Acura MDX, a premium car brand known for its solid reliability, high resale value, and luxury, is the performance division of Honda. Its strong commitment to motorsports, a key aspect of its high engineering standards, is a testament to its heritage and excellence.

The Acura MDX  SUV accounts for over 30% of their sales, making it one of the brand’s best sellers. It’s worth noting that most Acura cars are built in Ohio State, making them genuinely American vehicles. I had the opportunity to preview and drive the MDX Type “S,” which provided an experience.

The MDX is offered in several trims, Including the “A” spec, which is their premium version packed with high tech. But the newest Type “S” is quite remarkable. As soon as you get on the road, you forget you are driving a “family” SUV.  It is powered by a DOHC 3.0Liter V6 Turbo motor with its roots in their NSX supercar. The 355 HP is handled by a ten-speed automatic transmission and an AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) system, maximizing the capabilities and flexibility of the high-tune motor. Pressing the “mode” button, you get to select between several power train settings that change the character of this SUV. The vehicle transforms into a sporty feel with “Sport” or “Sport +” settings.

Key to all high-performance cars is their suspension. The Acura MDX Type “S” offers an adaptive air suspension that is capable of adjusting the hardness in milliseconds.  Unique to the Type “S” are 21-inch wheels that use wide and high-grip Continental sports tires. All of this creates an assuring feel of grip at higher speeds. A drive around Santa Ysabel and Julian mountain roads in San Diego County confirmed the agility of this MDX model.

But there is more.  Acura engineers incorporated the iconic racing Brembo brakes into the car. With 4-pot large brake calipers at the front and big calipers at the rear, the MDX “S” does stop like a genuine sports car. I had to get used to the feel of these brakes since they have quite a grip. They are designed for high speed. To top everything off, the MDX has a quad exhaust that generates a particular rumble and brings a grin to your face.

Let me remind you, I am talking about a 3-row seating family SUV.  The mid-size MDX now has beautiful seats that showcase a vibrant stitching pattern in contrasting colors.  The full-grain leather Orchid upholstery package is my favorite, as its cream color elevates the interior ambiance. Dark wood paneling creates a nice contrast. The center console is wide and has a wireless charger for your phone. The push button shifter is in the middle of that center panel, and above that is the new 12.3-inch touch screen that houses all navigation, climate, and app controls. A large panoramic sunroof brings the sky inwards. I found the front seats comfortable, enhanced by a massage system that can become addictive.  The second row of seats is cozy as well. The third row, though, lacks legroom for adults.  You can fold all the seats to enlarge the cargo space, but there are a lot of different surfaces. This is a people car, not one for carrying large objects.

The exterior design has been refreshed from the previous year. The most noticeable change is the front of the car. The grill is a bit smaller, and the brake ducts are more prominent, giving it a more aggressive look. I think Lunar Silver or  Liquid Carbon exterior colors suit the car best.

Another highlight is the Bang & Olufsen premium audio tuned for a powerful, immersive listening experience. It incorporates 31 speakers inside the cabin. “Acura and Bang & Olufsen are equally driven to deliver unparalleled performance and memorable experiences, and we’re excited to kick off our new long-term partnership that will set a new precedent for in-vehicle audio and technology for years to come,”  said Tom Rivers, VP, from the audio company. I played some of my favorite music, and it did sound like high-end and expensive audio systems. It’s probably better than what most people would have at home.

Acura Watch 360, the driver assist and collision prevention system is already one of the best in the industry. But the MDX Type “S” incorporates a surround-view camera and a lane change assist that allows you to pass a vehicle when the intelligent (and handless) cruise control is activated and going through an approved highway.   This means I could technically go from Los Angeles to San Diego without touching the steering wheel once on the 5 freeway. Many CA State rules oversee this, so I would not call it “hands-free” driving, but it is pretty close.

Quality and technology come at a price. The base MDX starts at around $51,000, with the Type “S” requiring an additional twenty thousand. This SUV, with only about 10-12% of the whole production of MDX bearing the “S” badge, is only for some. However, the MDX Type ‘S’ offers a unique ownership experience for those who appreciate spirited driving, comfort, and reliability.  If you have fond memories of the Acura Integra era, the MDX Type “S” will bring them back, making you feel part of an exclusive group of owners.