The third model to get the Type S treatment in the last year, the 2022 Acura MDX seems the least likely to need a sporty version to top its lineup. However, the Type S’ updates don’t just make it more fun—they make it the best MDX.
It would be a mistake to consider the Type S simply another trim package as the changes are extensive. It features a new turbocharged engine, an adaptive air suspension, larger brakes, an additional Sport+ drive mode, and two more radiators. The steering, transmission, and brake pedal have been recalibrated, and even the battery has been relocated to aid weight balance. These changes speak to the vehicle’s rapt focus on performance improvement.
After a day spent testing the latest MDX in the foothills around Napa, California, I found it’s not sportiness that makes the Type S the best MDX. Yes, it’s quicker and, yes, it has slightly sharper steering. But it’s also somehow the most comfortable and most luxurious MDX.
2022 Acura MDX Type S
2022 Acura MDX Type S
2022 Acura MDX Type S
Under the hood, the MDX Type S swaps out the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 in favor of the 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 found in the TLX Type S sedan. The engine produces an identical 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, increases of 65 hp and 87 lb-ft over the standard MDX. That makes the Type S the most powerful Acura crossover yet. Acura’s Super Handling All-wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system comes standard, and it can move 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear axle (and 100% of that to the left or right wheel as needed).
The 10-speed transmission maintains the same gear and final drive ratios, but has a new torque converter and strengthened gears. It can downshift 40% quicker with rev matching when using the paddle shifters and in its most aggressive setting (Sport+), will also upshift 30% quicker under hard acceleration. Towing capacity is unchanged, maxing out at 5,000 pounds.
2022 Acura MDX Type S
The MDX Type S is quicker and it feels like it, especially from a stop and at lower rpms where the standard engine can get slightly bogged down. In Sport+ and with the transmission flipped into its sport setting, it holds gears nearly to redline while accelerating, but more aggressive downshifting heading into corners only happens through the paddles. The added power is nice to have but it doesn’t fundamentally change the MDX’s nature the way that the suspension upgrades do.
Underneath Acura installs its firs air suspension system, which combines with adaptive dampers to provide three suspension settings (Comfort, Normal, Sport). The air suspension offers automatic load leveling and is able to raise the ride height by 2.0 inches in “Lift” mode to clear obstacles off-road, or lower the MDX by 0.6 inch while in Sport or Sport+. Acura also stiffened up the body structure adding new cast aluminum shock towers above the front dampers and a more rigid subframe. There are also stiffer front and rear stabilizer bars.
Ride quality was already one of the MDX’s strengths, but it takes a big jump forward in the Type S. In “Sport,” the suspension does a good job of controlling body roll. You can feel the vehicle start to lean on turn-in, but it hunkers down nicely by the middle of the corner. By that point, the SH-AWD has shifted torque to the outside rear wheel to help the SUV dance neatly out to the next turn.
2022 Acura MDX Type S
2022 Acura MDX Type S
But the real star is the “Comfort” setting, something that I usually avoid in SUVs because it turns them into wallowy messes that list like a cargo ship carrying luxury cars in the Atlantic (too soon). That’s not an issue in the Type S. Comfort still controls body roll well, and helps the SUV glide over road imperfections and even steel construction panels without any drama and minimal noise. It became my preferred setting for much of the drive route, and I’d put the MDX’s ride quality up against any luxury SUV.
One of my few complaints about the standard MDX involves braking feel. Too much pedal travel is required to get the brakes to apply stopping power. But that has been fixed in the Type S as well. The Type S has big 14.3-inch front rotors (0.5 inch larger than the standard MDX rotors) and the standard MDX's electro-servo brake system is re-tuned with technology from the NSX. The changes apply more braking force earlier. They’re firm, but easy to operate and they lack the grabbiness that can make passengers feel queasy.
2022 Acura MDX Type S
2022 Acura MDX Type S
Styling updates also distinguish the Type S from the standard MDX. The changes start with a new front splitter and a larger grille opening that directs about 10% more air into the engine bay. The grille is flanked by new side vents that send air to a sub-radiator on either side of the engine compartment. At the back, the Type S gets a rear diffuser and four large exhaust outlets. The MDX Type S rolls on 21-inch wheels with 275/40ZR21 Continental ContiSeal tires, the first self-sealing tires ever fitted to an Acura.
The interior gets Milano leather seats with synthetic suede inserts, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, contrast stitching, metal pedals, and a metal-plated glovebox handle. Like the standard MDX, the Type S can seat seven across three rows and the third-row is very tight for adult passengers with limited leg room and head room. Though the middle seat of the second row is removable, it’s still curious that there isn’t a captain’s chair option. It would make ingress and egress much easier and make the cabin feel more spacious.
2022 Acura MDX Type S
2022 Acura MDX Type S
2022 Acura MDX Type S
A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch display screen with Acura's touchpad interface come standard. It remains frustrating, an overly complex solution to a simple problem. The infotainment display also sits close enough to the driver that you think it would be a touchscreen, but after swiping it a few times revealed it isn’t. A Panasonic representative said a special film covers the screen to repel fingerprints from accidental pokes, and I can confirm that it works splendidly.
Acura only offers a single option on the MDX Type S, the Advance package. It costs $5,350 and adds more leather, massaging front seats (another Acura first), and a 25-speaker ELS audio system. I’d normally consider the package skippable since it doesn’t add safety features, but it’s the only way to get the gorgeous Azurite Blue interior and the sound system boggles the mind. The Type S comes standard with an excellent 16-speaker ELS sound system that’s also found in the RDX, but if you listen to the two back-to-back the additional headliner speakers and the two speakers in the front footwells make the upgraded system even more immersive.
2022 Acura MDX Type S
2022 Acura MDX Type S
The Type S gets the same standard AcuraWatch driver-assist features as other MDX models, including active lane control, a driver-attention monitor, automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control that works down to a stop.
All of these features make the Type S good value, even with its hefty price tag of $67,745 (including a $1,045 destination charge), making it the most expensive MDX variant by about $6,000. The Advance package pushes the MDX Type S over the $70,000 mark, new territory for the SUV but one that it feels quite appropriate. Though its badge suggests added performance, the real strength of the Type S is that it pushes the MDX up from the premium to the luxury market, and it makes a vehicle we already quite liked better in every way.
Acura provided a flight, meals, and some lovely pastries from Bouchon Bakery for Motor Authority to bring you this firsthand drive report.
