Hi All,

Brand new to the forum and real close to pulling the trigger on an MDX Advanced. Need something a bit larger, (current Q5) but am running into a same challenge that I get the sense many have when moving away from the Germans: while the tech and updates are great, the drivability of the MDX seemed just kind of OK. Therefore, for let’s call it 6k more, is the type S the way to go?

Recognize that we are right on the cusp of more info on the Type S, but for current ‘22 owners, can you help me make sense of the not particularly inspiring drive? Drove a 3.0T Q7 and that thing just sticks to the road.

FWIW, tested a Tech package, SH-AWD, last weekend… to me, the steering felt super loose - could that have been a bad loaner? Family has had multiple Acuras (TLX, ILX, RDX) and those never seemed as soft as the new MDX I drove.

Would really love to read what you all think… to type S, or not to Type S?!

 

In terms of power and straight line performance, the MDX Type S is going to be comparable to the Q7 3.0T. The regular MDX is going to be considerably slower than that if that's what your reference point is.

 

The MDX Type S Advance will be more like 10-13K more than an MDX Advance. The press release states the MDX Type S will start in the upper 60’s (Non Advance).

 

Saw that, thanks! According to acurainfocenter.com, it looks like the trim levels in the Type S are different then that of the regular one. (And, therefore I am thinking the “base” type S should have nearly all the things I want, and be upper 60s vs. 62500 for the advanced.)

 

It might be hard to find a dealership that will sell the MDX Type-S at MSRP or below if you haven't put a deposit down months ago. The Acura brand will hardly ever come out on top in any one category if you compare it to its competitors in the same price range. The Acura line-up is more of a "jack of all trades, master of none" brand. The MDX and Type-S variant will give you the best balance of performance, handling, reliability, utility/towing, safety, economy, all weather/all season capabilities, and lower cost of ownership for +200,000 miles with mostly schedule maintenance.

 

^^ good point, thanks. Let’s assume I have a way to get the Type - S…. Any thoughts on what I felt with the steering and drivability of the regular one? Basically, is it worth paying up for the S, or don’t you think it is worth it?

 

I really like the MDX Type-S and the flexibility it offers as a sporty vehicle with a lot of added utility. I don't know which trim level your are considering? I would try and drive the 3.5L MDX Adv and the 3.0T MDX Type-S back-to-back if you could to see how the powertrain improvement translates to the real world. This is what I did trying to compare the 2019 3.5L MDX Adv to the 2019 3.0L MDX hybrid Adv (noticeable difference in handling, performance, and driving dynamics with the hybrid worth the price increase). What I like about the MDX Type-S is you can drive it like a regular 3.5L MDX for a very similar driving experience. You can then up the performance anytime you want when you need more "S" from your SUV.

 

Hard pass at these prices. Acura needs to come back down to earth a bit if they want to try to stay relevant.

 

It’s a bit frustrating… I really was trying to save a bit of $$ and go with the Acura, but realistically, the Audi Q7 Prem Plus 55 is basically the same price as the equal powered Type S…

Guess we all just need to drive one and really see how the Type S stacks up.

 

Base MDX is $30K cheaper and only has 60HP less. You need to go to $73K to get heated steering wheel, hands-free tailgate and 360 camera? You don't get those at $67K!? Criminally overpriced. Add almost guaranteed ADM, this will be an $85K car. Good f-ing luck, Acura.

 

It is probably the best time to buy an X5. My daughter and Son in law just bought one, it is a sweet vehicle!

 

I was thinking the same here. Zero down for a vehicle allocation at Audi, but Acura is charging me at down-payment.

 

Commented similar on the other thread. It’s all about use case. $70k+ for a family Acura? Just get the Q7 55. I think? Stuck between my ears on the decision ATM.

Hope those press reviews come soon to help sway the decision!

 

Somewhat similar situation. I have a Q8 Premium Plus on order as a backup and put down a deposit along with a Type S Advance around the same time. 2 main features missing from the Audi that really bug me is remote start (not even from the app) and no break hold(not available on US models). Both are minor features, however, I feel like with the Type S you’re getting a way better value HUD, massage seats, air suspension etc including the 2 missing from Audi. So leaning towards the Type S for sure. And plus I will not have to worry about sticker shock when I bring my car in for service.

 

I've always liked the X5, except when I hear about nightmarish maintenance problems and astronomical repair costs. I've heard the same thing about Mercedes and others of the "premium luxury" ilk. Extremely nice cars, until something happens and your wallet gets abused or outright massacred (on top of the extortion when you paid for the privilege of owning one). lol

 

Other than expensive service, I've really nothing to complain about in my 2016 MB GL450.

When I gave up my '18 MDX Tech on lease end, I was happy to get rid of the squeaks that seemed to be coming from the brakes.

 

Expect to see your local German dealers more than you own doctors .

 

Get the MDX Type S. It is fabulous!

 

Just was given a 1/28 build date from my dealer here in NJ. Tbh, I am not sold on it… May wait to see it when it comes in, take for a spin, then decide.

 

The Type S has sport+ that tightens steering.
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I test drove a Tech FWD MDX earlier this week and thought the drive was pretty good. I initially put a deposit on an Advance but after doing some more thinking and researching decided to go for a Type S Advance instead. Will be $76k out the door. Pricey for an Acura/MDX but really like the feature list - HUD, upgraded stereo, Brembo's, air suspension, massage seats, wireless Carplay, etc etc.

I didn't consider X5 or Q7 as for my next daily driver I wanted to go (hopefully) more reliable and more "bang for your buck" than prestige.

 

Both the X5 and the Q7 are true luxury crossovers. Acura's are nice vehicles but they fall into the premium vehicle category not luxury. The 2022 non turbo MDX doesn't perform as well as the X5 or the Q7. Perhaps the Type S will. We shall see. I'd still put my $ on the Germans to win the performance comparison. German cars as history shows aren't the best for long term reliability but, are as reliable as Japanese and Korean vehicles for the first 3-5 years. German vehicles just seem to feel more solid and screwed together better than other manufactures and nobody can touch Mercedes for their upscale interiors. I sold both my 2021 BMW and 2021 Mercedes and now enjoy a 2021 Passport and a 2021 RDX. I don't feel so bad beating up the Honda's in the winter as I did with the
BMW and MB.

 

What BMW did you have and why did you sell them so early?

 

Did something very similar as I sold my 2021 Mercedes and truth be told the MDX will be my daily driver and will help bridge the gap until I get my next Mercedes. I'll still keep the MDX, so I did not feel compelled to spend $80k+ in that situation.

 

I had a 2021 BMW X3 M40i and a 2021 MB GLC 300. Owning a BMW and a MB were on my retirement bucket list. The B58 straight six coupled with the ZF8 transmission is quite quick (0-60 low to mid 4 seconds) a real kick to drive. I wanted the Mercedes just to enjoy the interior luxury. Going in I knew I wouldn't keep them long term. Colorado winter weather is very brutal on vehicles. They still lay down sand/gravel on the streets and it beats the crap out of paint and windshields.
My RDX and Passport are great crossovers and I can better accept the winter damage they experience vs the 2 German cars I enjoyed.

 

The 2022 MDX has been on my ‘to do’ list for some time but I wanted to wait until after the end of 2021.

In getting serious about the MDX, I ruled out the Type S early on – I want practical acceleration for turning onto highways from a stop and passing on two-lane roads. I had a 2015 TLX Advance that accomplished this nicely. I knew the MDX would be slower (same engine, heavier vehicle). To that end, I completed paperwork to order an MDX Advance, however, the dealer hasn’t actually been able to place the order yet. As such, there’s opportunity for change.

While sitting on hold, I’ve been following the Type S info as it becomes available. The upgrades with massage seats, air suspension, brakes, audio system and appearance has piqued my interest to the point of pondering if the performance enhancement would be as enjoyable as my TLX was. Putting this all together, I can sort of rationalize the Type S being worth it to me!

If the dealer were to have a liquid carbon, white or red Type S with ebony interior available, I’d likely be in trouble!! They show two white Type S Advance as ‘arriving’ – I suspect they’re pre-sold. These have the red interior and while that color seems to be in demand, it is a deal-breaker for my wife and I.

For me, the “Type S or not” question has evolved to hmmmmm, well……maybe…

 

@wyliec2 while the route is a bit different, then thought process (and getting to a place where I could, for my purposes, “justify” the S) happened here too!

I was sold on the S at the start, but the more I thought about it, while I “could” justify, I just didn’t know if it made the most sense for the fam. (1-car household).


FWIW, ultimately decided against, making the more practical decision (definitely not the more fun one!) and take delivery of a Blk/Blk advanced in about 3w.

 

I picked mine up on Saturday and I can tell you the red interior is pretty bad ass.

 

Yes the red interior isn’t for everybody, but this will be my third red interior in a row. Love “red guts” haha.

 

Hi everyone - The S has caught my eye. Interesting to read the notes and the vehicles being cross shopped. I've recently come to the realization that my pick up days are coming to an end. I'm on my 3rd Raptor (just got my Gen 3 a month ago). A great vehicle, but it's huge and the reality is I don't do many "truck" things anymore in terms of using the bed. However - Raptors hold their value, can go anywhere, etc. The Landrover Defender also has me interested. I had a Freelander right before my 2003 MDX. Also had a couple of 1st gen RDX's that I loved. Freelander wasn't a bad vehicle, but a two month wait to get parts after I hit a deer caused me to get the MDX. I know they are still down on the reliability list, but seems like they have been improving. Anyway, the Defender is in the price range of the MDX-S - maybe a little higher depending on options. I rarely venture off road, but when I have - the Raptor had us covered these last few years and of course in the snow, its great.

Curious if anyone here has considered the Defender. I have no interest in the German vehicles or Lexus.

Likely apples to oranges vehicle wise in many ways, but.....

 

Great when you get exactly what you want! The Advance I'm trying to order has espresso which would be my second Acura with that color. I would be a boring world if we all liked the same things!!

Spoke with the sales manager today - he's hoping my Advance order will go in in March with May-June delivery which was my original timeframe.

We did talk briefly about alternatives - I told him if they got a red Type S Advance with ebony interior became available to let me know. They are getting a demo Type S (white/red interior) in this week and he invited me to come and try it out....hmmmmm, well maybe...

 

Having all of this wait time allows too much opportunity to consider alternatives!! I'd been set on getting an MDX earlier but deferred to wait for the new 2022 model. Since the order delay, I've been waffling on 3 different options:
1) RDX Advamce - Full disclosure - this would be the most practical vehicle for my wife and I (retired with occasional 1 or 2 grandchildren along). Milage and maneuverability for daily activities and expected roadtrips is a no brainer.
2) MDX Advance - this had always been my plan and I really like the redesigned exterior/interior. It would greatly pain me to give up the electronic gauges. I definitely WANT this vs NEED it.
3) MDX Advance Type S - at this moment, I would only consider this if it was a more immediate alternative to the MDX Advance. Given that I'll probably give it a test drive next week, this rationale could change...

 

Something to keep in mind is that the RDX's real world MPG numbers are quite poor and many reports of people averaging about 15 MPG in city driving so the MDX may return equal or better numbers depending on your factors.

 

Sounds like the RDX Type S woould be the best choice, but sadly Acura inexplicable does not offer one

 

My understanding is the Red Type S Advance is slim pickings at the moment, meaning it’s a damn rarity. I’ve seen pictures of them being delivered in Canada, but none here. I’ve also seen pictures of the Type S Tech starting to trickle in the states, but no Advance. It looks like it’s a beautiful color.

If you have the opportunity to test drive the Type S, DO IT!!! I was able to test drive a Tech Type S yesterday (all the local dealer had). Needless to say, I can’t wait until my Type S Advance arrives. I’m like a kid at Christmas; it can’t get here fast enough!!!

 

To each his own on the red interior but, I'd always think I'm sitting in some pizzeria. haha

 

I really like the new Azurite “navy blue” interior color! I wish they offered it with some other exterior colors like: Black, Red, White

 

Yes I am attracted to the Azurite seats as well but the 40 series tires have me concerned that they are not robust enough for an SUV on our potholed roads Angry

 

You might be OK with the air suspension put in “normal or comfort” mode. I have my 2022 MDX Type S Advance “Apex Blue with Ebony interior” and they handle the road bumps very nicely!

 

I am sure the air suspension will help with the ride however i am concerned with blowouts that a 45 or 50 series tire would be able to absorb better.