The Acura MDX S-Type Is Very Close to Greatness

The 2024 Acura MDX S-Type is a three-row SUV for drivers. It’s one of the funniest cars in its segment, using pleasing chassis tuning, quick steering, and a good drivetrain to deliver sedan-like sports performance in a larger package. None of that matters, though, because the infotainment system is so annoying to use.

While much of the industry has moved to touchscreens, Acura, in its infinite wisdom, has decided to stick with its touchpad-style infotainment controls for the 2024 MDX. instead it’s navigated using a square pad on the center console you have to click to select things like audio source or navigation destination, much like a touchpad on a laptop. And it ruins the experience.

Touchscreens aren’t great for navigating through infotainment systems on the move, but Acura’s touchscreen system is definitely worse. Learning how it works is straightforward, but using it is not a smooth and easy process, especially when driving. We’re sure owners will get used to the touch, but forcing your buyer to “get used to” something that should be easy isn’t a very good way to approach a product.

Mind-boggling infotainment aside, the rest of the MDX’s interior is a great place to spend time. The layout isn’t quite as good as the BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS, but the nice touch of physical buttons for things like climate control and audio is welcome. Go for the Advance package and get a bucket full of useful tech, like a head-up display, a 25-speaker sound system, and 16-way adjustable sport front seats.

The Type S gets more standard technology, such as front seat ventilation, navigation, a wireless phone charging pad, remote start and a number of additional safety systems are available. But the real extras come under the skin, where the S-Type’s chassis sports plenty of chassis and training upgrades to make it feel more nimble than it looks.

Pros: Strong Power, Sharp Appearance, Comfortable Interior With Lots of Luxury Features.

The MDX Type S gets air suspension as standard, adding to the ride without letting it “never settle” the look typical of other aero systems. Most importantly, the sporty SUV gets a turbo-scroll 3.0-liter V-6 with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.

This version of Acura’s “Super Handling” AWD is also not your average setup. Now in its fourth generation, there’s true torque vectoring at work for the S-Type, and the system can send up to 70 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear, and up to 100 percent of that torque to the left or right wheel. , such as the systems found on the TLX Type S and Volkswagen Golf R.

Chuck the MDX Type S down a twisty road, and the system is easy to feel working to your advantage. You can feel the computer sending all that power to the outside rear wheel if you accelerate while cornering, coaxing the car’s rear end to spin as you negotiate a corner. It’s not a natural sensation, but it does make the experience more enjoyable, and gives the car a more immediate thrill.

The rest of the car is fun, too. Flip the center-mounted drive mode dial to Sport, and the suspension and steering firm up, while the throttle pedal sharpens up. This SUV isn’t a sports car, obviously, but a combination of well-designed chassis upgrades make it feel smaller than it is. Combined with a 10-speed manual and standard Brembo brakes, it’s easy to cut through your favorite backroad at high speeds without feeling like the car is falling apart—not bad for something that weighs 4,788 pounds. And while the V-6 isn’t the flashiest engine on sale today, you can’t fault its efficiency. Dig your right foot in and there’s real speed to hit here.

Cons: Unacceptable Infotainment System, V-6 Is Successful But Forgettable, Poor Fuel Economy.

With a car this size, fun isn’t the only goal. Fortunately, the Type S can easily blend into the background and play the part of a classic three-row SUV when you’re not hitting it on your favorite canyon road. Although a little stiffer than your average large SUV, the suspension can soak up bumps in normal conditions. The third row is a little tight, but no passenger had any real complaints during my four days with the car. If you need to transport more than four adults on a regular basis, we would recommend something bigger. But remember, anything bigger than this MDX S Type can be a lot of fun to drive.

The MDX’s touchpad interface is the only thing holding me back from seriously recommending it. But if you’re in the market, you won’t have to wait long until it’s gone. Acura said earlier this year it plans to phase out its lineup of touchpad systems starting later in 2024. Our advice? Wait a year. Until then, the Type S will be more interesting.

Update: An earlier version of this story indicated that the MDX Type S had a 3.5-liter V-6, when in fact, the Type S model has a 3.0-liter engine. The story has been updated.

Competitor Review