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The Type S is finally here. Acura decided to bring the legendary badge back and MDX is one of the first models to get. It debuted just recently, which clearly indicates that the 2023 Acura MDX Type S will come without more important changes. It will represent the second production year and, therefore, it’s hard to believe it could bring anything more important than minor tweaks.
So, we know what to expect from this performance-oriented SUV. Compared to the standard version, this one comes with all kinds of upgrades. Of course, there is a more powerful, turbocharged engine, along with upgraded suspension, standard all-wheel drive and many other things. There are also exclusive styling details that accentuate the model’s performance character, while the cabin comes fully loaded with all kinds of equipment.
As there are no significant changes to come, we expect that the 2023 Acura MDX Type S will hit the market sometime late in the year.
2023 Acura MDX Type S Design
Design-wise, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S will continue without changes. This model heavily relies on the standard MDX version, which has been redesigned recently and which will serve as a basis for the new Honda Pilot. However, it also comes with all kinds of upgrades. One of the first things that come to mind is suspension setup. This model comes with upgraded air suspension, which comes with adjustable dampers. It can go 0.6 inches down and 2.1 inches up from its nominal height. Furthermore, you may count on front Brembo brakes and a few more upgrades.
Of course, there are also various styling upgrades that accentuate the model’s performance character. The first thing you’ll notice is the blacked exterior trim, as well as the new 21-inch wheels. However, if you look closer, you will notice that the whole front end has been slightly revised, not just to look more aggressive, but also to ensure better airflow.
2023 Acura MDX Type S Engine
Of course, one of the most significant upgrades over the standard model is the engine. Instead of the good-old 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V6, the MDX Type S comes with a smaller but turbocharged V6 engine. It is a 3.0-liter unit, which offers a significant torque increase, from 267 to 354 pound-feet of torque. Moreover, all this torque is available already at 1.400 rpm. Of course, the power output is significantly higher as well. It is rated at 355 horsepower, which is 60 horsepower more compared to the standard V6.
The transmission has been upgraded as well. We are still talking about the 10-speed automatic, but the company claims 30% faster shifts, which ensures notably better performance. All in all, you may count on pretty respectable acceleration. The MDX Type S needs around 5.5 seconds to hit 60 mph, while the overall driving dynamics seem really good.
Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive
Another significant upgrade that comes with this SUV and which will continue in the 2023 Acura MDX Type S is the company’s famous SH-AWD system. This time, it brings some new features and further improvements. So, even though the MDX is essentially a front-wheel-drive car, this system allows 70% of the power to be sent to the rear wheels. Moreover, up to 100% of that power can go to each wheel, depending on the driving situation.
In practice, the system works great. Thanks to torque vectoring, the SUV acts great in corners and it is arguably one of the most athletic SUVs in the class. However, the ride isn’t too firm, especially if you select Comfort Mode. All in all, the MDX Type S is a very capable SUV, but also a well-rounded machine that can be quite comfortable.
Interior
Once again, we don’t expect more significant changes for the next year. The 2023 Acura MDX Type S interior will continue in a familiar layout, with familiar upgrades over the standard model. One of the first things that you’ll notice is the Type S steering wheel, as well as pretty exclusive stitching. Another thing worth mentioning is the ELS Studio 3D Signature Edition audio system, which is one of the best audio systems on the market, and beats those found in German competitors with ease.
Despite the upgrades, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S interior will remain practical and comfortable. You may count on three rows of seats, plenty of space in the first rows and a pretty spacious cargo area. The latter offers around 16.3 cubic feet of room behind the third-row seats, 39.1 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded down, and 71.4 cubic feet of the total cargo volume, which is pretty good for this class of vehicles.
2023 Acura MDX Type S Release Date and Price
We believe that the 2023 Acura MDX Type S will hit the market sometime late in the year. The starting price should remain pretty much the same as for the current model, which starts from 68.000 dollars.
