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)