What would you pick and why?

[@harrytej]

Grandhighlander is what? 60k?

[@harrytej]

I think MDX apec looks good

[@ibz.a]

@@harrytej in Canada GH hyb max is 68k, mid trim TX 350 73k, MDX 71-78k depending on trim not type S. Not including taxes or negotiation; could discount TX gas or MDX, but Toyota hybrids hard to negotiate due to high demand and long wait times.

[@naveenthemachine]

MDX all day

[@t3h8ar0n]

Those motorcycles cut off to Palomar Mountain, one of the best motorcycle roads in the U.S. - you can even see a bunch of the switchbacks on your Google Map as they are heading off to the left. I use to live in Oceanside, and I rode Palomar Mountain all the time (my avatar picture is from there).

[@takaradope]

The tlx should've got the new touchscreen infotainment

[@aksnyc3]

Is it better than x3m40i?

[@kevintran2036]

Would you get the Acura MDX or Lexus TX 500H?

[@naveenthemachine]

MDX hands down all day long

[@MikeForsythe]

Both are good. 500h wins

[@FirstHillSeattle]

I need the room in my garage. MDX much shorter so my pick!

[@mike9588]

In terms of ELS vs B&O, I think one of the ‘issues’ with ELS was that it had too much bass

[@TomnguyenX06]

Funny how i listen is different, i set the low high and it still doesnt product enough bass the bass is more punchy doesnt hit the young people, but it really nice for older people, it soundlike natural in the ears like other high end subwoofer does i hope the bass from B&O will product different bass.

[@oscarcha100]

Any word on when the RDX will be updated?

[@sylvaindupont8077]

By year end

[@paulhenry913]

While the s version is nice I would save 10- 15 grand on a lower trim with the base engine

[@lockheedload]

You're better off buying an older one cash. Same engine and drivetrain, save even more.

[@fungidr3520]

I prefer the old exterior style

[@cablebrain9691]

I had thought about purchasing an MDX, until I saw that they hadn’t gotten rid of that cheap-looking shiny-black plastic. Arghh!

[@lockheedload]

Still limited to 110mph :(. It's a nice refresh, but not enough for me to give up my '24 type s.

[@danielmelendez9943]

All they gave is was a slightly different bumper, same engine, same transmission and after 20 years, they caught up with a new infotainment system that is compatible tonwhat everyone else has been putting in their cars since 10 yeara ago. By the way, the type S moniker has been violated and misused. This MDX is only 1 second quicker than the regular MDX. The piano black interior is horrible, the seats are not as supportive as the previous generations and in the last 3 generations, they still have not been able to figure out a better fuel consumption management even though they have decreased power from previous generations on the non- type S models. I have a 2011 base SH-AWD that put 300 HP with the 3.7L engine that gets at best 16.5MPG on daily driving and 20MPG on highway driving. Yet my MDX has better seats and real wood interior. Current generatins have piano black with subpar quality leather interiors. I do like my MDX, went to teet drive a 2023 Advance but due to poor quality interior and materials, I did not buy it. I will tell you, back in 2011 the advance modeywas $55k and I thought the GOS and radio were annoying due to the crazy amount of unnecessary buttons and poor design. My base model has been a work horse. I now have 120k moiles on it.

[@cjwestside]

More volume? Nice to be young 😂

[@cablebrain9691]

Nice review, but you’ve totally ignored the cost of ownership. Below was a calculation by ChatGPT A.I., considering a 10 year/100,000 mile scenario: Low Estimate: • Fuel Cost Difference: $6,722.49 • Maintenance and Repair Cost Difference: $9,700 • Total Cost Difference (Low Estimate): $16,422.49 High Estimate: • Fuel Cost Difference: $6,722.49 • Maintenance and Repair Cost Difference: $18,000 • Total Cost Difference (High Estimate): $24,722.49 Therefore, over a ten-year period and 100,000 miles, the additional total cost of owning an MDX Type S compared to an MDX Advanced A-Spec is estimated to be between $16,422.49 and $24,722.49. From Me: Now add to that the approximate $7,000 initial price difference, and we’re talking a minimum of a $23,000 cost difference over 10 years/100,000 miles. Much of the added maintenance/repair part of the cost likely came from having Brembo brakes, a turbo-charger, active air suspension, tires, exhaust, etc. The initial purchase price is the least of the expenses. But if you can afford it…..👍🏼

[@gamelauncher9821]

31 speakers while the second row only have 2 knee vents as well as the third row having non

[@DLNix]

If only Acura had a MDX Type S Ridgeline type truck.. Order immediately

[@CU08]

Gotta love how beat up and swirled the piano black bezels look at 0:59 on a brand new vehicle with 170 miles. What a terrible design and material choice.

[@VOLVO2LUV]

HEY

[@socalbadger1]

X7 is a better value even at a few grand more

[@chris-_-3073]

"Type S" - yes we get it. Didn't need tobe said every 15 seconds. 🤨

[@katalysis]

Air suspension that will inevitably fail and cost $$$$ to replace in a car that needs no lifting or lowering, while getting only 11-13 mpg in real world usage. Not quite perfection.

[@shawn1869]

No hybrid, no buy

[@ssr1680]

Acura is a headache to own now at day's. Wheel and tires thefts are at a all time high. I might actually go with CX 90

[@AFCompany]

Acura is a headache to own because of tire thief’s? Can’t those be stolen off any car? Such a nonsense comment

[@PWCDN]

Maybe blame where you live instead of the car lol.

[@blacksunshine489]

@@AFCompany🤡😭😂🤡

[@MikeForsythe]

@@AFCompanyfor decades. especially in the NE, Honda and Acuras are some of the most stolen vehicles. No matter the entire car or parts. More so cars than suvs tho

[@AFCompany]

@@MikeForsythe I know the civic was one of the most stolen cars at a point in time but he said wheels and tires. I don’t see how that problem is exclusive to Acura. I mean they put wheel locks on their vehicles. They can’t help it if their rims are desirable 😂

[@robertbandusky9565]

Too much technology. Not necessarily in an automobile? I’ll keep my Honda Crosstour 😎

[@FeLiX13sLaVe]

Nothing says Honda like a refresh that looks worse than the original.

[@AFCompany]

This definitely looks better than the pre refresh

[@jr1885]

I thought the same until I saw it in person next to the old Type S. It looks so much more impressive than the original version.

[@FlexRod]

The advance trim is the better looking imo, the gloss black squares in the front bumper look hideous.

[@ytsux9259]

It looks gorgeous!

[@AFCompany]

@@ytsux9259 na you’re gorgeous bro gotta drop the workout routine haha jk.

[@ItsAlive111]

Too expensive for a “near” luxury brand

[@Ry-lx2kl]

As the owner of 2 Mercedes, I'll take the high resale value and reliability of this "near" luxury offering.

[@Ry-lx2kl]

...as far as price, welcome to inflation. Blame the government for increasing the money supply by 40% during covid, causing inflation everywhere. Also, what do you expect them to do as far as pricing? If they offer 90% of what Mercedes offers for 70% of the price, then how is their pricing wrong? How much does a highlander cost? What premium do you think is fair over a highlander or their own pilot? If you don't want to pay the near luxury premium, why not buy a Pilot instead?

[@MikeForsythe]

@@Ry-lx2klthe pilot is too expensive lol. Acura simply hasn’t elevated the brand to command these prices which is why they struggle to sell any type s. Note the MDX sweet spot is 55-60k where it’s very attractive.

[@Ry-lx2kl]

@@MikeForsythe I don't think you're living in reality to what inflation has done to the price of goods. I bought Nissan Xterra in 1999 (my 2000) for $23k sticker. A 4 runner at the time was $35k for an SR5 and a Suburban could be had new in the low $40's. My Xterra adjusted for inflation is $43,858. The 4 runner would be $65,980. The Suburban would be $84,800. This isn't accounting for much better appointed vehicles today with much better specs. That Xterra was good for like 173HP. If the pilot is too expensive. And the Acura. Then really you're saying the whole car market is too expensive. I agree. That sucks. As far as being competitive, who is offering a better value for your dollar? The germans are easily +$20k spec for spec. The Lexus lineup is even more overpriced and experiencing powertrain growing pains. Nissan/Infinity? Just as high priced and less relaible with lower resale values. Domestics? You can find Jeeps for $15k under sticker. Maybe it's worth your consideration. That's far from the Acura experience and you'll still be paying close to $40k for a vehicle sitting on lots for 200+ days.

[@MikeForsythe]

@@Ry-lx2kl inflation is surely up, car prices are up but sales are up. Honda sales are up. Acura sales are down significantly and they are a cheaper premium brand. Thats not good. Lexus just had a record 6 months. Before the dealer computer hacking, automotive industry sales were on pace to pre covid levels. So even wirh inflation the market is still hot depending on the brand and vehicle. Acura is pretty much domestic, made here, only sold here and one product is shared with GM.

[@electrikoptik]

Acuras just don’t do it for me. They’re so generic looking.