Close X
Sunday, November 10, 2024
ADVT 
Reviews

2024 Acura MDX Type-S Putting the sport in sport utility

Benjamin Yong Darpan, 29 Jul, 2024 04:10 PM
  • 2024 Acura MDX Type-S Putting the sport in sport utility

When the latest model debuted a couple years back, it represented the first Acura SUV to wear the vaunted Type-S badge reserved for only the sportiest of offerings. And the designation is justified, as this big 355-horsepower three-row crossover is just a screamer that will put a smile on the whole family’s face while on a road trip or just a run to the grocery store.

The exterior hints at what’s underneath the bodywork via enhancements over the standard version. Besides the obvious additional emblems, there’s the larger functional air intakes and a centre-mounted intercooler in the front bumper, a lip spoiler and a Diamond Pentagon grille with finer mesh to increase air flow to the turbocharged engine. 

At the rear quad exhaust tips flank a straked lower diffuser, all-over gloss black trim and a pair of Brembo brakes peeking out from behind the 21-inch Berlina Black machine finish alloy wheel — shod in self-sealing 275/40/21 Continental CrossContact RX ContiSeal tires — round out the package. 

Inside, the performance-minded styling continues. For example, a flat bottom steering wheel greets the driver as well as a 12.3-inch Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument display. The infotainment screen is also 12.3 inches and is fairly intuitive complemented by a smattering of physical buttons. Curiously, designers installed a volume knob and then a set of left and right tuning buttons rather than a second knob that would have made quickly navigating media so much easier. 

It's my first time seeing massaging front seats in an Acura and colour me impressed. Users can customize the zones and intensity in nine different ways (Wave, Shiatsu, Step, Awake, Fusion, Lower Back, Upper Back, Rejuvenation and Zen), even targeting the cushion area, and in my opinion provided better mobile relief than the chairs in a Mercedes-Benz. The perforated leather upholstery looked and felt premium, and the 25-speaker ELS Studio Signature Edition stereo sounded fantastic. 

Another thing that sounds amazing is the 3.0-litre Type S Turbo V6 mill, delivering 355 horsepower, 354 lb-ft of torque and some glorious noise out of the Active Exhaust — particularly in Sport or Sport+ mode, which are part of the Integrated Dynamics System. 

In addition, these modes drop the first MDX application of an air suspension 15 millimetres to lower the centre of gravity, stiffens the dampers, sharpens throttle response and firms up steering. Operating the vehicle in such a manner really makes one momentarily forget they’re behind the wheel of an SUV. To get back in the utility mindset, the air suspension may conversely raise the ride height nearly 50 millimetres in Lift mode to improve ground clearance and help clear deep or sand. Acura says it’s not intended for off-road purposes.

The crossover makes a great daily driver that’s practical, with enough room to fit seven people, and is a hoot to drive. Super Handling All-Wheel Drive and torque vectoring ensures proper traction even in the windy bits and in inclement Lower Mainland weather. Engineered primarily in America, manufacturing takes place at the company’s East Liberty, Ohio facility.

Highlights:   

MSRP: $86,401 

Motor: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 

Horsepower: 355 @ 5,500 rpm

Torque (lb-ft): 354 @ 1,400 rpm

Gearbox: 10-speed automatic

Layout: front motor/all-wheel drive   

Fuel economy: 14.7 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

MORE Reviews ARTICLES

The best of VIAS 2017

The best of VIAS 2017
For the 97th year, the Vancouver International Auto Show (VIAS) descended upon the Vancouver Convention Centre at the end of March to bring out the latest and greatest products in the automotive world.

The best of VIAS 2017

Wax On, Wax Off: Tips to wax your car

Wax On, Wax Off: Tips to wax your car
Learn how to wax your car fast without paying a detailer top dollar

Wax On, Wax Off: Tips to wax your car

Dealing with stubborn winter build-up on cars

Dealing with stubborn winter build-up on cars
What you use to treat your car is your best weapon against stubborn household grime

Dealing with stubborn winter build-up on cars

2017 Jaguar F-PACE: F-TYPE meets SUV

2017 Jaguar F-PACE: F-TYPE meets SUV
“We designed the all-new F-PACE to be first and foremost a Jaguar. That’s why it has exciting proportions, a dynamic stance, pure surfaces and a beautiful sensuality about it. 

2017 Jaguar F-PACE: F-TYPE meets SUV

Mercedes-AMG C63 S: Second-gen C63 S sportiest C-Class ever 2017

Mercedes-AMG C63 S: Second-gen C63 S sportiest C-Class ever 2017
Calling the 2017 C63 S Coupe the “sportiest C-Class ever,” as Mercedes-AMG has done, is a big statement, as the outgoing version launched in 2011 wasn’t exactly a boxy slouch.

Mercedes-AMG C63 S: Second-gen C63 S sportiest C-Class ever 2017

2017 Honda Accord Hybrid: Return of the two-motor hybrid

2017 Honda Accord Hybrid:  Return of the two-motor hybrid
When the Honda Accord Hybrid burst onto the scene in 2014 with a classically handsome appearance and innovative two-motor design, it stood out in its class. 

2017 Honda Accord Hybrid: Return of the two-motor hybrid