Hard to believe it has been nearly a quarter-century since Honda’s Acura division brought forth its largest model and the first to offer three rows of seats. The current-generation seven-passenger MDX that arrived for 2022 is one of a quartet of the utility vehicles that include the five-passenger RDX and ADX, and most recently the electric ZDX.
Compared to the one-level-smaller RDX, the MDX is more than 30 centimetres longer overall and has a 15-centimetre advantage in distance between the front and rear wheels. The MDX also leads the way in cargo volume and can also tow up to 5,000 pounds (2,270 kilograms) compared to the RDX’s 1,500-pound (680-kg) max weight.
For 2025 the MDX has received some styling updates, including the bumpers, wheels plus new headlights and taillights. There’s also a new “diamond pentagon” mesh grille design. The changes improve on the already attractive yet understated bodywork that has slowly but steadily evolved over the years into a recognizable form.
The interior gets a new and enlarged floor console, but perhaps the best news is the built-in console’s annoying touchpad has been replaced by a more user-friendly 12.3-inch touchscreen containing Google built-in, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It’s matched with a 12.3-inch configurable driver’s gauge display.
The third-row seat is a tight squeeze for adult-sized riders, but access to it can be made a bit easier by removing the second-row bench’s middle section, thus creating sliding and folding dual captain’s chairs.
The MDX’s base sound system comes with two additional speakers (for a total of 11) while the previously optional ELS stereo has been replaced by a Bang and Olufsen sound system with up to 31 speakers.
Lastly the MDX receives additional insulation to help make the cabin a quieter environment.
The MDX’s propulsion systems carry over unchanged for 2025, starting with a 3.5-litre V-6 that pumps out 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Stepping up to the Type S Advance puts you in command of a turbocharged 3.0-litre V-6 that delivers 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is standard with both engines.
All-wheel-drive is standard on both the base V-6 and on the turbocharged version.
Fuel economy rating for the base V-6 is 12.6 l/100 km in the city, 9.4 on the highway and 11.2 combined. The Type S is rated a 13.8/11.2/12.4.
MDX base pricing starts at $71,700, including destination fees for the base Tech trim. It comes with the expected premium-grade content such as tri-zone climate control, 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats with driver‘s seat memory settings, panoramic moonroof and ambient cabin lighting. As with all trims the range of active safety content – including traffic-sign recognition and automatic high-beam headlights – is extensive.
The options list includes front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, remote engine start, GPS-linked climate control and power hands-free power tailgate.
Along with the turbocharged V-6 and premium sound package the top-level Type S Ultra ($91,270), which was the subject for this review, is uniquely outfitted with adaptive air suspension with auto leveling, Brembo-brand front brakes, head-up driver’s display, sport appearance package with leather and ultra-suede seats and 21-inch wheels (19s are standard).
Compared with the base V-6 the turbo’s 65 extra horsepower and 87 additional pound-feet of torque is character changing. Under hard acceleration the Type S Ultra has plenty of spring in its step and the transmission’s rev-matching downshifts give this MDX a taste of sporting flair. The active suspension delivers plenty of cornering precision and the Brembo front brakes do a superior job slowing this 4,800-pound (2,180-kilogram) Acura.
For those with tamer, less expensive transportation requirements, any of the other Acura MDX trims using the non-turbo engine should prove more than adequate. But for the performance-minded, the turbocharged version will leave you pleasantly surprised.
