Acura’s best-selling vehicle underwent a facelift for the 2025 model year, with the popular three-row MDX SUV getting a host of styling and tech upgrades.
The model is available in four trims, from the base Tech trim to our tester, the Type S Ultra, with as as-tested price of $92,698.10 – a significant jump over the $70K base price.
However, what you get in the Type S Ultra is a powerful and luxurious vehicle that will certainly only further entice buyers to consider this popular model.
In addition to the model-wide upgrades such as an Enhanced AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver assistive technologies, a 12.3-inch touchscreen interface featuring Google built-in, redesigned interior, a front fascia with redesigned bumper, frameless Diamond Pentagon grille with a more aggressive mesh pattern, darkened headlights and taillights, the Type S Ultra gets even more features.
That includes a bangin’ 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system, AcuraWatch 360 with Front Cross Traffic Warning, Lane Change Collision Mitigation and Active Lane Change Assist, redesigned front seats with Ultrasuede bolsters and Type S logo embossed on head restraints, and new 21-inch wheels with machined face and Berlina Black pockets
Our tester had a few other extras, including $800 for the Liquid Carbon Metallic colour, Red Quilted Leather with Ultrasuede ($500) and $775 for the protection package featuring all-weather mats for the cabin floor.
Powertrain: While the base MDX has a 3.5-litre V6 engine, the Type S takes things to a different level with a turbocharged 3.0L powerplant under the hood, pumping out a thunderous 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.
Acura says the engine was developed by some of the company’s most experienced powertrain engineers, including members of championship winning motorsports programs, claiming it is the best performing MDX ever.
Stopping power is provided by a set of Brembo front brakes, with hard to miss red calipers.
The Type S is also equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super Handling All-wheel Drive with true torque vectoring. Acura says the rear-biased system is capable of sending up to 70 per cent of torque to the rear axle, and 100 per cent of that to the outside rear wheel.
Exterior: While the entire MDX lineup receives a new front grille, they are not all created equal. The Type S Ultra stands out from the other MDX trims thanks to a frameless Diamond Pentagon grille with redesigned open-surface mesh, which also is a functional feature that allows airflow to the engine. The front look also features Acura’s signature four Jewel Eye LED headlight elements and Chicane LED daytime running lights.
Other standout features include the Berlina Black 21-inch split-spoke wheels with a machined finish, as well as an exclusive rear diffuser, large quad exhaust outlets and those red Brembo 4-piston front brake calipers.
Interior: While red is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to interiors, I for one enjoy getting into something this colourful. In addition to the surface materials, you can also go all red with the ambient colour choice if you wish.
The overall layout hasn’t changed much from my past drives of the MDX, but it does receive a larger infotainment screen and a more functional centre console that includes a standard wireless charging pad.
I found the seating to be very comfortable, with heated and cooled options for front occupants, with the Type S logo embossed into the front headrests as a nice finishing touch.
The third row is on the tight side, as I have come to expect in three-row SUVs, while the middle row can sit two or three. Cargo space with all three rows used is tight, while there’s a generous amount of room when the back row is down.
Despite the turbocharged engine, the cabin of the MDX Type S Ultra remains relatively silent, even at highway speeds. That is in large part thanks to work done by Acura engineers on insulating the vehicle and the use of laminated glass.
Infotainment: The 12.3-inch screen atop the centre stack is an eye-catching setup, and it comes standard with built-in Google, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
The operating system is fairly straightforward to use, with good menus and response time. I spent most of my week with the MDX using the CarPlay functionalities, which were flawless.
And speaking of flawless, the sound from the Bang & Olufsen sound system was divine. Featuring 31 speakers, Acura says this is the most powerful audio system ever for the brand.
It features Bang & Olufsen Acoustic Lens Tweeters, an 8.8-inch subwoofer, two amplifiers, 24 channels of power and a total of 31 speakers, 12 of which are mounted in the headliner.
Drive: As far as large seven-seat SUVs go, the MDX Type S Ultra is a straight up enjoyable drive.
With plenty of power and excellent handling, it’s a genuine treat out on the road. Response time from the turbo engine is matched by the 10-speed automatic transmission for an effortless smooth drive.
Braking is enhanced on the Type S Ultra with the larger 14.3-inch rotors and Brembo four-piston calipers. Steering, which is electronically assisted, feels great and the overall feel on the road is assisted by the adaptive air suspension with auto-levelling.
2025 Acura MDX Type S Ultra
2025 Acura MDX Type S Ultra
2025 Acura MDX Type S Ultra
2025 Acura MDX Type S Ultra
2025 Acura MDX Type S Ultra
2025 Acura MDX Type S Ultra
The Type S Ultra features an extra driver selectable mode, called Sport+. It not only enhances the overall driving experience of the MDX, but also allows the engine to unleash a growly note that driving enthusiasts will enjoy. Other drive modes include snow, comfort, normal, sport and individual, which allows the driver to set up the MDX to her or his liking.
Conclusion: The MDX Type S Ultra is a thoroughly enjoyable vehicle on the road, but also one that provides an excellent passenger experience.
The enhancements for 2025 certainly allow the MDX to remain among the top choices in a market that is increasingly crowded and competitive.
With its turbocharged engine, excellent handling dynamics and comfortable interior, it is likely to remain the brand’s brightest star.
2025 Acura MDX Type S Ultra
Price as tested: $92,698.10
Freight: $2,595.00
Configuration: Front engine/All-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6/ 10-speed automatic
Power/torque: 355 horsepower/ 354 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Premium (70 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 12.4 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 14.0 L/100 km
Warranties: 4-years/80,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Cadillac XT6, Genesis GV80, Infiniti QX60, Lincoln Aviator, Volvo XC90
Website: Acura Canada