Is the 2025 Acura MDX Type S a Good Three-Row SUV? 5 Pros, 3 Cons

The Acura MDX is a nicely appointed, stylish three-row mid-size SUV that slots between mainstream and more expensive luxury vehicles. Last fully redesigned for the 2022 model year, the MDX remains a popular choice despite being less posh than some of its rivals. Thankfully, Acura freshened the MDX for 2025, bringing various updates and addressing one of our biggest gripes with the outgoing model.

Related: 2025 Acura MDX Type S Review: Subtle Upgrades for the Sales Superstar

While the update also adds safety features, styling tweaks, and a more premium look and feel, the most welcome change is the elimination of the awkward and frustrating touchpad controller for the infotainment functions. Acura ditched the old system in favor of a more conventional touchscreen.

Cars.com West Coast Bureau Chief Conner Golden sampled a 2025 MDX in the range-topping Type S trim, which adds a measure of performance not typically found in a workaday three-row SUV. While the performance is largely carried over from the prior Type S, he found that the model-wide updates make for an even better MDX. Tap the link above for his expert review, or for a quicker look, read on to learn five things we like about the 2025 Acura MDX Type S and three things we don’t.

What Do We Like About the Acura MDX Type S?

1. Adios Touchpad

Acura’s infotainment system’s much-derided touchpad interface is gone, thankfully replaced by a conventional 12.3-inch touchscreen that’s much easier to use. There’s also a crisp 12.3-inch digital instrument display that’s complemented by an available 10.5-inch head-up display. The console area that was formerly occupied by the touchpad now houses a wireless charging pad, along with a physical volume knob and a rocker switch for changing stations and other audio functions.

2. Audio Updates

The updated infotainment system also gets Google Built-In functionality and continues to have wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. In place of the old Panasonic ELS audio system, the MDX is now available with a 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen high-end sound system in the top Type S trim or 19 speakers in lower trims.

3. Added Safety Features

Required for the implementation of additional driver-assist features, a revised front camera and additional radar sensors have been added to the Type S. New active-safety tech includes front cross-traffic alert, lane change collision mitigation and active lane change assist.

4. Potent Powertrains

Powertrain options remain the same and include a 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine in lower trims and a new 355-horsepower, twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 in the medium-spicy Type S. Lower trims are available with front- or all-wheel drive, while upper trims have standard AWD. Regardless of engine, all are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Our Type S felt plenty quick for a three-row SUV, making easy work of highway on-ramps and long, empty country roads.

5. Lively Driver

With its adjustable air suspension, 21-inch wheels and upgraded brakes, the Type S delivers a nice combination of a comfortable ride with more engaging handling than is typically found with a three-row SUV. The ride is reasonably comfortable and absorbent in Normal or Comfort mode, but it felt notably stiffer in Sport+. The trade-off is more buttoned-down body control in corners and surprising grip for a three-row SUV.

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What Do We Dislike About the Acura MDX Type S?

1. Lane Change Assist

It’s hard to argue with the value of the update’s additional safety features, but the lane change assist feature may not be quite ready for prime time. Theoretically, when adaptive cruise control and various safety systems are enabled, a press of the turn-signal stalk will enable the MDX to change lanes on its own as traffic permits. More than once, however, the system seemed to miss noticing a flatbed trailer in the next lane.

2. Pinched Third Row

Adults should have no problem getting comfortable in the first two rows, which have plenty of room all around, but the third row is another matter and is best left for small children. There’s minimal knee room in the third row, and climbing back there can be a challenge.

3. Luxury Lite

The refresh moves the MDX ever so slightly further upscale, with subtle interior quality updates and added amenities. But if a posh interior and surroundings are a top priority, the MDX still doesn’t quite measure up to alternatives such as the BMW X5, Genesis GV80, Lexus TX 350 or Mercedes-Benz GLE. That’s perfectly alright, however, as these are at least moderately more expensive than the Acura.

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