I was SHOCKED after driving the new 2025 Acura MDX A Spec... Better than Type S?

#acura #mdx #aspec #luxury

How good is Acura's updated MDX in its sporty A-spec trim? I test out the #flagship #suv for Acura outside of San Deigo, CA to find out if this trim level is worth considering over the flagship #types ...

Acura today revealed an extensive refresh of the 2025 MDX, the performance brand's flagship and the best-selling 3-row luxury SUV of all-time. The MDX boasts styling enhancements, a new 12.3-inch touchscreen interface featuring Google built-in1, a quieter cabin, improved safety features, and a Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system. The high-performance 2025 MDX Type S with Advance Package debuts the new AcuraWatch™ 360 system that introduces more advanced driver assistive capabilities thanks to additional front corner radars, a higher-fidelity front camera, and new front millimeter wave radar. The standard AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver assistive technologies on all other MDX grades also features updated hardware for enhanced safety performance.

The 2025 MDX and MDX Type S performance SUVs will begin arriving at Acura dealers nationwide this May.

"The best never stand still; they keep getting better, and that's what we did with the new 2025 Acura MDX by taking our most popular model and flagship 3-row SUV to a new level, as we continue to advance Precision Crafted Performance at every point in the Acura lineup," said Mamadou Diallo, Senior Vice President of American Honda Auto Sales. "We've enhanced MDX in almost every way, adding incredible new tech, a quick and intuitive touchscreen interface, world-class Bang & Olufsen luxury audio and lots more. It's simply the best MDX we've ever made."

New for the 2025 model year is the arrival of the MDX A-Spec with Advance Package, which combines sport appearance with additional premium features including a head-up display, 16-way power front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, heated steering wheel, and Surround View Camera. MDX with Advance Package and MDX A-Spec with Advance Package also feature curvilinear-quilted leather and massaging front seats, previously exclusive to MDX Type S.

Additionally, the turbocharged MDX Type S now comes standard with the previously optional Advance Package, further enhancing the high-performance variant with premium features, including a head-up display, 16-way power front seats, 9-way massaging front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, heated steering wheel, and Surround View Camera. The 2025 MDX Type S with Advance Package introduces Acura's most impressive audio system yet, an all-new 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system that elevates MDX's already class-leading audio experience.

What's New (MDX):

Enhanced AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver assistive technologies (standard)
12.3-inch touchscreen interface featuring Google built-in1 (standard)
Redesigned center console with improved functionality, USB-C ports inside and in the rear of the console box, increased storage and a more accessible wireless smartphone charger (standard)
Front fascia with redesigned bumper, open-frame Diamond Pentagon grille with new more aggressive mesh pattern, and darkened headlights and taillights (standard)
Redesigned 20-inch wheels (Technology Package and above)
Available curvilinear-quilted 16-way Milano leather front seats with 9-way massaging function (Advance Package, A-Spec with Advance Package)
11-speaker (+2), 8-channel audio system
19-speaker (+3 on Advance Package and A-Spec, +7 on Technology) Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system (Technology Package and above)
Extensive refinement updates for a quieter cabin, including laminated rear door glass and additional insulation (Technology Package and above)
Rear seatbelt reminder system (standard)
Two new available colors: Canyon River Blue Metallic (all trims except A-Spec and A-Spec with Advance Package) and Urban Gray Pearl (A-Spec with Advance Package)
What's New (MDX Type S with Advance Package):

31-speaker (+6) Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system
AcuraWatch™ 360 system adds Front Cross Traffic Warning7, Lane Change Collision Mitigation and Active Lane Change Assist
Redesigned front seats with Ultrasuede bolsters and Type S logo embossed on head restraints
Redesigned 21-inch wheels with machined face and Berlina Black accents
Front fascia with redesigned bumper and frameless Diamond Pentagon grille
New available color: Urban Gray Pearl

00:00 - A-Spec Walkaround
02:36 - Powertrain
03:21 - Backseats
04:59 - Frontseat
07:13 - Driving Impressions
10:20 - Bang and Olufsen
12:31 - Summary and Recommendations

[faheemabbas]

Acura needs to get rid of the gloss black plastic in their interiors. Imo, it is their biggest problem.

[jeremyg]

Great review as always, the MDX seems like a fantastic car. I just wish Acura made more hybrid powertrains! V6 Hybrid sounds like it would be a win for them.

[apexcapital]

Picked up a 2024 Type S Advance for my wife at a great deal. It’s the same smooth powertrain and the savings matter to us.

[puravida]

When did black wheels, that always look dirty, become so popular with car manufacturers.

[LLL]

I'd be sold on the 2025 MDX Type S if we needed one today after watching & listening to your opinion between the Type S vs A-Spec. Right now, we'll stay with our 2014 MDX which is still working fine as long as we keep up with maintenance w/parts & repairs as needed. I am considering a more off-roadable SUV in the near future, however (different subject, I know).

[PWCDN]

I really appreciate this review. I'm in the decision of getting one and wasn't convinced to spend an extra $13k (Canada) for a Type-S. You've perfectly encapsulated in this review the comparison between the two models in terms of driving experience. My only gripe of the Type-S is it doesn't have a spare tire and the wheel well where the tire is suppose to be in the other models is just an empty space on the Type S. Wish they gave us more storage or something to fill that empty hole where the spare tire use to be. Other than that, the Type-S seems to be the perfect model now. The air suspension may have won me over.

[jimmannella]

Great review! Curious if Acura will ever come out with an RDX Type S?

[petershellock]

Outstanding comparison. Thank you.
Your feedback is gold.

[lartstnc]

Picked up my 24 Aspec and i love it. Good get up and go power. Tons of tech and i was able to fit six people comfortably.

[coastalbeer]

I'm buying one tomorrow ! Acura...you rule !

[WScott-gdmj]

Totally agree on the lack of a hybrid setup. That takes Acura off my list. Too many good options with far better mpg.

[cablebrain]

The MDX Type S will likely cost you a minimum of $26, 000 above the MDX Advanced A-Spec in a 10 year/100, 000 mile scenario.

Things to consider:

The initial cost difference — which will likely be a higher difference due to dealer mark-downs and mark-ups on the two models because of availability.

The higher cost of maintenance/repair on the Type S, due to the turbo, exhaust, Brembo brakes, tires, adjustable air suspension, etc.

The higher price of Premium fuel and lower gas mileage rating on the Type S

Higher insurance rates on the Type S

Additional sales taxes paid on any of the taxable items above.


Your cost of ownership may vary, but look up some stats and do the math. You could buy a small car for the difference in price of ownership between these two models. The difference in the price off the lot will be the least of your expenses if you purchase the Type S.

That being said, if you can afford it, lucky you…..👍🏼

[xfdjupg]

Hey Kirk, will you talk about the updated 2025 Mazda 3 Hatchback please? 🙏🏼🚗
I was just on their website and saw they had a 2025 model available and some new tech added to it!
Thank you so much and awesome review of the MDX! 👍🏼

[bbbt]

A mild hybrid system is muchly needed here

[danielhitzing]

Just test drove one of these MDX A-SPEC 2025s yesterday, if this vehicle was maybe 3k cheaper and 2 mpg better I might have taken it home, hopefully the 25 RDX A-SPEC gets a similar upgrade package because the MDX had basically everything I'm waiting for

[jsfbay]

Another thing that drives me crazy with the Pilot is the adaptive cruise control. From a stop light, it takes *forever* to get to about 20 mph, then after that it gets into the gas too much. Then, if I go downhill just a little bit, the adaptive cruise rides the brake pedal, probably driving the people behind me crazy, and also wearing out the brakes. Compared to our 2015 Outback, the Outback has a much better adaptive cruise. Also - if someone in front of me turns right, the adaptive cruise will practically bring the car to a stop before going again, even if the car is well out of my way. To be fair, the Outback is almost as bad. It would be great if you used the adaptive cruise regularly and reported back as to how you like it.

[sunnytaggar]

70k for this and it’s not even 300hp☹️☹️☹️☹️

[chrisrobles]

Can’t believe they increased the Aspec 10k from the 22’ model to 25’ model. People complained you didn’t give them 360 camera in a 58, 000 vehicle and now it comes with more stuff and an extra 10k. It kind of puts it out past a bmw or Audi now and makes it less desirable as a good choice.
Glad they fixed all the issues but I’m not sure if trade in my low mileage 22’ for a 25’ just to get touch screen and 360 camera. If they had fixed it by the next year, maybe.
It’s honestly a great car and great features but wow is it just sky rocketed in price between the new MSRP and dealer markups or no haggle prices. Especially for the type S.

[SBM]

I have a 2023 MDX A Spec and it does not feel underpowered in daily driving. My previous car was a 2020 BMW 540 with B58 engine, so I am do feel the difference in acceleration, especially at higher speeds (80mph+), but there is absolutely no point in flooring the base engine from a full stop. It is like trying to sprint while wearing nice leather shoes. Just drive normally and the car feels fine. Decent mid-range with the 10-speed auto. The car will get you to highway speeds and stay there doing 80-90 mph with no problems. More that that and you are misusing a large heavy SUV. Get a sports car.

[martink]

Kirk, how do you compare this to equivalent Lexus RX?