Honestly, the 2024 Acura MDX Type S is a bit of a weirdo. In a world where luxury SUVs are either trying to be race cars or soft-roading living rooms, Acura decided to build something that sits right in the middle, staring at both sides with a smirk. It is the most powerful SUV the brand has ever made, yet some critics say it’s too soft. Others think it’s too expensive compared to the base MDX.
They’re all kinda right. And also mostly wrong.
If you’re looking at this 4,700-pound beast, you’ve probably noticed the $70,000+ price tag. That is a lot of money for an Acura. But once you dig into the hardware—the stuff you can’t see from a brochure—the value starts to reveal itself. This isn't just an MDX with a bigger engine. It’s a total mechanical overhaul.
The Secret Sauce Under the Sheet Metal
Most people see the "Type S" badge and think about the 355 horsepower. Sure, the 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 is great. It’s punchy. It makes 354 lb-ft of torque starting at a low 1,400 rpm, which basically means it pulls like a freight train the second you touch the gas. But the engine isn't the star.
The real magic is the air suspension.
This is the first time Acura has ever used an adjustable air system on the MDX. It’s a game-changer. In "Normal" mode, it floats. It’s supple. It eats potholes for breakfast without spilling your latte. But click that oversized dynamic mode dial into "Sport+" and the whole car drops 0.6 inches. The dampers stiffen up, the steering gets heavy, and suddenly this three-row bus feels like a sport sedan.
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Need to get over a snowbank? There’s a "Lift" mode that jacks the body up 2.0 inches. It’s versatile in a way the standard coil-spring MDX just isn't.
Why the Brakes Matter More Than You Think
Behind those 21-inch wheels sit massive four-piston Brembo front brakes. Acura didn't just grab parts from a bin; they used an electro-servo system derived from the NSX supercar. The pedal feel is firm. Short. Confident. When you're hauling a family of seven and a trunk full of groceries, being able to stop on a dime matters more than hitting 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.
The Interior: A Mixed Bag of Brilliance and Annoyance
Inside the 2024 Acura MDX Type S, specifically if you spring for the Advance package, you’re sitting in one of the best cabins in the segment. The seats are insane. We’re talking 16-way power-adjustable thrones with nine different massage settings. "Zen" and "Shiatsu" are actual modes. It’s ridiculous and wonderful.
Then there’s the audio.
The ELS Studio 3D Signature Edition system has 25 speakers and 1,000 watts of power. It was tuned by Elliot Scheiner, a guy with enough Grammys to fill a closet. If you’re an audiophile, this system alone might justify the monthly payment. It’s crisp, immersive, and makes Spotify sound like a live concert.
But we have to talk about the elephant in the room.
The True Touchpad Interface.
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Acura still hasn't given up on the touchpad for 2024. Instead of a touchscreen, you use a little pad on the console to control the 12.3-inch display. It’s "absolute positioned," meaning where you touch the pad corresponds to the screen. It takes weeks to master. Even then, you’ll probably find yourself swearing at it while trying to change a radio station on a bumpy road. It's the one thing that feels dated in an otherwise futuristic cabin.
Real World Ownership: The "Hidden" Costs
Nobody buys a 355-horsepower SUV to save the planet, but the fuel economy is... let's say, thirsty.
The EPA says you'll get 19 mpg combined. Real-world testing from places like MotorWeek and Car and Driver shows that if you actually use the turbo, you’re looking at closer to 17 mpg. And it requires Premium fuel.
- City: 17 mpg
- Highway: 21 mpg
- Reality check: You will be at the gas station often.
Another thing: the third row. Acura says it seats seven. Technically, yes. But unless those two people in the way-back are under 5 feet tall, they’re going to be cranky. It’s best used as a "emergency" seat or a place for the family dog. On the plus side, the second-row middle seat is removable, which is a stroke of genius. You can go from a bench to captain's chairs in about thirty seconds.
Is the 2024 Acura MDX Type S Worth It?
If you compare the Type S to a BMW X5 M60i or an Audi SQ7, the Acura looks like a bargain. Those German rivals can easily soar past $90,000. The MDX Type S tops out in the mid-70s.
You’re getting a world-class AWD system (SH-AWD) that can send 70% of power to the rear and then 100% of that power to either the left or right wheel. It "torque vectors" you around corners, making the car feel smaller than it is. It’s a tech-heavy, comfortable, reliable alternative to the European brands.
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Actionable Next Steps for Buyers
- Test the Touchpad: Do not buy this car until you spend 20 minutes sitting in the driveway trying to input an address. If you hate it, you hate the car.
- Check the 2025 News: Rumors (and early 2025 specs) suggest Acura is finally moving to a touchscreen soon. If the touchpad is a dealbreaker, you might want to wait or look for a certified pre-owned 2024 at a discount.
- Audit the Advance Package: The base Type S is great, but the Type S Advance adds the massage seats and the 25-speaker audio. If you're already spending this much, the extra few grand for the Advance is usually worth the leap for the resale value and the "wow" factor.
- Verify Towing: Remember, if you want to tow the full 5,000 lbs, you need to add the accessory hitch and transmission cooler. It doesn't come "ready" out of the box for max capacity.
The 2024 Acura MDX Type S isn't a perfect SUV. It's thirsty, the infotainment is quirky, and the third row is tight. But it's also a mechanical masterpiece that balances daily comfort with legitimate "fun-to-drive" DNA. It's for the person who needs a minivan's utility but refuses to give up their soul to get it.