The 2022 Acura MDX Type S represents a significant evolution for Honda’s luxury three-row SUV, blending approachable practicality with genuinely engaging performance. While the standard MDX offers competent daily driving dynamics, the Type S version is engineered to deliver a more aggressive experience, marrying refined comfort with a sense of excitement often missing in its class. This model year solidified the Type S’s position as a compelling choice for drivers who refuse to compromise on power, handling, or premium appointments.
Performance and Powertrain Specifications
Under the hood, the 2022 Acura MDX Type S houses a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that produces 355 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and utilizes Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The result is brisk acceleration, with the SUV sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 5.2 seconds. What sets the SH-AWD system apart is its ability to actively torque vector the rear wheels, enhancing cornering confidence and creating a more responsive feel at the limit.
Refined Handling Dynamics
Beyond raw numbers, the MDX Type S distinguishes itself through its chassis tuning. Acura equipped the model with a more rigid suspension setup, including unique dampers and a reinforced rear anti-roll bar. This configuration allows the vehicle to maintain composure during spirited maneuvers without sacrificing the plush ride quality expected of an Acura. Drivers can select from different driving modes, allowing the suspension and steering to adapt from a comfortable cruise to a more firm and engaging experience on winding roads.
Exterior Design and Aggressive Styling
The 2022 model year introduced visual updates that further distinguish the Type S from its siblings. The front fascia features a larger, more pronounced honeycomb grille flanked by sharp LED headlights, giving the SUV a wider and more assertive stance. Unique 20-inch alloy wheels with a dark finish and red accents complement the aggressive aesthetic. Subtle cues like red brake calipers, a rear diffuser, and a dual-exhaust layout complete the performance-oriented look, signaling its enhanced capabilities at a glance.
Luxurious and Tech-Forward Interior
Inside, the MDX Type S continues to impress with a cabin that balances high-tech elements with premium materials. The dashboard is dominated by a large 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though it retains a dedicated rotary dial for climate control, a practical design choice that reduces driver distraction. Heated front and rear seats, a power liftgate, and a panoramic moonroof are standard, creating an environment that feels both modern and comfortable for passengers in all three rows.
Feature | 2022 Acura MDX Type S
Engine | 3.0L Turbocharged V6
Horsepower | 355 hp
Torque | 380 lb-ft
Drivetrain | Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic
Seating Capacity | 7
