2024 Acura MDX Kind S Assessment: The NSX Of SUVs?

Is it attainable that the 2024 Acura MDX Kind S has managed to completely mix luxurious with efficiency? As an automotive journalist, I’ve taken it upon myself to discover this intriguing query. Sure, life is tough as an automotive journalist, the place we get to drive new automobiles each week.

After spending per week with a brand-new 2024 Acura MDX Kind S Extremely, I used to be impressed with the mix of energy, efficiency, and luxurious.

Beneath you’ll discover my tackle this sporty SUV and detailed data on specs, options, and extra.

Acura MDX Canadian Costs

The 2024 Acura MDX is obtainable in 4 trims. The bottom mannequin is named the MDX Tech, with a price ticket of $64,680. The MDX A-Spec has a worth of $67,680, the Platinum Elite is priced at $71,680, and the MDX Kind S Extremely has a beginning worth of $85,680. These costs don’t embrace Freight & PDI of $2,595 and different charges and taxes. In contrast to the European carmakers, there aren’t any further packages on every trim, you may add equipment and completely different paints.

Our overview 2024 Acura MDX Sorts S Extremely had a worth, earlier than tax, of $88,907. This included the non-compulsory Efficiency Pink Pearl paint ($500), freight/PDI, and tire levies/federal air con tax ($32.50 and $100 respectively.)

Efficiency

The present technology Acura MDX was launched as a 2022 mannequin, I reviewed the non-S Kind model a couple of years in the past. Again then the MDX was provided with only one engine alternative, which was a 3.5-liter V6 with direct injection. This engine produces 290 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 267 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. Energy is shipped to all 4 wheels through a 10-speed automated transmission utilizing 4th technology SH-AWD.

I discussed in my overview {that a} new trim, Kind S, might be accessible at a later date. Effectively, now could be that later date and this model of the MDX makes use of a 3.0-liter, twin-scroll, single-turbo engine, which produces 355 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 354 pound-feet of torque between 1,400 to five,000 rpm. Energy is shipped to all 4 wheels through a 10-speed automated transmission, the MDX Kind S, like all different trims, comes with Acura’s well-known SH-AWD (Tremendous Dealing with All Wheel Drive) system.

The MDX Kind S lives as much as the “Kind S” badge, it’s actually a enjoyable automobile to drive. I used to be greater than happy with the efficiency from our overview MDX Elite, the additional energy supplied by the three.0-liter is greater than welcome, particularly for many who like to drive quick. The ten-speed transmission shifts seamlessly and could be managed through the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The dealing with traits are exact, with the Tremendous Dealing with All-Wheel Drive system offering an distinctive grip and confidence in corners, even with winter tires on our overview automobile. The MDX Kind S comes with a brand new height-adjustable air suspension, which adjustments the stance of the automobile relying on the modes. Within the Sport and Sport+ modes, it lowers the automobile for higher dealing with, and it raises it within the “Carry” mode, which makes it extra helpful off-road. This suspension additionally makes the journey extraordinarily comfy in regular modes and it doesn’t undergo from any harshness within the two Sport modes. German opponents’ efficiency SUVs have fairly harsh suspensions, which makes utilizing them every day a little bit of a nuisance.

In accordance with Acura, the MDX Kind S ought to devour 13.8/11.2/12.4 liters/100 kilometers in metropolis/freeway/mixed driving. After per week of driving, with about 70/30 freeway/metropolis driving, the onboard pc confirmed a median gas consumption of 11.8 L/100 km. The Acura MDX Kind S (and different Acura autos) requires premium gasoline.

MDX Kind S Styling

The MDX Kind S is a sporty-looking SUV, it’s fairly just like the non-S Kind and it doesn’t scream “efficiency SUV”. The design language retains the household look, it incorporates a decently sized entrance grill, that’s not too small neither is it too huge. There’s a large Acura badge on the heart, letting everybody know what’s arising behind them of their rear mirrors. The headlights are Acura’s signature “Jewel Eye” LEDs, which brighten up the darkest of nation roads. The rear options sleek-looking LED taillights and quad exhaust ideas. The “Kind S” badges could be discovered on the rear hatchback, entrance fenders, and the entrance grill. and elegance, the place Acura’s dedication to mixing sportiness with luxurious turns into visually obvious.

General, the Acura MDX Kind S blends trendy options, trendy accents, and sporty parts, giving it an upscale and athletic look.

Inside Consolation

The inside of the 2024 Acura MDX Kind S retains the look the identical because the earlier MDX we reviewed, it retains the design language discovered on different Acura merchandise. The inside incorporates a 12.3” ultra-wide HD display screen (normal on all trims), which isn’t a touchscreen like many opponents. As an alternative of contact, the display screen is managed through a trackpad that has two separate sections, which correspond to the 2 sections of the infotainment display screen. The larger trackpad controls the larger a part of the display screen and the smaller trackpad part controls the smaller a part of the display screen. The trackpad can be utilized to put in writing down letters whenever you’re coming into an deal with. Nonetheless, after spending per week with the MDX and having spent weeks with different Acura autos, I nonetheless have a tough time writing the letters I needed. I imagine this method might be changed within the close to future, at the least that’s the rumor I heard.

The trackpad is sort of a mousepad on a laptop computer but it surely additionally has an added function. Utilizing the trackpad usually, you simply slide your finger round to maneuver the “cursor” on the display screen to the specified perform. The added function is whenever you put your finger on the mousepad, say prime proper nook, the pointer on the display screen will seem within the corresponding place on the display screen, the highest proper nook. So as an alternative of sliding your finger/cursor from one finish of the display screen to the opposite, you may simply click on that a part of the trackpad, and the corresponding a part of the display screen will get clicked. It doesn’t take a lot time to get used to this method.

The instrument cluster is digital, that includes a ten.3″ display screen that shows completely different data. It’s simple to learn and the graphics are trendy.

The MDX is Acura’s flagship SUV, so its inside is anticipated to be luxurious, which it’s. The inside is quiet, and cozy, and provides a lot of room for passengers. I loved the comfy journey and properly upholstered seats. I notably loved the varied therapeutic massage options, a complete of 9 completely different massages, listed beneath:

WaveShiatsuStepAwakeFusionLower BackUpper BackRejuvenationZen

Expertise Options

Our overview 2024 Acura MDX Kind S was loaded with the most recent tech we’ve come to anticipate from luxurious autos. Whether or not these tech options add to consolation or security, the MDX provides a wide range of them, the upper trims supply a whole lot of options, nevertheless, even the decrease trims include an entire checklist of options. Beneath is a listing of options that may be had with a 2024 Acura MDX:

Digital Brake-force Distribution (EBD)Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with Pedestrian DetectionForward Collision Warning (FCW) systemHill Begin AssistLane Departure Warning (LDW) system with steering wheel haptic feedbackLow-speed braking controlRoad Departure Mitigation (RDM) systemVehicle Stability Help (VSA) with Traction ControlBlind Spot Info (BSI) systemLane Holding Help System (LKAS)Rear Cross Visitors Monitor systemTraffic Jam AssistSensor Management DamperRide height-adjustable air suspensionAgile Dealing with AssistFront wiper deicerHeated power-adjusting facet mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down and built-in flip indicatorsJewel Eye LED headlights and daytime working lightsLED fog lightsLED taillampsPanoramic MoonroofPower tailgate with programmable top, hands-free entry, and walk-away auto-closeRear digital camera washerRain-sensing windshield wipersAdaptive Cruise Management (ACC) with Low-Velocity FollowAlexa Constructed-inAuto-dimming rearview mirrorCabinTalk in-car PACabinControl AppFront and rear parking sensorsColor head-up show (HUD)HomeLink distant systemKeyless entry system with Acura Customized SettingsSurround view digital camera systemRemote engine starter with automobile feedbackRemote-linked 2-position reminiscence system for driver’s seat and facet mirrors2-position reminiscence system for passenger seatDriver’s seat place reminiscence for as much as 3 positionsTraffic signal recognitionTri-zone entrance and rear synchronized automated local weather controlWalk-away door lockWireless smartphone chargingELS Studio Signature Version Audio System with 25 audio system together with a subwooferAcuraLink Subscription ServicesWireless Apple CarPlay/Android AutoBluetooth Streaming Audio16-way energy adjustable driver’s and entrance passenger’s seat together with 4-way energy lumbar supportHeated and ventilated entrance seatsHeated second-row seats (outboard positions solely)Heated steering wheel

Last Ideas on the 2024 Acura MDX Kind S

Reflecting on the practicality and efficiency of the Acura MDX Kind S, it’s clear that making a remaining suggestion requires weighing its refined mix of luxurious, athleticism, and utility. Right here’s what I’ve concluded:

Worth Comparability: After I stack it up towards its rivals, the MDX Kind S presents a compelling worth proposition. Its price ticket, whereas not insignificant, is justified by the extent of luxurious options and efficiency capabilities it provides.Driving Dynamics: The driving expertise is second to none. It strikes an ideal stability between sportiness and luxury, making it a pleasure to drive every day. Its dealing with and acceleration are responsive, offering a way of connection to the street.Luxurious Facilities: The MDX Kind S doesn’t skimp on luxurious. From its plush interiors to its superior tech options, it envelops you in consolation and comfort. This SUV proves that you just don’t need to compromise on luxurious whenever you need efficiency.

The 2024 Acura MDX Kind S is a symphony of energy, luxurious, and innovation, placing the right chord between efficiency and luxury. The wonderful 355 horsepower V6 engine, coupled with an opulent cabin, units this SUV in a league of its personal.

If you’re searching for efficiency, however not in a sports activities automobile, the Acura MDX Sorts S is an ideal mix of practicality and sportiness.

For extra data on the MDX and different Acura autos, try the official Acura Canada web site.

2024 Acura MDX Kind S Photograph Gallery