We recently tested the Acura TLX Type S, and were impressed how Acura continuously improves their models – even when they’re already pretty darn good. So, when we heard that the 2025 3-row MDX SUV was going to get some meaningful improvements, we jumped at the chance to drive one of our favorite luxury SUVs. After all, it’s not only Acura’s best-selling vehicle, but also the best-selling 3-row luxury SUV!
Go for the Bold
On the outside, the MDX gets a tougher look, especially notable in our sporty Type S model.
Up front, there’s a more aggressive fascia, starting with an open-surface mesh inside the familiar Acura pentagon-shape grille. Both A-spec and Type S models get larger lower grille openings that give an angry, hungry aero look that’s very strong.
The profile remains unchanged, but it’s still handsome with wide shoulders, a deep cut-in on the lower doors, and swept-back greenhouse that’s sporty and fresh. Those in the know will notice new, 21-inch Berlina Black split-spoke wheels in a machine finish that’s really an eye catcher. And speaking of eye catching, the new red Brembo front piston calipers give off some real hi-performance cred.
The rear remains equally strong, with familiar “checkmark” LED taillights and an updated fascia. Of course, our favorite part are the massive quad exhaust pipes poking out underneath. Finishing off our tester was the Urban Gray Pearl paint, a handsome modern tone that helps set off the large wheels, brakes and looks expensive and rich.
Upgraded Tech
Inside, the MDX brings some fresh tech to the already handsome cabin.
Open the door, and you’re greeted by a tasteful Azurite blue on the seats, dash and door panels. There’s full-grain leather on the seats, and subtle open-pore wood trim accenting the cabin.
This is a spacious interior with 3-row seating, great for big families. The front seats are 16-way power multi-adjustable and feature 9 massage modes for exceptional comfort. The second-row features seating for three, with a trick removable center seat for enhanced access to the 3rd row, which is for kids only.
The MDX is ready to bring the goods, too. With the 3rd row up, there’s still plenty of cargo space, but fold it down flat and you’ve got room to spare and still carry 5. Flip that 2nd row down, and the cargo hold is simply huge!
Back to the driver’s seat, you have a handsome digital display which changes dependent on driving mode. The big news here is the new 12.3-inch touchscreen, featuring Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Not only is this the largest screen ever in Acura, but it’s also moved 4 inches closer to the driver than before. Best of all, it does us a solid, getting rid of the previous Audi-like touchpad that we never really liked. This one looks great, works great, and is easy to understand. And with Google built-in you can access a ton of things by voice, making it easy-peasy! You can even have it tell jokes – although some are groan-inducing!
The new display also allows a freshened center console with increased storage, and an easily accessed wireless charging pad for your smartphone. If all that sounds good, wait until you hear the Type S exclusive 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen’s luxury audio system – six more speakers than last year, if you’re counting. It’s also the most powerful Acura audio system ever, with Bang & Olufsen Acoustic Lens Tweeters, an 8.8″ subwoofer, two amplifiers, 24 channels of power and 31 speakers, including 12 mounted in the headliner. Those not opting for the S can still enjoy a new available19-speaker B&O audio system.
We like that the climate control system is separate from the info-tainment, and it’s equally convenient to use, while a circular drive mode selector is just below and within easy reach. We’re still not big fans however, of the Acura pushbutton transmission selector. You do get used to it – we just like an old-fashioned shift lever of some type – it just reduces time looking away from the road. Acura makes up for this partially with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, great when you feel like sporty driving!
Designed for a Thrilling Drive
While it’s mostly unchanged, driving remains a big plus in the MDX – especially in the Type S.
Under the hood on all non-S models is Acura’s familiar 3.5-liter V6, that pumps out a respectable 290 horsepower. Step up to the Type S like our model, and you get a turbocharged 3.0-liter, V6 with a muscular 355 horsepower. Just as important you get 354 lb.-ft of torque at just 1,400 rpm, so the big SUV pounces off the stoplights like a sports car and sounds sweet like one too as you pull through the rpms.
Another familiar friend is the Honda/Acura 10-speed automatic, and it’s smooth and efficient in the regular drive, but it really pops off the shifts quickly in sport mode, and with 0-60 in the mid 5-second range, the Type S is quick as it sounds!
Standard all-wheel-drive on the S means all that power gets efficiently to the wheels, and combined with light steering, quick responses and a precise suspension, the MDX is impressively agile, sporty and grippy – reminding us of the TLX Type S we recently tested – both excellent sports vehicles hewn from the same cloth.
While Acura didn’t change the performance goodies – already great – for 2025, they did update the ACURAWATCH 360 safety suite on the Type S to enhance the drive and better protect you.
Additional cameras and millimeter wave radar raises the bar, and the system features new goodies, including Active Lane Change Assist that can complete full lane assist automatically, Lane Change Mitigation and our favorite – Front Cross Traffic Warning that can detect vehicles approaching from the side and warn you when driving at low speed or pulling forward from a stop. Additional updates are smoother Adaptive Cruise Control and longer range on the Blind Spot information System. All good.
Is it Your Type?
Spending a little bit of time with the MDX and you understand why it’s so popular – it does everything well. Starting price for the handsome SUV starts at $50,900 for the front-wheel drive model. For a sporty, tech-savvy luxury SUV with three rows of seats, that’s strong value. And you can add luxury and tech as you go up the line. We think it would be easy to find the perfect MDX for your needs at a reasonable price.
Our Type S tester is a bit of the specialist vehicle, aimed at the enthusiast who might be looking at those pricey European brands. Completely loaded from the start, the S comes in at $74,950 (about $1,150 over last year’s models, so all those improvements are a great value). Our Urban Gray pearl added $600, and with $1,350 for Destination, we rang the bell at $76,900. Not cheap, but competitive with the Euros.
Speaking of those, we’d look at the Volvo XC90, at $74,495. The Volvo is quite stylish and upscale, but the Acura would have the edge in power and handling. The BMW X5 comes in at $76,975, and we think it’s the stronger performer, but you’ll have to give up on having a 3rd row seat.
The Acura MDX hits the sweet spot in looks, performance and room. And with great upgrades for 2025, it looks sure to retain the crown as the best-selling 3-row SUV!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.