We spent the week putting the MDX through what would be our normal routine — daily drives to work, errands around Utah Valley and a few longer trips along the Wasatch Front.

A Strong heritage for Acura

The MDX has been a cornerstone for Acura for more than two decades. Since it first arrived at the start of the 2000s, the SUV has helped define what many drivers expect from a luxury three-row vehicle: solid performance, family practicality and a comfortable interior.

Over the years, Acura has greatly refined that formula, and the current generation of the MDX represents the most performance-oriented and technologically advanced version yet. The Type S Advance trim sat right at the top of the lineup, adding a significant boost in both power and luxury to our week.

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Bold styling with a sporty edge

From the moment the MDX arrived in our driveway, it was clear that Acura had designed the Type S model to stand out in the crowd.

The front end featured a wide, confident grille and sharp LED headlights that gave the SUV a modern and aggressive look. The Type S trim added unique styling touches that emphasized performance, including larger wheels, quad exhaust outlets and eye-catching red brake calipers peeking out from behind the rims.

Our tester rode on large 21-inch wheels that filled the wheel arches nicely and added to the SUV’s athletic stance. Combined with the striking Double Apex Blue paint, the MDX had a sporty presence that drew attention wherever we went.

Turbocharged power makes a difference

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The biggest difference between the standard MDX and the Type S version was found under the hood.

Instead of the naturally aspirated V6 used in other trims, the Type S came equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower. Paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, the engine delivered strong acceleration and plenty of power for merging onto busy highways.

Around Utah Valley, the MDX proved to be quick and responsive whether we were navigating city traffic or climbing freeway on-ramps.

Of course, Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, or SH-AWD, system was one of the vehicle’s standout features. The system could send power not only between the front and rear wheels but also side to side in the rear, helping improve traction and stability.

That technology proved especially helpful during Craig’s rainy drive to Ogden.

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Rainy Monday drive to Ogden

Monday mornings can already be hectic, but when rain begins falling across the Wasatch Front, it often slows traffic even more.

Craig left Utah Valley early that morning for a meeting in Ogden, and the MDX handled the wet freeway conditions with confidence. The all-wheel-drive system kept the SUV feeling planted on the pavement, even when standing water appeared along portions of Interstate 15.

The MDX also featured a wide range of driver-assistance systems designed to make long highway drives less stressful. Adaptive cruise control helped manage traffic flow, while lane-keeping assistance provided subtle steering input to help keep the SUV centered in its lane.

A Cabin designed for comfort

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Inside, Acura had clearly focused on making the MDX a comfortable place to spend time.

The interior of our Type S Advance tester featured high-quality leather seating, real wood accents and soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. Everything felt well put together, and the design struck a nice balance between luxury and practicality.

The front seats offered a wide range of adjustments, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. They also included heating, ventilation and even a massage function — something that certainly came in handy after a long day at work and proved to be one of the easiest to operate that we have encountered to date!

The second row provided generous space for passengers, while the third row is best suited for children or shorter trips with adults.

Updated technology for 2026

One of the most noticeable updates to the MDX is the addition of a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Earlier versions of the MDX used a touchpad-style interface that some drivers found confusing. The new touchscreen layout is far more intuitive and much easier to use while driving.

The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it also integrated Google-based features for navigation and voice commands.

We also appreciated the redesigned center console, which now offered additional storage and a more convenient location for the wireless phone charger.

Another nice touch was the abundance of USB ports throughout the cabin, ensuring passengers in every row have a place to plug in their devices.

A sound system that stood out

One of the highlights of the Type S Advance trim is the Bang & Olufsen audio system, which delivered some of the best sound quality we’ve experienced in a vehicle this year.

With speakers placed strategically throughout the cabin, the system produced rich, clear sound whether we were listening to music, podcasts or audiobooks.

Everyday versatility

Beyond the performance and luxury features, the MDX remained a very practical SUV.

The cargo area easily handled our weekly grocery trips and other errands, and the power tailgate made loading items simple. When the third row was folded down, the cargo space became even more generous.

For families juggling work, school activities and weekend travel, the MDX offers the versatility needed to handle just about anything.

At the end of the week

After spending a full week with the 2026 Acura MDX SH-AWD Type S Advance, it was easy to see why this SUV continues to be such an important part of Acura’s lineup.

It delivered an extremely strong performance thanks to its turbocharged engine, confident handling with the SH-AWD system and a comfortable interior filled with modern technology.

Just as importantly, it still maintains the practicality that families expect from a three-row SUV.

Whether commuting around Utah Valley, running errands across town or heading north on a rainy morning to Ogden, the MDX proved to be a capable and enjoyable vehicle to drive.

Base price: $75,850

Destination charge: $1,450

Price as driven: $77,900