MDX: a Refreshing Take on 3-Row SUV Performance

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The most refreshing aspect of the refreshed 2025 Acura MDX Type S remains the brand’s commitment to producing a spirited, performance-oriented, three-row mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) which also coddles its occupants with abundant room, modern technology and convenience amenities in keeping with the brand’s positioning as a luxury/premium marque.

But it is performance-influenced engineering which really sets the MDX apart from its competition.

One of these features is its brake-by-wire (BBW) system which — unlike other brands which use the term to denote electronic signals activating a hydraulic system — eliminates hydraulics, relying on electronic signals transmitting braking commands from the driver to the friction materials at each corner of the vehicle (more on this system later).

A powertrain up to the MDX Type S promise

The brakes are a significant aspect of the MDX Type S’s character, but to examine performance one must begin with the powertrain. The heart of the Type S is a 3-liter aluminum block and head, six-cylinder engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and 24-valves with an overhead-camshaft arrangement. This internal-combustion engine produces 355 horsepower and 354 pounds-feet of torque and is scheduled for 100,000 miles between tune ups!

The 10-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters is tuned for quick shifts and rapid response to the driver’s right foot. The transmission is mated to the standard (in Acura’s terms) Super Handling All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system. The system progressively distributes optimum torque between the front and rear axles, as well as between the left and right rear wheels for more precise and – again, Acura’s words — exhilarating handling response across a wide variety of road conditions.

Acura further states, The SH-AWD® system works in cooperation with the Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) system and Agile Handling Assist® to optimize torque distribution for superior handling and traction. The engine ECU provides information on engine rpm and torque, the transmission ECU provides the transmission gear-ratio selection, while the VSA® ECU provides wheel-speed data. The SH-AWD® ECU also monitors steering angle, lateral g-forces, vehicle yaw rate and electrohydraulic clutch engagement for the right and left rear axle shafts. Drive torque is calculated by the ECU, and then the acceleration, wheel spin, lateral G-force and steering angle are used to determine the front-to-rear torque distribution and the torque split between right and left rear wheels.

Further refinement can be tailored by the driver through selectable driving modes.

The powertrain’s performance is exhilarating, getting from 0-60 miles per hour in a performance-car-like 5.5 seconds (according to Car and Driver testing) and does this while returning respectable fuel economy, at least for me. I averaged 21.5 miles per gallon in everyday driving, with no consideration to eking out the best mileage. The federal Environmental Protection Agency rates the Acura MDX Type S at 19 overall (17 urban, 21 highway).

Chassis up to the powertrain

Acura engineered the MDX Type S’s platform to perform up the standards of the powertrain while providing the type of ride comfort associated with the brand’s position as a luxury/premium vehicle maker.

The basic chassis components include double-wishbone setup in the front with 30.5mm solid stabilizer bar, while a multi-link system with 20×3.5mm hollow stabilizer bar works in the rear. Acura’s first air-suspension system, which includes active load leveling, and an adaptive damper (shock) system, further allows the brand’s engineering team to optimize the confluence of handling and ride comfort.

And it works! Driving the Acura MDX Type S is more like driving a performance vehicle than a typical three-row SUV. It responds well to all driver inputs and begs to be pushed. In addition, it is so well buttoned up, so smooth, so well controlled, I found myself having to actively keep the speed within the posted limits. The vehicle’s build quality was so good I was constantly driving faster than I realized.

This car drives in a very Germanic way, which is a compliment! It responds to what the driver wants to do and does it RIGHT NOW.

Brake-by-wire mixed with Brembo quality

The Acura MDX Type S utilizes a complete brake-by-wire (BBW) system which Acura dubbed the Electro-Servo Brake (ESB) System. In the company’s words:

Key Components of the Electro-Servo Brake (ESB) System:

• Electronic Control Unit (ECU): The central processor that interprets the driver’s braking input and manages the braking force applied to each wheel.
• Brake Pedal Sensors: These sensors detect the position and force applied to the brake pedal, transmitting this data to the ECU.
• Actuators: Electromechanical devices at each wheel that receive commands from the ECU to apply the appropriate braking force.
• Wheel Speed Sensors: These sensors monitor the rotational speed of each wheel, providing data crucial for functions like anti-lock braking and stability control.

Operating Details:

When the driver presses the brake pedal, the brake pedal sensors relay this input to the ECU. The ECU processes this information, considering factors such as vehicle speed and road conditions, to determine the optimal braking force for each wheel. It then sends electronic signals to the actuators at each wheel, which apply the precise amount of braking force needed. This setup allows for more accurate and responsive braking compared to traditional hydraulic systems.

In the MDX Type S, the ESB system is complemented by a high-performance Brembo® front braking system with four-piston calipers and larger rotors, providing enhanced stopping power and improved heat dissipation.

Overall, the Electro-Servo Brake system in the 2025 Acura MDX Type S offers drivers a more controlled and responsive braking experience, contributing to the vehicle’s high-performance capabilities.

The four-piston front brakes are from Brembo featuring 14.3-inch vented rotors (the ones in the rear are 13.0-inch solid ones).

I found the brakes responsive and easy to modulate, but could not detect any major differences from other high-end vehicles’ braking systems. The system includes expected features like anti-lock (ABS), electronic-brake distribution (EBD), brake assist, and vehicle stability assist/

Completing the chassis-component description with the wheel/tire combination, the Type S features 21-inch aluminum wheels mounted with 275/40R-21 self-sealing performance tires.

ADAS fit for the top of the range

The MDX Type S, as the pinnacle of the MDX range, offers a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including head-up display; vehicle-stability assist; blind-spot information; rear cross-traffic monitor; front and rear parking sensors; low-speed braking control; advanced cruise control; surround-view monitor, and a new ADAS features as part of the AcuraWatch 360.

The AcuraWatch 360 systems, like Front Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Collision Mitigation, and Lane Change Assist, are enabled thank to new sensor and camera hardware.

Interior up to the Acura standards

Inside the MDX is a very comfortable, luxurious space laid out for functionality and both driving pleasure and passenger comfort.

The seats are power adjustable, covered in leather and heated/ventilated in the front (heated in the second row). The steering wheel is also heated.

I was disappointed the MDX Type S did not have satellite radio, but I was blown away by the sound of my iPhone’s music library streamed via Bluetooth to the infotainment system’s 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system. Sound systems normally do not move me, but this one did. It might sound trite, but it must be heard to be believed – one of the best (if not the best) factory sound system I have ever experienced!

Speaking of the infotainment system, the 2025 MDX features a new 12.3-inch color LCD touchscreen, the largest in Acura history. It is filled with information and worth spending some time with the owner’s manual to learn the ins and outs.

A three-row SUV for the top of the Acura family

Acura began life in the mid-1980s as the luxury brand of Honda. As the brand matured, it began moving into the performance arena with the mid-engined NSX supercar as its ultimate example.

The MDX Type S, a complete package for $74,950, represents the top of the range which opens with the front-wheel-drive MDX at $50,900. In between the Acura SUV shopper can find just the model which suits their needs, their pocketbooks and their inner racer, all built with Acura/Honda quality and reliability.

Next week TBR Drives the 2025 Genesis G80 Sport Prestige AWD sedan.