Is it possible that the 2024 Acura MDX Type S has managed to perfectly blend luxury with performance? As an automotive journalist, I’ve taken it upon myself to explore this intriguing question. Yes, life is hard as an automotive journalist, where we get to drive new cars every week.
After spending a week with a brand-new 2024 Acura MDX Type S Ultra, I was impressed with the blend of power, performance, and luxury.
Below you’ll find my take on this sporty SUV and detailed information on specs, features, and more.
Key Takeaways
The 2024 Acura MDX Type S combines luxury with sportiness, offering a fun and engaging driving experience.
It features a high-performance 355-horsepower V6 engine, achieving 0-60 mph in about 5.5 seconds.
The interior boasts premium materials, advanced technology, and comfort features like 16-way adjustable 9-mode massaging front seats.
Despite its higher price tag, the MDX Type S provides unique driving pleasure and stands out for its dynamic handling and sporty design elements.
Table of Contents
Acura MDX Canadian Prices
The 2024 Acura MDX is offered in four trims. The base model is called the MDX Tech, with a price tag of $64,680. The MDX A-Spec has a price of $67,680, the Platinum Elite is priced at $71,680, and the MDX Type S Ultra has a starting price of $85,680. These prices do not include Freight & PDI of $2,595 and other fees and taxes. Unlike the European carmakers, there aren’t any additional packages on each trim, you can add accessories and different paints.
Our review 2024 Acura MDX Types S Ultra had a price, before tax, of $88,907. This included the optional Performance Red Pearl paint ($500), freight/PDI, and tire levies/federal air conditioning tax ($32.50 and $100 respectively.)
Performance
The current generation Acura MDX was introduced as a 2022 model, I reviewed the non-S Type version a few years ago. Back then the MDX was offered with just one engine choice, which was a 3.5-liter V6 with direct injection. This engine produces 290 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 267 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission using 4th generation SH-AWD.
I mentioned in my review that a new trim, Type S, will be available at a later date. Well, now is that later date and this version of the MDX uses a 3.0-liter, twin-scroll, single-turbo engine, which produces 355 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 354 pound-feet of torque between 1,400 to 5,000 rpm. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission, the MDX Type S, like all other trims, comes with Acura’s famous SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system.
The MDX Type S lives up to the “Type S” badge, it’s truly a fun vehicle to drive. I was more than satisfied with the performance from our review MDX Elite, the extra power provided by the 3.0-liter is more than welcome, especially for those who love to drive fast. The 10-speed transmission shifts seamlessly and can be controlled via the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The handling characteristics are precise, with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system providing an exceptional grip and confidence in corners, even with winter tires on our review car. The MDX Type S comes with a new height-adjustable air suspension, which changes the stance of the vehicle depending on the modes. In the Sport and Sport+ modes, it lowers the car for better handling, and it raises it in the “Lift” mode, which makes it more useful off-road. This suspension also makes the ride extremely comfortable in normal modes and it doesn’t suffer from any harshness in the two Sport modes. German competitors’ performance SUVs have quite harsh suspensions, which makes using them daily a bit of a nuisance.
According to Acura, the MDX Type S should consume 13.8/11.2/12.4 liters/100 kilometers in city/highway/combined driving. After a week of driving, with about 70/30 highway/city driving, the onboard computer showed an average fuel consumption of 11.8 L/100 km. The Acura MDX Type S (and other Acura vehicles) requires premium gasoline.
MDX Type S Styling
The MDX Type S is a sporty-looking SUV, it is quite similar to the non-S Type and it doesn’t scream “performance SUV”. The design language keeps the family look, it features a decently sized front grill, that’s not too small nor is it too big. There’s a massive Acura badge at the center, letting everyone know what’s coming up behind them in their rear mirrors. The headlights are Acura’s signature “Jewel Eye” LEDs, which brighten up the darkest of country roads. The rear features sleek-looking LED taillights and quad exhaust tips. The “Type S” badges can be found on the rear hatchback, front fenders, and the front grill. and style, where Acura’s commitment to blending sportiness with luxury becomes visually apparent.
Overall, the Acura MDX Type S blends modern features, stylish accents, and sporty elements, giving it an upscale and athletic look.
Interior Comfort
The interior of the 2024 Acura MDX Type S keeps the look the same as the previous MDX we reviewed, it keeps the design language found on other Acura products. The interior features a 12.3” ultra-wide HD screen (standard on all trims), which is not a touchscreen like many competitors. Instead of touch, the screen is controlled via a trackpad that has two separate sections, which correspond to the two sections of the infotainment screen. The bigger trackpad controls the bigger part of the screen and the smaller trackpad section controls the smaller part of the screen. The trackpad can be used to write down letters when you’re entering an address. However, after spending a week with the MDX and having spent weeks with other Acura vehicles, I still have a hard time writing the letters I wanted. I believe this system will be replaced in the near future, at least that’s the rumor I heard.
The trackpad is like a mousepad on a laptop but it also has an added feature. Using the trackpad normally, you just slide your finger around to move the “cursor” on the screen to the desired function. The added feature is when you put your finger on the mousepad, say top right corner, the pointer on the screen will appear in the corresponding position on the screen, the top right corner. So instead of sliding your finger/cursor from one end of the screen to the other, you can just click that part of the trackpad, and the corresponding part of the screen will get clicked. It doesn’t take much time to get used to this system.
The instrument cluster is digital, featuring a 10.3″ screen that displays different information. It’s easy to read and the graphics are modern.
The MDX is Acura’s flagship SUV, so its interior is expected to be luxurious, which it is. The interior is quiet, and comfortable, and offers lots of room for passengers. I enjoyed the comfortable ride and nicely upholstered seats. I particularly enjoyed the various massage features, a total of 9 different massages, listed below:
- Wave
- Shiatsu
- Step
- Awake
- Fusion
- Lower Back
- Upper Back
- Rejuvenation
- Zen
Technology Features
Our review 2024 Acura MDX Type S was loaded with the latest tech we’ve come to expect from luxury vehicles. Whether these tech features add to comfort or safety, the MDX offers a variety of them, the higher trims offer a lot of features, however, even the lower trims come with a whole list of features. Below is a list of features that can be had with a 2024 Acura MDX:
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with Pedestrian Detection
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system
- Hill Start Assist
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system with steering wheel haptic feedback
- Low-speed braking control
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control
- Blind Spot Information (BSI) system
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Sensor Control Damper
- Ride height-adjustable air suspension
- Agile Handling Assist
- Front wiper deicer
- Heated power-adjusting side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down and integrated turn indicators
- Jewel Eye LED headlights and daytime running lights
- LED fog lights
- LED taillamps
- Panoramic Moonroof
- Power tailgate with programmable height, hands-free access, and walk-away auto-close
- Rear camera washer
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
- Alexa Built-in
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- CabinTalk in-car PA
- CabinControl App
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Color head-up display (HUD)
- HomeLink remote system
- Keyless access system with Acura Personalized Settings
- Surround view camera system
- Remote engine starter with vehicle feedback
- Remote-linked 2-position memory system for driver’s seat and side mirrors
- 2-position memory system for passenger seat
- Driver’s seat position memory for up to 3 positions
- Traffic sign recognition
- Tri-zone front and rear synchronized automatic climate control
- Walk-away door lock
- Wireless smartphone charging
- ELS Studio Signature Edition Audio System with 25 speakers including a subwoofer
- AcuraLink Subscription Services
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Bluetooth Streaming Audio
- 16-way power adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seat including 4-way power lumbar support
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats (outboard positions only)
- Heated steering wheel
Final Thoughts on the 2024 Acura MDX Type S
Reflecting on the practicality and performance of the Acura MDX Type S, it’s clear that making a final recommendation requires weighing its sophisticated blend of luxury, athleticism, and utility. Here’s what I’ve concluded:
- Value Comparison: When I stack it up against its rivals, the MDX Type S presents a compelling value proposition. Its price tag, while not insignificant, is justified by the level of luxury features and performance capabilities it offers.
- Driving Dynamics: The driving experience is second to none. It strikes a perfect balance between sportiness and comfort, making it a joy to drive daily. Its handling and acceleration are responsive, providing a sense of connection to the road.
- Luxury Amenities: The MDX Type S doesn’t skimp on luxury. From its plush interiors to its advanced tech features, it envelops you in comfort and convenience. This SUV proves that you don’t have to compromise on luxury when you want performance.
The 2024 Acura MDX Type S is a symphony of power, luxury, and innovation, striking the perfect chord between performance and comfort. The amazing 355 horsepower V6 engine, coupled with a luxurious cabin, sets this SUV in a league of its own.
If you are looking for performance, but not in a sports car, the Acura MDX Types S is a perfect blend of practicality and sportiness.
For more information on the MDX and other Acura vehicles, check out the official Acura Canada website.
2024 Acura MDX Type S Photo Gallery
