Top of the tops: 2025 Acura MDX Type S Ultra

The top rung on the Honda/Acura ladder belongs to the Acura MDX.

Atop that lineup is the Type S Ultra. This showcase of Honda’s engineering, design and manufacturing prowess rolls off an assembly line in Ohio. It is prepared to go up against a raft of competitors from the most respected names in the industry from North America, Europe and Asia.

It’s a tough task to go up against the most respected luxury brands in the world – but one the Acura MDX pulls off.

The style is unique, allowing it to stand out in a crowd.

This is a company known for exceptional engineering. The MDX does not disappoint, especially in the Type S Ultra trim, which, as the showcase for the brand, and for an additional $13,000, gets unique engine, suspension, braking system and interior trim.

All MDXs in Canada come equipped with Acura’s Super Handling all-wheel-drive system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The first three trim levels have a 3.5 litre V6 producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb ft of torque.

The Type S gets its own engine, a different V6, displacing 3.0 litres and a pair of turbochargers. The result is the silky smoothness expected of a company known for its engines, but with a bump up to 355 horsepower and 354 lb. ft. of torque.

You can feel the difference from the seat of your pants, hear it by playing with the active exhaust setting, and see it by the quartet of exhaust outlets beneath the rear bumper. Other MDXs have only two.

Another unique feature for the Type S that is not evident to the naked eye is the self-levelling adaptive air suspension. The others have a multi-link setup at the rear.

The Type S also gets an additional two drive modes, adding Sport + and Lift to the Sport, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual choices.

Other upgrades for the Acura MDX Type S come in the safety column.

Steering avoidance has been added to the Blind Spot Information system. Lane Change Collision Mitigation and Active Lane change are added to the portfolio along with a system that monitors traffic up front.

The brakes are upgraded to cope with the extra performance from the turbocharged engine. A four-piston Brembo system does its work within unique 21-inch machine-finished alloy wheels. Each is wrapped in wider, lower profile tires than is used in other trim levels.

While the engineering may be the central feature of the Type S, the interior of the Acura MDX justifies the Ultra nomenclature.

Here you will find seats covered in quilted leather with suede inserts and contrasting stitching.

You will feel the punch from the sub-woofer, which is part of the 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround sound system.

Audiophiles might find themselves simply parking the vehicle to sit for a while enjoying the very special acoustics! The source can be the excellent built-in infotainment system or via eight USB A and C outlets.

Beautiful inside and out, but how does the 2025 Acura MDX Type S Ultra drive?

The engineering is evident in the way this vehicle feels from behind the wheel. The drivetrain provides excellent performance with the downside being less than stellar fuel mileage. Of course. that may be partially due to how much I enjoyed the power!

This is a large and rather heavy ute so it is surprising to find such alacrity in the turns, it handles like a smaller and lighter vehicle. That, and the pleasant ride quality, is a credit to the air suspension.

There is some sharpness over abrupt surface changes which can be blamed on the lack of sidewall of the very low profile (40-series) tires.

2025 Acura MDX Type S Ultra – The cabin befits the price tag.

Fit and finish is first rate and the quality of materials above reproach. There is enough colour and finish variation to make it interesting without become garish and surfaces you touch are either padded or covered in a soft touch material.

The front seats are wide and offer a myriad of ways to adjust to suit any physique.

Second row seating is also pretty good and can be altered by moving the seat for or aft. But even when set forward to maximize third row space, that seat is best left to small or very agile people.

The cargo area is spacious and well thought-out. There is provision beneath the floor to store items you want to keep out of sight. The floor covering itself has one side carpeted and the other is plastic for those times when you be carrying a dirty cargo. There are tie-downs, a hook for grocery bags and a 12-volt outlet.

Special mention for the LED headlights. They provide exceptional horizontal coverage lighting the side of the road often left in the dark with other systems.

The 2025 Acura MDX is an attractive, well-built and engineered family vehicle. In Type S Ultra trim, it offers sharp handling and an extra dollop of performance.

FACTS & FIGURES – 2025 Acura MDX Type S Ultra

PRICE

Base: $93,412

As tested: $98,180 including freight

SAFETY

Automatic LED lights with automatic high beams, collision mitigation system, active lane change assist, lane departure warning, cornering speed assist, front and rear cross traffic monitor, traffic jam assist, forward collision warning, front and rear low speed automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitor

INFOTAINMENT

31(!) speaker Bang & Olufsen surround sound audio system, 31-cm infotainment screen, Google and Amazon Alexa built-in, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth streaming, WiFi hotspot capability, AcuraLink connected services, wireless phone charger, eight USB connections

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Four piston Brembo brake calipers, 21-in alloy wheels, adaptive air suspension with auto-levelling, adaptive cruise control, surround view camera, rear camera washer, parking sensors, heads up display, wiper de-icer,  LED door handle lights, power folding reverse auto tilt auto-dimming mirrors with integrated turn signals, programmable height, hands-free access tailgate with automatic walk-away close, quilted leather seating surfaces with Ultrasuede® inserts and contrast stitching and piping (1st and 2nd row), heated and ventilated front seats with 16-way power adjustment including 4-way power lumbar support, three position memory system for driver’s seat and mirrors,  heated second row seats, power heated tilt/telescope steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate controls

SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS

Liquid Carbon metallic paint, $800, Red quilted leather upholstery with Ultrasuede. $500; Protection package $755,10

MECHANICAL

3.0-litre turbocharged V6, 355 horsepower, 354 lb.-ft. of torque, premium fuel, 10-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive. NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway): 11.2/13.8

DIMENSIONS

Length, 5,039 mm; width, 1999.93 mm, wheelbase, 2,890 mm; weight, 2,169 kg

COMPETITION

Audi Q7, Cadillac XT6, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Telluride, Lexus GX, Lincoln Aviator, Volvo XC90