The new Kind S model of the Acura MDX appears to be a high-overall performance model in the identical vein as the myriad luxury SUVs putting on Mercedes-AMG, BMW M, and Audi S and RS badges. But now that we have expert this turbocharged, 355-hp model of Acura’s a few-row SUV for ourselves, we think the firm’s authentic perform right here is simpler than that. Acura would like to move the MDX absent from the pseudo-luxurious room exactly where somewhat upscale relatives crossovers such as the Infiniti QX60 and Cadillac XT6 reside and toward the higher echelons of the luxurious-SUV phase in which far more prestigious types these types of as the Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Genesis GV80 compete.
The business is rapid to place out that the MDX’s traditional positioning has worked perfectly so considerably, as it has offered in excess of 1 million models around 4 generations. So, the latest MDX’s regular powertrain—a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6—will continue on to comprise the bulk of profits thanks to its beautiful foundation selling price of $49,045. But the introduction of the Form S product will allow Acura to play in the better selling price realm in which the fatter revenue margins and much more discerning prospects are. The MDX Sort S thus comes armed with a a lot more potent motor, a sophisticated suspension setup, tons of fancy optional options, and—naturally—a substantially larger beginning cost.
For $67,745, you get the exact same turbocharged 3.-liter V-6 as the TLX Variety S sporting activities sedan, which can make 355 horsepower and 354 pound-ft of torque. Which is extra grunt than the Q7 55 and the X5 40i—both have 335 horsepower—but a little bit driving the 375-hp GV80 3.5T. Acura’s common torque-vectoring SH-AWD program is standard. Acura also observed healthy to add adaptive dampers and an air suspension that can elevate and lower the MDX: In Activity and Sport+ modes it drops down .6 inch, when deciding on Carry mode hikes the physique a total 2.1 inches earlier mentioned its nominal top.
The loaded MDX Form S with the Progress offer is the very first Acura (other than the NSX) to crest the $70,000 barrier, commencing at $73,095. It’s mechanically similar to the foundation Style S but comes with goodies these kinds of as massaging entrance seats, nicer upholstery, and a bumpin’ 25-speaker ELS audio system. This is the form of things that Audi and BMW buyers expect to come across in a luxury SUV. Open-pore wooden, quilted leather, and an obtainable blue shade plan enable cultivate a convincingly upscale cabin vibe. The only sore spot within is Acura’s touchpad-controlled infotainment method, which we nonetheless have not warmed up to.
On the other hand, enthusiasts like us may have envisioned a bit a lot more of a general performance concentrate from anything with a Style S badge. The turbo V-6 is powerful adequate to transfer the MDX confidently but is neither as characterful nor as responsive as we’d like. Acura expects it to be all over a 2nd faster to 60 mph than the standard design, which did the deed in 6.4 seconds in our tests. The MDX has prolonged been just one of the nimblest three-row SUVs on the sector, and the Form S’s adaptive dampers additional tighten system control—especially in Sport method. But the all-year tires restrict grip, and the steering feels overboosted and artificial for some thing that promises to share DNA with autos we keep in mind as fondly as the RSX Variety S.
Possibly we’re placing also significantly relevance on the name. Due to the fact the MDX is a person of the couple of Acura models that has remained sporty relative to its opposition more than the years, it has a lot less ground to make up than the TLX Kind S does in the sports activities-sedan section. The MDX Form S has an proper combine of refinement and driving verve when measured against the BMW, Audi, and Genesis SUVs it is really aiming for. And if luxurious-SUV prospects can be persuaded to shell out extra than $70,000 for an Acura, they are going to discover that the MDX Sort S has the features, the electricity, and the luxurious quotient to reside up to that selling price.
Specifications
Requirements
2022 Acura MDX Sort S
Car or truck Form: front-engine, all-wheel-push, 7-passenger, 4-door SUV
Price tag
Base: $67,745 w/Advance package, $73,095
Motor
turbocharged DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct gas injection
Displacement: 183 in3, 2997 cm3
Electrical power: 355 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 354 lb-ft @ 1400-5000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automated
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 113.8 in
Duration: 198.4 in
Width: 78.7 in
Peak: 67.1 in
Passenger Volume: 139 ft3
Cargo Quantity: 16.3 ft3
Suppress Excess weight (C/D est): 4770 lb
Performance (C/D EST)
60 mph: 5.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.4 sec
Best Velocity: 112 mph
EPA Gasoline Overall economy
Put together/Metropolis/Highway: 19/17/21 mpg
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