The 2025 Acura MDX A-Spec Advance Is A Sporty & Safe Bet For A 3-Row Luxury SUV

[@theredline]

Happy Friday everyone! We just got back from driving the refreshed 2025 Acura MDX and this video will be the first of two videos. The second review on the Type S will post on 7/9 at 9am EST, so be sure to set your reminders to come back then for part 2. We'd also like to thank Keeps for sponsoring this video, be sure to go to keeps.com/redline to get your special offer.

[@theporkchopexpress3782]

I don't agree. They don't say the American Mercerdes SUV when speaking about the SUVs that they make in America....

[@JremV]

I love the color combination I have a 2021 accord 2.0t sport in still night pearl with red leather interior. Maybe you can review my vehicle once I get it tuned this year 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@9keith1]

Did both seats have massage?or is it Genesis Style?

[@jonascorreia6365]

At least 400+hp

[@lane5686]

Love how they kept their V6 and gave us a touchscreen infotainment system now. Acura MDX really kept its longevity

[@challengedpictures]

Congratulations on your wedding! I’ve been following you for years on here. My favorite car journalist 💚

[@TalismanPHX]

That V6 engine purrs. Very smooth and refined vehicle. A family member has a MDX and it has been extremely reliable. Even handles forest service gravel roads

[@chad_rs]

As someone who owns one, I strongly disagree. It’s gutless and rides like shit. Supposedly the ride is improved on this refresh but I doubt they worked any magic.

[@rayn.2688]

@@chad_rsyou dont own one

[@chad_rs]

@@rayn.2688 lol I definitely do unfortunately

[@SimonGonzalOS]

These things look a lot better than Lexus and I'm a Lexus fanboy. Who would have thought Acura interiors would look way more premium than Lexus...lol But I would only want the Type S version of this. Horsepower is too low on this model.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

its 300hp, its a minivan replacement, not a sports car.

[@danielmelendez9943]

I already own a 2011 MDX- SH AWD and my car has been extremely reliable with basic maintenance.

[@markdecarlos2141]

Same here

[@PsychicMedium4747]

Love Acura...my favorite auto brand...gorgeous styling, premium interiors, high quality workmanship, and solid reliability. I love my MDX...best luxury brand I ever owned.

[@beri232]

…….except the use a timing belt. My only gripe.

[@drivescene6747]

@@beri232it’s not going to cause any issues so why is it even a gripe?

[@beri232]

@@drivescene6747 because timing belts snap long before a chain breaks. I’ve had it happen and it snapped 10,000km BEFORE it’s scheduled maintenance! We tried repairing the head but the engine burnt oil afterwards and the engine had to be replaced. So yeah…. they can cause issues…. more-so than a timing chain. You might also want to look up what Acura charges to change out one of these timing belts. It isn’t cheap. I have been considering buying one and have considered all the pros and cons.

[@RobertTaylor-jf5ge]

Love the fact that the A-Spec and Type-S have the same front.

[@vimalcvarghese]

No. Type-S 2025 has a different front grill.

[@BJ-sb9rk]

@@vimalcvarghese2025 Aspec and 2025 Type S have the same grill

[@aclarkr]

It's a SOHC, not the new DOHC in the Pilot. It has the same older J35 engine as the Odyssey, Ridgeline, and Passport. You can tell by the black plastic head covers, as opposed to the aluminum machined ones with integrated cam journals.

[@abdullahbinshahid3199]

That means it has VTEC!

[@theredline]

Yes, thank you for clarifying that! Shame Acura hasn’t swapped in the new V6, but we do like the fact that it still has VTEC!

[@TheBreakfastLover]

You left out that it has VTEC!

[@lkae4]

Good eyes. How do they compare with reliability?

[@icculus]

@@theredline It’s not a shame! The current J35 is a gem.

[@ccntwc]

I’d love to see an RDX refresh this year

[@drivescene6747]

It needs a redesign and a freaking Type S variant

[@icculus]

The RDX already has its mid-cycle refresh. We’re now waiting on the next gen car. However, Acura still should have out the updated infotainment system in the RDX and TLX.

[@themusiclab2621]

I started watching this channel since the beginning 10 years ago

[@ErvuJukl]

That's great Luther

[@bobbyjones2112]

A hell of a lot better looking than the ZDX and for the same price, I’d rather have this!👍🚗

[@drivescene6747]

Agreed, the zdx is an embarrassment to the brand

[@cbotten106]

I'll just assume, based on your comment, that you are not a funeral director.

[@volcalstone]

$70K with only 290HP? Crazy imo. I would rather just get used Type-S at $55K. This is coming from a Acura fanboy.

[@ErvuJukl]

Everything is expensive. You can't hide

[@blackwhirlwind1245]

@@ErvuJuklICE cars are keep getting more expensive, while EVs are keep getting cheaper, I remembered a fully loaded Model 3 performance was 80K back then, and now it’s just a little under 65K.

[@ryanb8736]

Just get the X5.

[@christianmirmo4942]

There's a lot more to a car than just HP

[@Fumbiii16]

Not everything has to have crazy hp. There’s cars worth 150+ with less hp. SUV aren’t meant for high hp as well just a family commuter. A lot of old van or family cars average had 260. Get an Audi lambo or bmw if you want power from an suv.

[@Logic227Productions]

Yes, we definitely want to see a separate video of the Bang & Olufsen system.

[@JoseMorales-mj5fz]

Why the need for a 14inch screen?? 12in is a perfect size screen! Some ppl trying to bring there living room to there vehicles…it’s ridiculous.

[@CarsandTechInfo]

I don't think the screen got bigger for 2025. They just brought the screen closer & made it a touchscreen now

[@blackwhirlwind1245]

I agree, 12 inch is more than enough. Lexus’s 14 inch screen is a bad one because they put climate controls in the screen.

[@razorraysolarsavings70]

lol they are going to go with what more people want which is a bigger screen. 😂

[@razorraysolarsavings70]

lol they are going to go with what more people want which is a bigger screen. 😂

[@PWCDN]

same, not sure why people keep needing bigger screens. It doesn't improve the experience. If they want a big screen, just get a Tesla. Leave real cars for car people, tech people can buy a Tesla

[@michaelguzman6824]

Been waiting for the 2025 Acura Advanced with the new Touchscreen ….if they brought back the traditional shifter, would be perfect. As far as color scheme Liquid Carbon metallic with espresso interior 😊 We currently have a 2015 Acura MDX TECH…love but time to upgrade with more safety features.

[@mrgreen9086]

I couldn't care less about SUV/ crossovers I'm just interested in how Acura is updating their vehicles

[@blackwhirlwind1245]

This vehicle just keeps getting more expensive, when this generation MDX first came out, the Advance package was around 63K, and then this A-Spec Advance is almost 70K, but all they did is add a blackout A-Spec appearance package and a touch screen, and massage seats and just 3 things they add 7K to the price😢.

[@MK-hb7zi]

Welcome to 2024. Why would they stop increasing the price when people keep paying.

[@BlakeParker15]

The fact that it's that expensive and doesn't have 3rd row air vents is unacceptable!! I also don't like the electronic gear shifter. It has great tech and features though. I really like the design!

[@MEAMERIE]

It is giving the “Superman” trim, but I don’t really like red seats in a vehicle. No vents in the 3rd row though?

[@Wasabi9111]

For a family suv, I much prefer the functionality of the pilot as I don’t like current Acura center console where there’s no room for storage.

[@larryrogers9060]

I love this color combo. But I’m a wee bit power hungry so I’m gonna go with Type S

[@Slim1986]

It's one of the best in its class!!

[@wrinkleneckbass]

People are complaining about the engine and horsepower, but the J35 engine used here is the same as in my 2013 TL and it's absolutely bullet-proof. I'm nearing 100k miles and I recently changed the timing belt and water pump per the maintenance schedule. I have never had a single mechanical issue from this engine and I'd rather have the J35 in an MDX than any of those competitor or even Acura's turbo-charged engines.

[@michaels7984]

People are complaining because it is underpowered for a vehicle of this size and price.

[@squid2j2]

Its also way underpowered for a mid size SUV especially at $70k

[@drivescene6747]

People are so ignorant. If they think this is underpowered, then what would they say about the GLE350 that has 255hp, the Q7 2.0t with 255hp and the XC90 with 255hp for similar pricing when similar equipped? I have driven the ASpec MDX and it does not feel slow at all, I was never struggling to get up to speeds nor did I ever felt it was inadequate and I drive a freaking AMG on a daily basis.

[@dadelives1]

12 inch display is small now? What are we really looking for? 😂😂

[@Tellinhowitis121]

If it’s not a 50 inch flat screen replacing my windshield I don’t want it

[@dadelives1]

@@Tellinhowitis121 😂😂😂

[@harrytej]

There you go he said it… the screen is big and easy to use google OS and praises and then he says “ it’s looking dated and small”.. Wtf is wrong with these auto journalists.. why do you need more screen? This is nuts

[@yankeesusa1]

If you listen carefully you’ll notice he compares it with what others are adding. If you’re paying this much and the competition is doing a bigger screen with better quality it’s expected.

[@jeffk5142]

Thank you for this review! Great work as usual.

[@mike9588]

It’s still the SOHC V6 they didn’t update it to the pilot engine

[@theredline]

That is correct. Thanks for clarifying! For some reason, in our mind we thought this car got the new V6 in the Pilot first 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Fabulousprofound168]

Is there a reason why? Is the old one better? I would have thought Honda would just cut costs and make one engine common across the board since the output is roughly the same

[@Masterguy635]

@@Fabulousprofound168 VTEC baby

[@rudolfschenker]

This is still a great SUV - Can't wait to see it tested against CX-90

[@ZeeMan84]

How is MDX fantastic family SUV when it does not have 3rd air vents? Big omission.

[@naveenthemachine]

Probably the best Japanese suv along the cx90

[@gamelauncher9821]

Second that

[@kingtrax5759]

I wonder if this new v6 comes with a timing chain instead of a timing belt. That's been one of my biggest gripes with Honda for a while now.

[@beri232]

Nope! Still a belt. It’s my biggest gripe about Acura as well.

[@AlaskanSnowLeopard]

Honda current V6 engines are all timing belts minus the V6 in the NSX.

[@ganzonomy]

Belt

[@jasonkerman1514]

Great video as usual! (By the way, congrats on your wedding!) The ‘25 MDX looks great, I was just surprised to read on the spec sheets that Acura dropped SiriusXM support (Correct me if I’m wrong). Honda also did this in the new Accord. Disappointing to me because I use it frequently on my long commutes. Otherwise, great looking car- and great review!

[@joshgutierrez7380]

The TX really is its own type of car tbh it’s not competing with the mdx. It’s like they combined a 3 row and a minivan 🤮

[@harrytej]

TX has some recalls and is very pricey

[@naveenthemachine]

The Tx and RX are the biggest jokes in the class. Theyre the Mitsubishi mirage of luxury SUVs

[@joshgutierrez7380]

@@naveenthemachine the tx is definitely worse than the rx. They both suck to drive tho

[@naveenthemachine]

@@joshgutierrez7380 both are subpar. The RX and tx are just as bad only in different forms

[@GavrielLevi]

Great work as always Soyfan!!!

[@florinvid]

Great progress Acura. Less HP than my 07 Mdx, and 05 RL, that I had years ago. Nice

[@efonwang]

And not much better fuel efficiency. The formula doesn't really work here

[@drivescene6747]

Faster than your 07 MDX too. Hp is not the only part of the performance equation.

[@JonSnowsGhost]

I hope Acura makes the right changes when they redesign the MDX. It seems the other brands studied this car and made their 3 row suvs better or at least they tried. 290HP & 267 LB TQ is under powered when you can get the CX-90, TX and GH etc (TX and GH are recalled) with more power and way better gas mileage. The 3rd is borderline unusable for passengers. All of the charging ports should be usb-c. No digital rearview mirror. The 360 camera looks dated. No third row vents. No hybrid? Smh. The body and wheelbase need to be extended 4-5 inches to add legroom to the thirdrow. And remove the curve outward on the tailgate.

[@CarGeek360]

I’m fond of the new MDX and I would honestly take the standard version over the Type-S. The Type-S is great and all but less reliable than the standard and has low-profile tires that go flat easily on bad roads. Neither MDX is a performance vehicle tbh. If you want performance, German vehicles are a better choice. My mom’s 2023 MDX Advance is amazing and the refreshed 2025 MDX is even better!

[@JonesyTheFirst69]

Love the new mdx, cant wait till they make a new gen for the rdx

[@dylanz4791]

Is the RDX next in line for a touchscreen? If so, when?

[@michaels3003]

Likely later in the 2024. But it needs a real dash redesign.

[@Masterguy635]

As a 22’ A-Spec MDX owner, nice updates overall. But the new chime sounds straight out of a mid 2000s GM/Ford. The old one was much nicer imo.

[@dr3amboy3657]

Love the blue and red interior. This is what I’d get, so tired of the sea of greys.

[@Thebuscommunityleader]

You is the best car reviewer & I try to buy this.

[@Coupe-sy9nk]

70k and no rear vents for the 3rd row passengers or ventilated seats. Wow! And that size screen on the infotainment system is now standard on mainstream brands like the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. They should've definitely squeezed 2 more inches out of it. It's nice , but a solid pass for me.

[@drivescene6747]

Right, cars are valued based on the size of their infotainment screens 🙃

[@icculus]

2:45 Your engine info is incorrect. This is a carry-over SOHC engine from the previous gen and with the same exact specs. The 2025 MDX does not have the DOHC engine introduced with the new Pilot.

[@Fabulousprofound168]

Is having LED turn signals a good thing? Is there a replaceable bulb when it eventually burns out, or do you have to replace the entire light assembly?

[@michaels3003]

I had to replace a marker light in old Acura, and it was not possible to replace just the light bulb.

[@Logic227Productions]

it depends on the car. a lot of these newer cars have lights that can only be replaced by the manufacture.

[@cupertinoish]

Will Acura add some hybrids to their lineup?

[@hazen061408]

Redline, please look to incorporate something more than 0-60 times. It's more practical to consider passing power at highway speeds. That said, I love all of your content and look forward to more videos!

[@TheKingkingg]

Nice suv, i was was hoping for more power with hybrid system and more exterior colours and interior colours lik 2 brown, blue like nsx and white on white options and pmc option with more powerful with electric motors around 500hp because last RLX hybrid had around same as an suv type S...pretty sad

[@KeithHowells]

White exterior w red interior 👍🏼🔥

[@Niles-Guy]

Female colors

[@Naijabway]

hopefully acura puts the new infotainment system in the tlx

[@preoksaha4504]

Ouffff the front has a bmw M vibe and I’m here for it!

[@vrod1a]

The previous ELS sound system was much superior than the new Bang & Olfsun system

[@PWCDN]

The screen is a good size. I don't' understand the need for anything bigger. The digital cluster already gives tons of information where the infotainment might not even be needed by the driver. My only complaint with this car is no digital rear view mirror.

[@quikness5284]

A 3 row Japanese luxury suv was a funny mouthful in the beginning ….is it better than the 2025 Lexus 500h ??

[@naveenthemachine]

Absolutely. The MDX is way better than the tx. In fact any luxury 3 row is better than the tx. The tx is the biggest joke in the segment

[@XX-166]

Hey Sofyan.. how about a link to that backpack you use and put in the rear storage compartment 😎

[@hugdeath929]

This interior doesn’t really present or scream luxury to me any more than a Santa Fe. That 3rd row wouldn’t meet my needs. I love having a 2nd row bench option especially in top trims for my family haulers. For me, pretty decent legroom doesn’t give luxurious. It gives snug. Thanks for the review SB 🤙

[@jcwatts5000]

13:00 😂 we driving or watching tv lmao 🤣

[@harrytej]

Sharp looking..should do really well after Toyota’s big failure with TX

[@naveenthemachine]

For sure. I as everyone’s favorite Toyota hater predicted the tx would be such a disappointment I’m so glad I was right. 😁 Now only if reviewers would actually give me credit for being right LOL

[@beri232]

@@naveenthemachinenobody likes you…. why would they give you credit?🤷🏼‍♂️

[@abdullahbinshahid3199]

​@@beri232Naveen's just an attention seeker

[@naveenthemachine]

@@beri232 because I was right. I said something would happen and when it happened I see everyone repeating what I’ve been saying

[@naveenthemachine]

Wrong. I predicted the tx rx and gx would be a huge disappointment. All of you disagreed saying im wrong. But clearly the tables have turned against your yet you’re still insisting im crazy That’s your defense mechanism to hide the fact that youre afraid to acknowledge that some Toyota hater out there was right

[@mikevee6992]

Yep and park for 10 minutes in NYC !! And it’s on milk crates

[@bbbt8090]

Correct the mpg, it's 13city/17hwy

[@caliboyrob]

Acura has always kept the Mdx smaller than the Pilot. Because of the great styling they’ve been able to get away with it for so long. The competition has grown and become more practical. The Mdx imo is suffering from the same fate as the Audi Q7. Acura would sell more if they made it the same size as the Pilot. Visually stunning suv but not practical for a family over 4 people.

[@Vin3Man]

When will the MDX get the new Pilot engine?

[@antsala9983]

your better off just getting the type s if your going to pay 70k

[@blackwhirlwind1245]

But the type s is around 77K, nearly 80K.

[@gamelauncher9821]

Exactly 70k for a A-spec I think not 🤨getting a CX-90 turbo PP or turbo s PP seems like the better deal

[@smig95]

We own a 23 A Spec. It is not a $70,000 SUV. It corners way better than it should for its size and has a magnificent ELS sound system. Everything else is mid.

[@volcalstone]

This is the Advance A-spec trim so it's $70K which isn't worth it for me since it's the base engine only. I believe the 23 A-spec was around $61K-$63K. The only MDX I would get is the Type-S cause of that engine not so much of what's on the inside.

[@Masterguy635]

Yeah it’s crazy, our 22 Aspec cost 60k out the door back in 2021. I don’t really see 10k worth of value vs the regular Aspec trim.

[@volcalstone]

@@Masterguy635 that's right the regular Advance was around $63K. Yeah at $70K you're getting some of the stuff from the Type-S minus the engine, air suspension, and better auto system.

[@AM-vy2pp]

$70K for this, seriously!

[@grahamstefaan]

Hate the fake vents. Deal killer.

[@gianniclaud]

This is literally near-perfect. A shame its fuel-efficiency is TRASH

[@67keyakaren68]

Wait where is Honda Pilot in the title?

[@samuelkee796]

2025 models still have SOHC i-VTEC engine as carryover

[@Vin3Man]

When will it get the new pilot engine?

[@drivescene6747]

@@Vin3ManI hope it never gets that engine. The new Pilot is slower than the previous gen.

[@Vin3Man]

@@drivescene6747 oh I did not know that. I heard about better fuel economy so I hoped for better performance too!

[@scorpio5646]

Crazy to pay this over the Mazda CX-90/70 which has more power, better fuel economy and significantly less.

[@cwclarkephotos9551]

That is a sweet ride

[@michaelyhan4062]

Were is the new rdx

[@naveenthemachine]

That startup chime is a lot better sounding than the previous chime

[@Wised1000]

Now if they offered a hybrid one with 275 HP, they woul be kiiling..

[@Saxafruge]

How are Acura/honda automatic transmissions for V6 holding up these days? They have a bad history

[@adrianapigo]

superman color! hahaha i cant unsee it!

[@danielsmith7023]

I live in Encinitas. Yay!

[@czwhat328]

They need to put a higher horsepower engine in both of them. The fuel economy is also bad for the class.

[@harrytej]

Type s?

[@czwhat328]

@@harrytej gets terrible fuel mileage and only has 350hp

[@Aki_Lesbrinco]

Why would you need more hp on this? It's not a sports car.

[@mmt9938]

Beautiful SUV

[@saravanabalaji591]

How is it better than even a Telluride?

[@DavidRC-m9w]

Qx60 is a better buy.

[@naveenthemachine]

Not really. It’s tied but the MDX is sportier and offers better performance

[@DavidRC-m9w]

@@naveenthemachine qx60 has more hp and more torque, it’s faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile. Also has more standard features. Only thing the MDX has is a better awd

[@naveenthemachine]

@@DavidRC-m9w and the MDX has a double wishbone suspension. And an air suspension on the type S and more power and performance in the type S

[@Aki_Lesbrinco]

​@@DavidRC-m9w Because we all know that when you buy an SUV the most critical factor is 0-60 and 1/4 mile performance 🙄.

[@DavidRC-m9w]

@@Aki_Lesbrinco well that’s just like saying we all buy an SUV because of it’s handling. It’s one in the same there ha ha ha.

[@michaelmi7903]

Looks like the third row is virtually useless....

[@joseperez1881]

A single turbo would have given us more power and better mileage.... but what do I know? I'm poor.

[@VG22.]

He keeps saying "if someone wants a great JAPANESE suv"....There is nothing japanese about this suv lol. Its a made in america, designed in america and only for americans..... This thing is not a "JAPANESE SUV"... Its an American Suv sold by a Japanese brand. If you want a Japanese suv then look at the Mazda cx-90, toyota land cruiser, 4 runner, infiniti qx90, armada etc.... all of those are actually made in japan.

[@denziiey]

No wonder the interior is so tacky... this vehicle is very American.. nothing Japanese about it

[@blackwhirlwind1245]

Doesn’t matter, it’s still a Japanese brand vehicle.

[@VG22.]

@@denziiey exactly

[@RomanM803]

@@denziieythe interior looks nice and modern

[@denziiey]

@@RomanM803 I never liked it. It's the one reason I didn't get an Acura... they're solid vehicles though

[@gndesign25]

70k and only 290hp. Why are the Japanese cars so conservative?

[@sunnytaggar6283]

I drove last week looking awesome but v6 is too slow

[@bradleyscarreviews]

Drive the type s

[@SME5724]

I like it … I like it a lot … and it’s more American than Japanese btw

[@patrickrk44]

3rd row doesn't recline either. that's a large omision for the cramped space.

[@tolu.a9725]

I see room for Acura to make this particular trim Hybrid or PHEV. I will buy it next and dump my Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Limited if they decide to go Hybrid/PHEV. Until their leadership decides that, I will keep my Hyundai

[@danielmelendez9943]

Type S, used seems like a reliable bargain. But when you py over $70k and you jave 290HP, that is just ridiculous.

[@Mr.Wright-b8f]

Sheesh for that price you’ll be better off with a Mazda CX-90! Mind you, Honda/Acura are my favorite brands 😅

[@shaunwreks1234]

69k you must be joking. You can get a Ford explorer ST, Durango RT, Honda Pilot, Ford Expedition for under 69K. Way overpriced ….. L for Acura and anyone who overpays for this

[@TacoRob72]

“Keeps” just ain’t keeping it unfortunately man.

[@KazuoNichimoto]

it was all looking good until you got to the interior with that sea of piano black. That is seriously a deal breaker for me.

[@jrmeister24]

Im losing my faith on KEEPS. Sofyan's hairline keeps receding every year 😂

[@beri232]

He just got married….. expect it to recede even quicker now! Ask me how I know!😂

[@joshharrison1160]

i like the blue. i like the red. but not together

[@MK-hb7zi]

Just test drove this car. That red interior has to be the ugliest and most overdone in any car out there. Elvira’s lair comes to mind.

[@shirke01]

I rather get the BMW X5

[@V7AD]

Was JUST about to go to bed… guess not 😅