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Exclusives for the Type S
The biggest exclusive for the MDX Type S is the 24-valve DOHC 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 that can produce 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It is the same engine we first saw in the TLX Type S in early 2021. The engine is also mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The drivetrain also features the classic Acura SHAWD system that can send up to 70% of the power to the rear wheels, and all of that power can be distributed to either the back left or the back right wheel.
The chassis modifications exclusive to the Type S are a double-wishbone suspension setup in the front with adaptive dampers,
multi-link rear suspension also with adaptive dampers, and four-piston Brembo brakes on the front.
The MDX goes head to head with the Volvo XC90, Lincoln Aviator, Land Rover Discovery, and Genesis GV80.
The interior is also improved with what Acura calls “A New Level of Acura Craftsmanship.” First, screens are aplenty in the MDX Type S. Acura’s ’Precision Cockpit’ is standard in a 12.3-inch display along with their ’True Touchpad’ interface and another 12.3-inch display for the infotainment.
Those things are in lots of cars nowadays. What is not in lots of cars, especially at this price point, is the stereo. Standard is an ELS stereo system with 16 speakers and 700 Watts of power. However, if that is not enough for you, there is an option for an upgraded ELS system with 1000 Watts, 25 speakers, and two amps.
Acura is playing the exact price close to the vest but says, “the 2022 MDX Type S will begin arriving at Acura dealers nationwide this December with pricing starting in the high-$60,000 range.”
| 2022 MDX SH-AWD® | 2022 MDX Type S | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 | 3.0-liter Turbo V6 |
| Transmission | 10-speed AT | Sport Tuned 10-speed AT |
| Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ | Available | Standard |
| Peak Horsepower (SAE Net) | 290 | 355 |
| Peak Torque (SAE Net) | 267 | 354 |
Is it diluting the name?
It uses the same 3.5 twin-turbo V-6 that is in the TLX Type-S.
Well, in short, yes, a bit. Of course, we would like the Type S name to stay with the TLX and the upcoming Integra. However, if the MDX Type S turns out to be one of the best driving SUVs around, then it will be more than worth it. Sort of like how everyone was skeptical of the Ford Mach-E being named a Mustang, and then it turned out to be quite good.
Of course, if it is just as dull to drive as the basic MDX or any other crossover, then the Type S name will more than likely suffer, as Acura as a whole may as well. But the SUV boom is going stronger than ever, so Acura will still make quite a bit of money on these.
Besides, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes have all put their performance names on several of their crossovers.
How does it stack up against its rivals?
Acura releases info on the upcoming MDX Type-S.
With the Type S being the top trim and costing nearly $70,000, the MDX Type S is looking to tackle the Volvo XC90, Land Rover Discovery, Genesis GV80, and Lincoln Aviator. Those all start at around $50,000, so does the MDX all of these vehicles can be optioned to about $70,000.
One of the biggest thorns in the side of the MDX, of any trim, is the KIA Telluride, which, with literally every box ticked on the configurator, is just shy of $54,000. Is the MDX, or any of its rivals for that matter, really that much better than the Telluride?
The MDX Type S also bridges the gap between vehicles like the Telluride and the equivalent Mercedes, BMW, or Audi.
Source: Acura.com
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