2022 Acura MDX Type S

2022 Acura MDX Type S: A High-Performance Take on an American-Made Family SUV

Acura has unveiled its most powerful SUV to date—the 2022 MDX Type S. Set to arrive at dealerships across the U.S. this December, the MDX Type S marks a significant leap in performance and luxury for the brand’s flagship three-row SUV. With prices starting in the high $60,000 range, it also positions itself at the premium end of American made cars.

This performance-focused version of the MDX is the third Type S model introduced this year, reinforcing Acura’s push to inject more excitement into its lineup. Built on an exclusive and rigid platform designed with performance in mind, the MDX Type S joins a growing field of cars built in the US that aim to combine power with practicality.

At the core of the new MDX Type S is Acura’s first-ever application of its 3.0-liter Turbo V6 in an SUV. The engine produces 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, sending power through a strengthened 10-speed automatic transmission and the brand’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system with torque vectoring. Acura says this configuration delivers the most dynamic driving experience of any of its SUVs so far.

Handling and Ride: Where Performance Meets Comfort

Acura hasn’t cut corners with the chassis, either. The MDX Type S gets a sport-tuned suspension setup, including a double-wishbone front suspension and—for the first time in any Acura—an air suspension system. This system works in tandem with the Adaptive Damper System to adjust ride quality on the fly.

Among the seven selectable drive modes is a new “Lift” mode that raises the vehicle’s ground clearance by 2 inches, offering improved capability in snow or uneven terrain. The SUV’s battery has also been relocated to the rear for better weight distribution—a nod to more enthusiast-focused engineering.

To slow things down, the MDX Type S employs red-painted Brembo front brakes with larger 14.3-inch rotors and an electronically controlled brake system derived from the NSX supercar.

Subtle but Purposeful Design Tweaks

Visually, the Type S carries several distinguishing features, like a more aggressive front splitter, a larger open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille that allows increased airflow, and functional side vents that cool the engine’s sub-radiators. At the back, a diffuser and quad exhaust outlets make the performance intent clear.

A new Tiger Eye Pearl paint option—exclusive to Type S models—adds visual drama, while 21-inch alloy wheels (in Shark Gray or Berlina Black, depending on trim) ride on performance-oriented, self-sealing Continental ContiSeal tires. These are the first self-sealing tires ever fitted to an Acura.

• The 2022 Acura MDX Type S is the most powerful Acura SUV to date, featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque.

• It comes equipped with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive and a reinforced 10-speed automatic transmission for improved traction and stability.

• The MDX Type S introduces Acura's first air suspension system in an SUV, paired with adaptive dampers and seven drive modes, including a new “Lift” mode.

• Performance upgrades include Brembo front brakes with 14.3-inch rotors and an NSX-derived electronic brake system for enhanced stopping power.

• Design changes include a larger Diamond Pentagon grille, quad exhaust outlets, functional engine cooling vents, and a rear diffuser.

• Exclusive exterior options for the 2022 Acura MDX Type S include the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 21-inch wheels with self-sealing Continental ContiSeal tires.

• Interior enhancements include Milano leather with Ultrasuede inserts, a flat-bottom steering wheel, contrast stitching, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

• The Advance Package adds luxury SUV features like massaging front seats and a 25-speaker ELS Studio 3D Signature Edition sound system with over 1,000 watts of output.

• Safety features include updated AcuraWatch driver-assistance technology, low-speed braking assist, and next-gen airbags, contributing to an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.

• As a three-row SUV built in Ohio, the 2022 Acura MDX Type S reflects a trend of performance-oriented American-made SUVs offering a mix of power, comfort, and safety.

Interior Upgrades with a Nod to Craftsmanship

Inside, the MDX Type S builds on the already upscale MDX cabin with a sportier twist. Milano leather seats with Ultrasuede inserts come in Red, Ebony, or a new Light Orchid color. A flat-bottom steering wheel, metal sport pedals, and contrast stitching lend the interior a performance-focused atmosphere, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a matching HD center display come standard.

The optional Advance Package introduces features rarely seen in this segment, such as massaging front seats with nine settings and a 25-speaker ELS STUDIO 3D Signature Edition audio system. This system, inspired by Carnegie Hall’s acoustics, uses over 1,000 watts of power to deliver a genuinely immersive experience.

A Safer Drive for the Family-Oriented Enthusiast

Even as Acura aims for sportiness, safety hasn’t taken a back seat. The MDX Type S comes with an enhanced AcuraWatch™ suite of driver-assistance technologies, including updated Road Departure Mitigation, Traffic Jam Assist, and Pedestrian AEB. New low-speed front and rear braking assist uses sonar sensors to help avoid parking lot mishaps—useful in day-to-day driving.

The SUV also benefits from Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure and next-generation front passenger airbags designed to provide more effective protection in angled frontal impacts. As a result, all MDX models, including the Type S, earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and are expected to achieve a 5-star overall safety score from the NHTSA.

Part of a Growing Field of Performance-Oriented, American-Built SUVs

The MDX Type S represents a clear signal that cars made in America can be both family-friendly and performance-focused. Built in Ohio, the vehicle is part of a broader trend where cars built in the US are increasingly competing with European performance SUVs—not just in power, but in refinement, technology, and safety.

Acura appears confident that the MDX Type S will strike a chord with drivers who want more engagement without sacrificing comfort or utility. It may not be a full-fledged performance SUV like those from BMW’s M division or Mercedes-AMG, but for those looking for a spirited drive in a three-row luxury SUV that’s also proudly American made, it’s an enticing new option.

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