Video není dostupné.
Omlouváme se.
I was SHOCKED after driving the new 2025 Acura MDX A Spec... Better than Type S?
Vložit
- čas přidán 14. 08. 2024
- #acura #mdx #aspec #luxury
How good is Acura's updated MDX in its sporty A-spec trim? I test out the #flagship #suv for Acura outside of San Deigo, CA to find out if this trim level is worth considering over the flagship #types ...
Acura today revealed an extensive refresh of the 2025 MDX, the performance brand's flagship and the best-selling 3-row luxury SUV of all-time. The MDX boasts styling enhancements, a new 12.3-inch touchscreen interface featuring Google built-in1, a quieter cabin, improved safety features, and a Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system. The high-performance 2025 MDX Type S with Advance Package debuts the new AcuraWatch™ 360 system that introduces more advanced driver assistive capabilities thanks to additional front corner radars, a higher-fidelity front camera, and new front millimeter wave radar. The standard AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver assistive technologies on all other MDX grades also features updated hardware for enhanced safety performance.
The 2025 MDX and MDX Type S performance SUVs will begin arriving at Acura dealers nationwide this May.
"The best never stand still; they keep getting better, and that's what we did with the new 2025 Acura MDX by taking our most popular model and flagship 3-row SUV to a new level, as we continue to advance Precision Crafted Performance at every point in the Acura lineup," said Mamadou Diallo, Senior Vice President of American Honda Auto Sales. "We've enhanced MDX in almost every way, adding incredible new tech, a quick and intuitive touchscreen interface, world-class Bang & Olufsen luxury audio and lots more. It's simply the best MDX we've ever made."
New for the 2025 model year is the arrival of the MDX A-Spec with Advance Package, which combines sport appearance with additional premium features including a head-up display, 16-way power front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, heated steering wheel, and Surround View Camera. MDX with Advance Package and MDX A-Spec with Advance Package also feature curvilinear-quilted leather and massaging front seats, previously exclusive to MDX Type S.
Additionally, the turbocharged MDX Type S now comes standard with the previously optional Advance Package, further enhancing the high-performance variant with premium features, including a head-up display, 16-way power front seats, 9-way massaging front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, heated steering wheel, and Surround View Camera. The 2025 MDX Type S with Advance Package introduces Acura's most impressive audio system yet, an all-new 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system that elevates MDX's already class-leading audio experience.
What's New (MDX):
Enhanced AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver assistive technologies (standard)
12.3-inch touchscreen interface featuring Google built-in1 (standard)
Redesigned center console with improved functionality, USB-C ports inside and in the rear of the console box, increased storage and a more accessible wireless smartphone charger (standard)
Front fascia with redesigned bumper, open-frame Diamond Pentagon grille with new more aggressive mesh pattern, and darkened headlights and taillights (standard)
Redesigned 20-inch wheels (Technology Package and above)
Available curvilinear-quilted 16-way Milano leather front seats with 9-way massaging function (Advance Package, A-Spec with Advance Package)
11-speaker (+2), 8-channel audio system
19-speaker (+3 on Advance Package and A-Spec, +7 on Technology) Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system (Technology Package and above)
Extensive refinement updates for a quieter cabin, including laminated rear door glass and additional insulation (Technology Package and above)
Rear seatbelt reminder system (standard)
Two new available colors: Canyon River Blue Metallic (all trims except A-Spec and A-Spec with Advance Package) and Urban Gray Pearl (A-Spec with Advance Package)
What's New (MDX Type S with Advance Package):
31-speaker (+6) Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system
AcuraWatch™ 360 system adds Front Cross Traffic Warning7, Lane Change Collision Mitigation and Active Lane Change Assist
Redesigned front seats with Ultrasuede bolsters and Type S logo embossed on head restraints
Redesigned 21-inch wheels with machined face and Berlina Black accents
Front fascia with redesigned bumper and frameless Diamond Pentagon grille
New available color: Urban Gray Pearl
00:00 - A-Spec Walkaround
02:36 - Powertrain
03:21 - Backseats
04:59 - Frontseat
07:13 - Driving Impressions
10:20 - Bang and Olufsen
12:31 - Summary and Recommendations
Great review as always, the MDX seems like a fantastic car. I just wish Acura made more hybrid powertrains! V6 Hybrid sounds like it would be a win for them.
This would be sooooo smoooooooth with a v6 hybrid or a 2.0L turbo hybrid.
Agreed fully
@@KirkKreifelsV6 hybrid for me, I would NOT want a 4 cylinder MDX
Please no hybrid, main reason why I bought my MDX, hate hybrid. Whoever that likes hybrids is because never owns one for more than 2 years or only lease cars.
@@Jp0102 my grandma has had a RAV4 Hybrid since 2020, I’m more than satisfied with it, even after 4 years
Picked up a 2024 Type S Advance for my wife at a great deal. It’s the same smooth powertrain and the savings matter to us.
the Type S and A Spec are definitely not the same power train.
Great SUV with the seat massagers and air suspension!
When did black wheels, that always look dirty, become so popular with car manufacturers.
because everyone wants everything blacked out. They're just listening to their customers.
I hate them
Acura needs to get rid of the gloss black plastic in their interiors. Imo, it is their biggest problem.
And so many others including BMW and MB still use a ton of it!!
Outstanding comparison. Thank you.
Your feedback is gold.
I really appreciate this review. I'm in the decision of getting one and wasn't convinced to spend an extra $13k (Canada) for a Type-S. You've perfectly encapsulated in this review the comparison between the two models in terms of driving experience. My only gripe of the Type-S is it doesn't have a spare tire and the wheel well where the tire is suppose to be in the other models is just an empty space on the Type S. Wish they gave us more storage or something to fill that empty hole where the spare tire use to be. Other than that, the Type-S seems to be the perfect model now. The air suspension may have won me over.
do yourself a favor - drive the Type S before you make a final decision.
The MDX Type S will likely cost you a minimum of $26,000 above the MDX Advanced A-Spec in a 10 year/100,000 mile scenario.
Things to consider:
The initial cost difference - which will likely be a higher difference due to dealer mark-downs and mark-ups on the two models because of availability.
The higher cost of maintenance/repair on the Type S, due to the turbo, exhaust, Brembo brakes, tires, adjustable air suspension, etc.
The higher price of Premium fuel and lower gas mileage rating on the Type S
Higher insurance rates on the Type S
Additional sales taxes paid on any of the taxable items above.
Your cost of ownership may vary, but look up some stats and do the math. You could buy a small car for the difference in price of ownership between these two models. The difference in the price off the lot will be the least of your expenses if you purchase the Type S.
That being said, if you can afford it, lucky you…..👍🏼
I don't know about $26k, but the gas mileage rating on the Type S is abysmal!! I don't get how a BMW X5, with more power and performance, gets 21/25 mpg, and the 50i still manages to get 16/22. I get that the Type S is larger and heavier, but it still strikes me as terrible mileage. And I'm no BMW fanboy, I've never owned one and probably never will - I'm just providing some context.
@@jsfbay1 the 2024 X5 has an electric motor assist as a mild hybrid to get to the 375 HP. Prior non-hybrid version was 335 HP. Both versions MPG still better than the Type S.
Great review! Curious if Acura will ever come out with an RDX Type S?
Picked up my 24 Aspec and i love it. Good get up and go power. Tons of tech and i was able to fit six people comfortably.
A mild hybrid system is muchly needed here
We have the 2023 MDX Advance and I def agree, I actually don’t recommend the Type-S bc it has low-profile tires that go flat easily on bad roads and I don’t think there is much benefit to the Type-S (just my opinion), the MDX Advance is a great choice but after living with it for after 2 years I def would like some hybridization, ot would help with low-end torque and efficiency, I think the standard MDX as is makes great power for what it is but hybridization would make things even better
I'd be sold on the 2025 MDX Type S if we needed one today after watching & listening to your opinion between the Type S vs A-Spec. Right now, we'll stay with our 2014 MDX which is still working fine as long as we keep up with maintenance w/parts & repairs as needed. I am considering a more off-roadable SUV in the near future, however (different subject, I know).
Hey Kirk, will you talk about the updated 2025 Mazda 3 Hatchback please? 🙏🏼🚗
I was just on their website and saw they had a 2025 model available and some new tech added to it!
Thank you so much and awesome review of the MDX! 👍🏼
70k for this and it’s not even 300hp☹️☹️☹️☹️
Kirk, how do you compare this to equivalent Lexus RX?
Just test drove one of these MDX A-SPEC 2025s yesterday, if this vehicle was maybe 3k cheaper and 2 mpg better I might have taken it home, hopefully the 25 RDX A-SPEC gets a similar upgrade package because the MDX had basically everything I'm waiting for
the rdx isnt getting an update any time soon I'm afraid. Have you looked into other brands?
We had an RDX for ages but the 2019 RDX hasn’t updated and when we bought a car in 21’ the new MDX just came out with digital gauges and other options and we got it for $58k Aspec . The RDX just didn’t do it for us even though it was peppier.
The advantage is also that the MDX minimum octane is 87 while the turbo RDX requires premium 93 and it’s quite a difference in price nowadays.
They’re out of their minds with that msrp! These top end trims, along with the ZDXs are just gonna rot on the lots sadly.
The market will decide!
Acura thinks they can bump their prices up and that will simply give the illusion of a premium brand, without actually putting quality into their brand. Cheap shiny black plastic everywhere and build quality taken from the manuals of Ford.
I just looked up online and there's literally dozens of leftover MDX Type-S's on the lots around me. Yea, no kidding ... paying $70k+ for an Acura is moronic.
This newer ZDX is bust. My dealer in Nashville says he leads the sales amongst salesmen with a whopping… 1 vehicle sold over the months.
all crossovers look the same to me. boring state of affairs for vehicles when 90% of the cars on the road i see are some type of crossover. i just want an old lincoln towncar from the 80s or a truck or something idk
Awesome vid! I have a 2023 Pilot for comparison sake. How does the MDX base and Type S compare to the Mazda CX-90 in terms of driving feel (and sound system)? Looking for a little more fun to drive factor over our Pilot. Thanks!
CX-90 has the best steering and handling feel with a RWD layout. I think I'd take the cx90 over any MDX. However Type S is still very impressive
Very similar to what Savageese said about the MDX. He couldn’t recommend the normal MDX, but the Type S impressed him.
That's not what I remember. I thought the regular MDX was preferred given the price decrease
@@paulhenry913 nope. He didn’t care for the normal MDX at all. He had a long term MDX Type S and stated that it was a better buy than the X7 M50i he owned.
@@jr1885 he thought the tranny sucked iirc
Great insights, Kirk. Ty! Will you consider a comparison between the mdx and qx 60 video?
QX60 has a better ride and a smoother engine/transmission. MDX handles better and might be quieter now too.
@@KirkKreifelsbeen in a couple new QX60s and the ride felt firm and body roll is ample, if comfort is the main goal, the Lexus TX is a great choice, if sportiness is a priority too, I think the Acura MDX and CX90 are compelling
I have a couple of questions.
1) Does the SH-AWD offer any handling, cornering advantages over the FWD? I live in South Texas and not worrying about snow.
2) Do the higher trims (A-Spec and above) offer more sound deadening/unsulation than the lower trim such as Tech?
Yes. Shawd sends good torque to the rear and outside wheels enhancing grip and rotation.
I also would want to know if there is more insulation or if the ride quality is better on Aspec and above models! Or smaller wheels on Tech more comfortable?
Aspec is suppose to be cosmetic only but has a more comfortable ride than the tech package
@@YTholic2 I think only the Type-S would offer any ride quality advantages over the rest as stated in Kirk's driving impression segment.
The refreshed MDX Aspec looks great. I only wish they give the refreshed Integra Aspec the same treatment. A good style upgrade.
The Lexus TX has an optional hybrid V6 with an automatic transmission
very top trim though isnt it
If only the MDX had the camera rear view mirror
Best advice on CZcams
70K for the non-turbo V6 is wild
Can’t believe they increased the Aspec 10k from the 22’ model to 25’ model. People complained you didn’t give them 360 camera in a 58,000 vehicle and now it comes with more stuff and an extra 10k. It kind of puts it out past a bmw or Audi now and makes it less desirable as a good choice.
Glad they fixed all the issues but I’m not sure if trade in my low mileage 22’ for a 25’ just to get touch screen and 360 camera. If they had fixed it by the next year, maybe.
It’s honestly a great car and great features but wow is it just sky rocketed in price between the new MSRP and dealer markups or no haggle prices. Especially for the type S.
After owning a 2022 MDX Advance model for three years, I was excited to get a new 2025. Then I found out they removed satellite radio completely from the MDX build for 2025. SInce I listen to SiriusXM all the time, it was something I do not want to eliminate. I ended up getting a 2024 Type S that was on the lot, so I can defer switching to another brand for the time being, but unfortunately it is going to be my last Acura. I was told by the dealer that the "young people" listen to music off their phones anyway so they won't miss SiriusXM. I am not young, so apparently I have left the target demographic for the MDX.
Another thing that drives me crazy with the Pilot is the adaptive cruise control. From a stop light, it takes *forever* to get to about 20 mph, then after that it gets into the gas too much. Then, if I go downhill just a little bit, the adaptive cruise rides the brake pedal, probably driving the people behind me crazy, and also wearing out the brakes. Compared to our 2015 Outback, the Outback has a much better adaptive cruise. Also - if someone in front of me turns right, the adaptive cruise will practically bring the car to a stop before going again, even if the car is well out of my way. To be fair, the Outback is almost as bad. It would be great if you used the adaptive cruise regularly and reported back as to how you like it.
Does the air ride suspension suffer in other conditions where this suspension might shine or at least do better matching it?
There’s a huge jump in price between the Advanced A-Spec (platinum elite - A Spec) as its called here in Canada and the Type S. We also do not have the Plain Advance offered!
Thanks!
Kirk have you driven the 2017-2020 MDX sport hybrid? What do you think about it?
The crappy mpg is why I didn’t even consider this or the RDX
nice but the price me id go the regular A spec save $ 6500..... pays the tax lic etc but to many trims, if I pay another $,$$$ in can move to this next Trim level now im at this trim. level just little more $,$$$ I can go to the type S than add the dealer mark up on the type S now im at close to $90k looks like Encinitas cardif on cost hi-way 101
to sit on a hot day on leather seats is 👍
Not when you have ventilated seats and remote start
@@BJ-sb9rk yes but this ``Luxury Car´´ have it not in the second and third row 😒
@@alengreen589 what models at this price point have ventilated second and third row seats?
@@stevenfarley4738 a real Luxury car would have it.
@@alengreen589 still didn't answer my question.
It’s not right that they went up $8000 just for a A-spec advance model. They could’ve at least added the red calipers on the brakes. Would rather get a 2024 type-S instead of 2025 A-spec.
The only things they had to fix was the touch screen and giving 360 camera and they could have kept it the same price because they can sell the pilot with trailsport live 360 camera for cheaper.
A SH-AWD MDX basically starts at where the top-of-the-line CX90 ends. I know where I'd spend my money. Honestly, with how good it is, it competes with the Type-S while saving you $20k. And that extra $20k is surely not getting you better build quality or refinement. In fact, you're paying more for worse.
CX90 has less usability though
@@CU08 I agree with you, we have a 2023 MDX Advance (non Type-S) and it’s amazing, Mazda CX90 is the way to go if you want a sportier option (not that the MDX isn’t sporty)
@@CU08 I can see why you say this as the standard MDX will be more reliable and the Type-S has low-profile tires that go flat easily on bad roads, the MDX Type-S is impressive though
Kirk, You are the first reviewer of MDXs to state what I have posted for few years : Why did Acura Stop the Sport Hybrid model. Despite the fact that I have a 22 MDX Advance (leased) and really LIKE it (I use Love for People), which I leased in August 2021, if Acura offered the Sport Hybrid (2018 - 2020) that would have been a total No-Brainer. The prior model used the same 3.0L engine in combo with electric motors to produce a total HP of 310 (?) and more Torque than the Non Hybrid AND 15-20% better MPGs. The MPGs on the car especially in City (actually Suburbia) is poor. EPA rated at 19??? I'm lucky to get 13.5-14 MPGs in Suburban driving. FWIW, I intend to use the option to extend my Lease for 6 Months at the same monthly of $610, the pay the 6 months of the sales taxes upfront, and then consider to buy my MDX at the buyout of $35,500 (The $38,500 Buyout in August will be furher reduced to $35,500 with the extension) - low mileage of 21K on the clock now. You are spot on about the Brakes on the Non Type S - mushy feeling. However, I have no problem with the steering which does have a perfect power steering system making it very easy to park. The Spectacular ELS sound system in my MDX is Plenty of Stereo sound for me- it is Top Shelf. I would like the higher HP & Torque of the Type S, but the Sport Hybrid was in the perfect Sweet Spot, especially for just a $1800 Increment for the prior models. No Brainer.
@@Chiroman527 keep your MDX Advance, the Type-S is fantastic too but the low-profile tires are prone to flats and it won’t be as reliable in the long-run, we have a 2023 MDX Advance and the brakes are sufficient for what the car is but ofc the Type-S will have better brakes
@@Chiroman527 the MDX Sport Hybrid had the perfect powertrain, I wish Acura kept it for the new gen
Kirk, how tall are you? Need to talk about your height and head room and leg room :)
Why didn't Acura use this mid-cycle refresh to update the V6 to the DOHC version they put in the new Pilot?
Hard to say why. It probably costs more to make that DOHC. Emissions must not be forcing them to use the newer engine.
3:00 I think it's the updated 3.5 L DOHC, not SOHC
nope. It's 100% the SOHC 290hp 267lbft
@@KirkKreifels ohh I thought you would use Pilot's updated engine...
So the A/C works better than the one in the Pilot? I ended up buying the Pilot, and you were right, the A/C is not designed right - I can get it to blow as cold as any other system, but it takes me cranking the fan speed and about 10 minutes. It really is inadequate unless you don't mind the sound of the fan on full speed for 10 minutes and temp set to "Low."
they're using weaker refigerant
I can't tell the difference between the Banging Bang & Olufsen (Type S) and the Bang & Olufsen (A-Spec) sound systems.
🙂
the current mdx is A LOT heavier than the last gen, even though no hybrid option available. that being said the type S v6+the sport hybrid system from the last gen could have easily given us a 400 if not 380+hp Type S AND better fuel economy.
They must be selling or they wouldn’t be asking $70k + for it, only way they will discount them is if they sit
Why Would I buy the Type S Advance over the BMW X5?
Price.
This suv should have 400 plus hp standard.
why?
Honestly ,,,the Acura MDX build quality is good but reliability is NOT that good compared to Honda Pilot ...I would go with 2025 Honda Pilot Elite or Trailsport!
Nice
Great review but not a vehicle I would consider.
13:53
does mdx fwd exist? 😂
The newly refreshed MDX is much better SUV overall than the lackluster TX.
MDX is a better luxury vehicle and more seats.. But the TX has excellent hybrids and more space.
I like both the MDX and TX, Mazda CX90 is great too, new QX60 is garbage tho, been in it and it drives horribly
Yeah that’s a no. Both are well done. TX is a much better actual family suv. Much more space and much better MPG and the same performance. TX also offers a turbo hybrids and a V-6 plug in hybrid. The base aspec has more power than the base Tx but the base TX has much more torque
@MikeForsythe
More useless banter from a corporate Lexus patsy. As a "luxury" segmented SUV, the TX is a complete dud & the flimsy attributes you've presented won't change this fact.
@@TheBjjones funny a honda corporate patsy saying that. The TX is selling close to the mdx which has dropped 30% this year.
Note I’m saying both are good, I see the TX as better for famalies. Your stance is the Tx sucks and to make personal attacks.
civic owners lol..
🧦Wool socks to sleep=20% mood increase the next day🟣🟧🟩
MORNING
This MDX is an advance trim with the optional massage seats , still got the crap engine and poor fiel efficiency.
So really, its not such a huge deal in terms of a trim level.
How many mother in laws can this baby drive over?
$70K? Vote with your wallets and say no. Buy a Pilot instead and save yourself a lot of money or buy a preowned MDX with low mileage. I would never think of an MDX as a $70K proposition
Cars don't get cheaper and the mdx is supposed to be acura top model.
Well the MDX has more luxury and more refinement than the Pilot
Nowadays, $70k for a flagship car of a premium brand is actually considered reasonable.
@@MyMovie5858 "reasonable" lol Sure. Enjoy your new MDX.
@@MyMovie5858 agreed
Just buy an X5.
You spelled lease wrong.
My mom has a MDX Advance, my dad is getting a X5 40i M Sport, I love both but don’t think this is a valid point, unlike any MDX, the X5 has performance, but ofc the MDX has more space (and imo a more comfortable ride although the X5 is smooth too), I actually don’t find the Type-S MDX too worth it as you’re still not getting performance, you’re sacrificing reliability, and the low-profile tires that car has will go flat easily on bad roads, X5 is the better choice if you don’t need the space of the Acura, but if you need the space of the Acura, I highly recommend the MDX
Lease boy.
We want to keep our cars long term, sir.
@@faheemabbas3965 exactly, my dad is getting a fully loaded X5 soon and isn’t one bit concerned about reliability, the B58 is a reliable motor and ours won’t have air suspension bc we want the M Sport Pkg
@@faheemabbas3965 exactly, my dad is getting a fully loaded X5 soon and isn’t a bit concerned about reliability, the B58 is a reliable motor and we want the M Sport Pkg meaning no air suspension
300 miles on a tank is pathetic……
That’s yuckie EV territory.
2025 MDX is not worth the upgrade with fascia change, touchscreen, and audio upgrade! Same engine, lack of third row vents.
there are vents under the second row that pass conditioned air to the third row.
Anything that cost that kind of money has to have more features than the Hyundai Palisades Caligraphy and just as good of a warranty.
MDX has better driving dynamics, Pallisade has more space from what I hear though
We test drove a Palisade Calligraphy a few weeks ago as it was on the top of my wife's list. We didn't like it. Seemed very cheap feeling and windshield seemed small. We currently have 2 Hyundais but won't be purchasing the Palisade.
But...
Why? Why bother with a 'Type S'... when you can just buy a Model S, or a Model X... and say adios to all the dealership crap.
because Model X isnt as usable, and EVs arent viable yet for everyone
Overpriced Honda