Is The 2025 Acura MDX Type-S The Most Potent SUV Under $80k?

This week we drove the updated 2025 Acura MDX Type-S over 1300 kms (800 miles) to find out if it's still the flagship "Japanese" luxury performance SUV. Enjoy! MDX Type-S Ultra As Tested: $91,951 CAD // $76,900 USD

Gear We Use!

Find Your Own MDX on AutoTempest!

0:00 Exterior
2:51 Engine, Drive Modes, Handling
7:32 Air Suspension Demonstration
8:02 Fuel Economy + Competition
8:46 Interior
12:31 Price
12:44 The Bad
13:40 Outro

The Last Circuit.

[RoadsUntraveled]

The X5 is more powerful, the XC90 more mature, and the TX 500h more efficient... but is the MDX Type-S the most balanced blend of performance and luxury?

[ibz.a]

Isn’t there a camera button on the right stalk tip?

[kevinjones]

Nice Aesthetics,
However, the Drive Train is simply outdated for this Price Point. The BMW X 5 is a better buy hands down. The BMW is faster, handles better and gets better gas mileage. Acura seems to be betting on their reliability ratings in order to attract customers. I own a MDX, so I can objectively say that Acura is “ so close “ to being Great. Acura simply needs to Match the power train performance of BMW, or at least come close. Lastly, the seats in the MDX are good. However, it would be nice if they were Great, like the Seats in the X5.

[smilepermile]

Thumbnail shows 'Japan's Halo' - this car isn't sold in japan, and its not built in japan 😅

[imnotusingmyrealname]

Jup it is because Toyota can't get their act together.

[salimrandall]

Infiniti nor Lexus have an answer to the MDX Type S. It wins by default.

[bigchimpin]

Hard to recommend these when the explorer st and Lincoln aviator exist. Ford is giving more horsepower, more torque, better fuel economy, and better weight distribution, longitudinal motor, and rear wheel drive bias.

By no means is the explorer more refined, but it’s a ton cheaper. Ford also offers an ST tune that adds about 30hp and about 45 ft/lbs…

[chrisa.]

WHY?? ARE THEY KEEP REVIEWING THIS GAS GUZZLER ⛽️. and did not fix the MOST NEEDED( HYBRID) GAS MILEAGE 🤔 who cares about the dump changes.. outrageous prices.. that is why they can NOT SALE!!!!

[BBhjk]

It’s not out of japan. It’s not sold in Japan. It’s made and sold in the USA for the USA. Lexus and Infiniti have products with much more power. This is awful journalism