2024 Acura MDX Type-S

The regular MDX is powered by a 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The sporty Type S model is powered by a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Our test drive of an all-wheel-drive Advance model with the standard powertrain revealed surprisingly nimble handling and perky acceleration. When we sampled the Type S, we praised it for the same agile feeling on the road and appreciated the extra power, but wondered if that model is worthy of its Type S badging. The Type S is measurably quicker than the standard model, however, and at our test track, it needed only 5.5 seconds to reach 60 mph while the less powerful variant required 6.4 seconds. The MDX’s cabin has a premium look and feel, especially on high-end trims, which come with French-stitched leather on the dashboard and open-pore wood intermingled with metal and piano-black accents. Acura has also outfitted the MDX with plenty of creature comforts, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. The front seats are supportive and comfortable and can be equipped with niceties such as 16-way power adjustability as well as massage. The first and second rows offer plentiful passenger space, but the MDX’s third row is still a kids-only affair. Although the interior is nicely designed and offers plenty of convenience options, it doesn’t feel quite as posh as the cabins of rivals such as the Genesis GV80 or the Volvo XC90.