Even if you’ve never owned an Acura, the Type S nameplate is one that carries quite a bit of reputation with it in the automotive world. However, no car has worn this plate for about a decade until Acura resurrected the badge just a couple years ago. Not only have they brought back the Type S to their line-up, but they have now introduced it to their SUV line-up, including the redesigned MDX. This MDX might be large in size, but it packs a punch under the hood! So, is the 2023 Acura MDX Type S an AMG or M Sport killer? Keep reading to find out!

What’s New for 2023

• Three years of complimentary Acura Link Services (includes remote services)
• New complimentary maintenance for 2 years/24k miles

Trim Structure

Type S -> Type S Advance

Exterior Design

Front

The MDX Type S takes an already handsome design and makes it even sportier. Acura’s signature diamond pentagon grille is the focal point of this striking vehicle. The Type S exclusive treatment adds an open surface finish to allow for 10% more airflow. All MDX models will come standard with jewel eye full-LED headlights with the signature “chicane” LED daytime running light. Fog lights will be standard on all Type S trims. Once again, the Type S will receive a sportier lower fascia that adds some additional vents and splitters that offer both form and function.

Side and Rear

Heading to the side of the MDX, the Type S comes standard with 21-inch alloy wheels. Up to the black painted mirrors, you will find power adjusting, heated, and power folding mirrors with blind spot monitoring as standard. The side retains the same design from last year, measuring in at 198.4-inches. Black window trim is standard on all trims and only the Advance trim will come with standard roof rails. The rear of the Type S doesn’t offer many differences from the standard model but continues to offer full LED chicane taillights with special Type S quad exposed exhausts on all trims. Towing is rated at 5,000lbs for AWD.

Brakes: Front: 14.3-inch Red Brembo Brakes | Rear: 13.0-inch solid disc

Safety and Warranty

The MDX will be equipped with Acura’s 4 year, 50,000 mile basic warranty and a 6 year, 70,000 mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, owners will be happy to have 2 years, 24,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. The MDX for 2023 will come standard with all of Acura’s basic safety systems, including:

• Forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane keeping assist
• Auto high beam headlights
• Adaptive cruise control with low speed follow and new Traffic Jam Assist
• Low Speed Braking Control, also known as front and rear low speed auto-braking

Next, we’ll head to the interior, where Acura has continued to create a refined, sport-luxury environment.

Interior Design

Materials and Basic Features

To get inside the 2023 Acura MDX, smart entry and push button start will be standard on all trims. Remote start on the fob will be standard for all Type S and AcuraLink remote services will be free to all owners for three years. When it comes to interior materials, Type S trims will all come in Milano Leather, with the base trim adding in Suede inserts. Advance owners will be pleased to find open-pore wood trim on the interior. The seats will be standard memory with 16-way power, and the Advance will come with an Acura first: 9-way massaging abilities.

Legroom: 41.6-inches | Headroom: 38.5-inches

The 2023 MDX Type S will have a standard 12.3-inch precision cockpit digital display alongside a 10.5-in heads-up display on the Advance trim. Sitting in front of the gauges will be a leather wrapped, power adjusting steering wheel that is flat-bottomed and heated on the Advance. The MDX will come with an electronic shifter and standard paddles. Rain-sensing wipers and wireless charging are standard on all trim levels. The Type S also comes with exclusive 27-color ambient lighting to change with the drive modes and bring some life to the cabin.

2023 Acura MDX Type S Tech and Luxury

Technology will be plentiful within the Acura MDX’s cabin, with standard three-zone automatic climate, heated seats, and ventilated seats on all trims. When it comes to speakers, the base Type S has the range topping 16-speaker ELS 3D Studio. However, if you opt for the Advanced trim, you will have an exclusive 1,000-watt, 25-speaker ELS 3D Studio Signature Edition system with illuminated speaker grilles. At the center of the MDX’s cabin is a large 12.3-inch digital display on all trims, with a 360-camera if you opt for the Advance trim. A backup camera with parking sensors is standard along with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Navigation. A frameless, auto-dimming mirror and panoramic moonroof is standard on all trims.

Rear Spaces

The rear seats will continue to capitalize on the MDX’s design, with 38.5-inches of legroom and 38.1-inches of headroom. Rear vents with climate controls are standard for the second row, with heated outboard seats on the Advance trim only. Although no captain’s chairs are available, the center second row seat has a fun party feature where it will completely fold down to offer a large amount of storage or can be completely removed for a captain’s chair setup. For the third row, passengers will be pleased with 29.1-inches of legroom and 36.2-inches of headroom with not many other amenities to mention. The tailgate will be power opening as standard, with hands-free on the Advance. For cargo, there is  16.3 cubic feet behind the 3rd row, 39.1 cubic feet behind the 2nd row, and 71.4 cubic feet as a maximum.

 Powertrain & Driving Impressions

The biggest change about the MDX Type S is what is under the hood. Upgraded from the standard MDX is a beefy 3.0L Turbo V-6 with 355 hp and 354 lb. ft of torque. Paired with this engine is a beefed up 10-speed automatic and standard SH-AWD. The MDX will gobble up fuel at 17/21/19 MPG.

As you would expect, the Type S is much nimbler and fun to drive over the standard model. The configurable drive modes and standard air suspension allow the Type S to be very versatile to different driving conditions. To get an in-depth perspective on our full driving impressions and more, watch our full review down below!

2023 Acura MDX Type S Pricing

Prices include standard AWD:

Type S: $67,850

Type S Advance: $73,200

Overall, the Acura MDX Type S continues to impress when it comes to luxury and being a very fun car drive. The redesign from last year is aging quite well, and the sporty Type S elements add to an already attractive design. Is this MDX truly one-of-a-kind when it comes to price and performance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!