Acura MDX Type S – 2024 Specs, Pricing and Expert Reviews
The 2024 Acura MDX Type S delivers 355 horsepower through a turbocharged three-row platform, positioning itself as the most powerful SUV in the brand’s history. This performance variant merges seven-passenger practicality with track-inspired engineering, offering a middle ground between mainstream crossovers and expensive European luxury flagships.
Acura engineered the Type S to satisfy drivers seeking athletic handling without sacrificing daily usability. With standard Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive and pricing significantly below German competitors, the model challenges assumptions about accessible performance luxury.
Standard equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay integration, and a premium ELS sound system. The Nike Air Max 97 – History, Colorways and Buying Guide demonstrates how iconic design elements influence consumer products, much like Acura’s approach to the Type S interior.
What Are the Key Specs of the Acura MDX Type S?
3.0L turbo V6 producing 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque
$69,800 starting MSRP to $88,408 fully equipped
5.4 seconds according to MotorWeek testing
17 city / 21 highway / 19 combined EPA rating
Standout Performance Characteristics
- Immediate Power Delivery: Torque peaks at just 1,400 rpm, providing responsive acceleration from a standstill.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive: Every Type S includes Acura’s fourth-generation SH-AWD system with torque vectoring capability.
- Track-Inspired Braking: Front Brembo brakes achieve 60-0 mph stopping distances of 111 feet.
- Transmission Engineering: Sport-tuned 10-speed automatic includes steering wheel paddle shifters for manual control.
- Seven-Passenger Capacity: Maintains three-row seating despite performance-focused suspension and brake upgrades.
- Premium Fuel Requirement: Requires premium unleaded gasoline for optimal performance output.
- Weight Distribution: Curb weight of 4,788 pounds represents a substantial but manageable platform for the powertrain.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L turbocharged V6 (DOHC) |
| Horsepower | 355 @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 354 lb-ft @ 1,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) |
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
| Overall Length | 198.4 inches |
| Curb Weight | 4,788 lbs |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gallons |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
How Much Does the Acura MDX Type S Cost?
The 2024 Acura MDX Type S starts at $69,800, though Edmunds reports a starting MSRP of $73,800, reflecting regional variations and dealer configurations. Selecting the Advance Package adds $5,350 to the base configuration.
Fully Loaded Pricing
As tested by Vicarious Magazine, a fully equipped MDX Type S Ultra reaches approximately $88,408. This represents the upper limit of the model’s pricing spectrum, incorporating massaging front seats, enhanced adjustability, and open-pore wood trim accents.
Operating Costs
The estimated monthly fuel cost ranges from $264 to $422 depending on driving patterns, while two years of complimentary scheduled service (24,000 miles) accompanies new purchases.
Standard MDX models without the Type S badge begin at $51,500 according to Car and Driver, positioning the performance variant as an $18,000+ premium over the base model.
What Do Reviews Say About the Acura MDX Type S?
Performance Validation
MotorWeek characterizes the MDX Type S as “the most powerful and best performing Acura SUV ever,” citing its 5.4-second 0-60 mph acceleration and 13.9-second quarter-mile time at 100 mph. The publication achieved 20.3 mpg during real-world testing on premium fuel.
Handling Dynamics
Reviewers consistently praise the vehicle’s athletic handling characteristics. Car and Driver notes it provides “serious handling chops” for a luxury crossover, while CarPro reviewers describe the experience as “fun” despite the three-row configuration. The adjustable air suspension and Brembo front brakes contribute to this dynamic capability.
Interior Assessment
MotorTrend highlights standard heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay, and the premium ELS sound system. The Advance trim adds massaging front seats with enhanced adjustability and open-pore wood trim accents. Cargo capacity measures 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row.
How Does the Acura MDX Type S Compare to Competitors?
Acura positions the MDX Type S against the BMW X7 xDrive40i, Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLS450, Lexus RX, and Lincoln Nautilus. The Type S offers significant price advantages—approximately $13,000 less than the comparable BMW.
Against the Lexus RX’s 275 hp and Lincoln Nautilus’s 250 hp, the Acura’s 355-horsepower output delivers significantly more performance for the segment according to Kelley Blue Book.
EPA ratings of 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined reflect the performance-oriented tuning, requiring premium unleaded fuel for optimal operation.
Specification Comparisons
The Type S generates 65 additional horsepower and 87 additional lb-ft of torque compared to the standard MDX’s 3.5-liter V6. This represents a substantial upgrade for drivers seeking enhanced acceleration and passing capability.
What Is the Evolution of the MDX Type S?
- 2022 Launch: Introduction of the fourth-generation MDX platform featuring the Type S variant with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 355 horsepower.
- 2023 Production: Continued availability with refined software calibration and expanded color options for the performance variant.
- 2024 Model Year: Current specification maintains the 355-horsepower output while introducing the Advance Package option and enhanced interior trim materials.
What Specifications Are Confirmed vs. Uncertain?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| 355 horsepower at 5,500 rpm | 2025 model year changes or updates |
| 354 lb-ft torque at 1,400 rpm | Detailed long-term reliability data |
| 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds | Specific IIHS safety ratings |
| Pricing from $69,800 to $88,408 | Availability of lease deals and financing incentives |
| Standard SH-AWD on all Type S models | Real-world owner satisfaction surveys |
| Premium fuel requirement | Comparison data against Genesis GV80 or Porsche Cayenne |
What Defines the Acura MDX Type S?
The MDX Type S represents Acura’s performance-oriented interpretation of its best-selling three-row luxury SUV. Unlike the standard MDX’s naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, the Type S employs a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This configuration places the vehicle in the unique position of offering legitimate sports sedan acceleration within a seven-passenger family hauler.
Assembled in the United States, the Type S includes standard all-wheel drive, Brembo front brakes, and adjustable air suspension. The model targets affluent families seeking European-style performance dynamics without the associated maintenance costs or pricing premiums common to German luxury brands. Understanding how products work across different categories, such as What Does Pepto Bismol Do – Uses, How It Works, Side Effects, illustrates the importance of mechanism-specific design in consumer goods.
What Do Industry Experts Say About the MDX Type S?
“The most powerful and best performing Acura SUV ever.”
— MotorWeek Road Tests
“Serious handling chops for a luxury crossover… a benchmark of its price point.”
— Car and Driver
“A fun experience for drivers despite its three-row configuration.”
— CarPro Vehicle Reviews
Is the Acura MDX Type S the Right Choice?
The 2024 Acura MDX Type S delivers genuine performance credentials through its 355-horsepower turbo V6, sport-tuned SH-AWD system, and luxury appointments, all priced approximately $13,000 below comparable German rivals. For buyers prioritizing driving engagement within a practical three-row format, the Type S represents a compelling alternative that avoids the complexity and cost of European competitors while maintaining the reliability expectations of the Honda luxury division.
Common Questions About the Acura MDX Type S
What is the exact horsepower of the Acura MDX Type S?
The 2024 Acura MDX Type S produces 355 horsepower at 5,500 rpm from its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine.
How fast is the Acura MDX Type S from 0-60 mph?
Independent testing by MotorWeek recorded a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds for the MDX Type S.
What type of fuel does the MDX Type S require?
The MDX Type S requires premium unleaded gasoline to achieve its rated 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque.
Is the MDX Type S available with front-wheel drive?
No, all MDX Type S models come standard with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.
How many passengers can the MDX Type S accommodate?
The MDX Type S seats seven passengers across three rows, maintaining practicality alongside performance capabilities.
What is the warranty coverage for the MDX Type S?
Acura provides a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, along with two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance (24,000 miles).
Does the MDX Type S offer massage seats?
Massaging front seats are available exclusively on the Advance Package, which adds $5,350 to the base price.
What is the quarter-mile time for the MDX Type S?
MotorWeek testing recorded a quarter-mile time of 13.9 seconds at 100 mph.
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