A high-performance variant of the new Acura flagship, the 2022 MDX Type S is the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge and is the most powerful, best handling and most lavishly equipped Acura SUV ever. MDX Type S is a high-performance SUV to its core based on the extremely rigid, fourth-generation, model-exclusive MDX platform engineered for Type S levels of performance from the outset. MDX Type S also raises the bar for opulence, with the new MDX Type S with Advance Package grade featuring the most lavish interior of any Acura, ever.

The three-row MDX Type S takes Acura SUV performance to the next level with Acura’s new 355 horsepower Type S Turbo V6, standard torque vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), powerful Brembo front brakes and a quicker-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission reengineered to handle the Type S Turbo V6’s 354 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net @ 1,400 to 5,000 rpm). MDX Type S also maximizes the potential of its performance-tuned chassis and double-wishbone front suspension with the first air-suspension system ever used on an Acura vehicle. Combined with the Acura Adaptive Damper System, which has been retuned for even better performance, MDX Type S offers drivers razor sharp handling, while still delivering a comfortable ride.

Numerous signature features distinguish the exterior design of the Type S performance variant, including a new front fascia with a more aggressively front spoiler, functional side air inlets, and an open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille that increases air flow to the engine bay. Blackout trim and 21-inch wheels with Acura’s first use of self-sealing tires also are standard. In the rear, MDX Type S features a more aggressively styled fascia with four large round exhaust outlets. As with TLX Type S, MDX Type S will be available in an eye-catching and Type S-exclusive Tiger Eye Pearl paint. MDX Type S with Advance Package adds gloss black wheel arch and lower body trim for an even more premium appearance.

Inside, MDX Type S features a flat-bottom steering wheel and Red, Ebony, or new Orchid Milano-leather seats accented with premium Black Ultrasuede® inserts. A 12.3-inch Acura Precision Cockpit™ all-digital instrument display also is standard along with Acura’s award-winning True Touchpad Interface™ and largest-ever 12.3-inch ultra-wide HD center display.

Raising the bar on the premium Acura experience is the MDX Type S with Advance Package, which features Acura’s first massaging front seats and premium Milano leather in a unique curvilinear quilting pattern and available new Azurite Blue interior color. Type S with Advance Package also features a 25-speaker ELS STUDIO 3D® Signature Edition audio system, which takes the auditory experience to unprecedented heights.

Like all Acura models, both Type S grades come standard with the AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. Type S also delivers advanced levels of collision protection performance with Acura’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.

As with the rest of the MDX lineup, Type S includes the pioneering new Acura front passenger airbag technology, which uses a three-chamber layout comprised of a smaller center chamber and two side chambers, which are joined by a sail panel. Functioning almost like a “catcher’s mitt,” the airbag is designed to more effectively cradle and protect the front passenger’s head to help mitigate potential injury in a wider variety of frontal collisions, especially more steeply angled frontal collisions.

Acura Type S performance variants strengthen the fundamentals of performance with significant enhancements to all elements of the driving experience without compromising creature comforts or daily drivability. This gives MDX Type S and MDX Type S with Advance Package an unmatched combination of thrilling dynamics and premium features without compromising the family-friendly accommodations that have made MDX the best-selling luxury three-row SUV since its introduction.

More information on the 2022 Acura MDX is available here.

2022 MDX Type S: Powertrain

Key Type S Powertrain Features:

• 3.0-liter Type S Turbo V6 engine
• 355 horsepower (SAE net @ 5,500 rpm)
• 354 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net @ 1,400 to 5,000 rpm)
• Single twin-scroll turbo
• Forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods
• 6-bolt crankshaft main bearing caps for improved rigidity and durability
• Close-coupled catalytic converter
• Compact cylinder heads and valvetrain
• Variable Cylinder Management™ to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions
• Active Exhaust improves sport driving experience
• Enhanced cooling includes two sub-radiators
• Performance-tuned 10-speed automatic with stronger internals, quicker shifts and rev-matched downshifts
• 4th Generation Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™

New Type S Turbo V6 Engine

At the heart of the 2022 MDX Type S is the Type S Turbo V6, a new, 24-valve, DOHC 3.0-liter V6 engine with direct-injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger, producing 355 horsepower (SAE net @ 5,500 rpm) and 354 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net @ 1,400 to 5,000 rpm). Exclusive to the TLX Type S and MDX Type S models, it was developed by some of the company’s most experienced powertrain engineers, including members of the team that developed NSX’s bespoke twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid power unit and Civic Type R engine.

Its block is unique, sharing only bore spacing and a 60-degree architecture with the 3.5-liter V6 found in the MDX. Significant differences between the two include the 3.0-liter’s 6-bolt sintered main bearing caps for increased crank rigidity and durability, and a fully square 86 mm bore and stroke.

Numerous engineering steps were taken to ensure the new engine’s compact size and low profile. This includes the placement of the turbocharger adjacent to the engine above the transmission and the use of low-profile cylinder heads. Fully assembled, the engine is 8 mm shorter than the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6. The Type S Turbo V6 also is the same width as the 3.5-liter V6.

Developing up to 15.1 psi of boost, the newly developed twin-scroll turbo features independent internal paths for the rear and front cylinder banks to feed exhaust pressure to the turbine, which helps improve turbo response. The engine’s rear bank of cylinders pressurize the smaller diameter scroll to rotate the smaller diameter part of the turbine, while the front bank feeds the larger diameter scroll and turbine wheel. As a result, the engine’s peak torque of 354 lb.-ft. is available starting from an exceptionally low 1,400 rpm.

To improve emissions, the turbo system’s heat management has been optimized to quickly activate the catalytic converter. This includes the use of a double wall pipe from the exhaust manifolds to the turbo itself that includes external bellows to dissipate heat. The catalytic converter connects to the exhaust outlet of the turbo using a V-band, which further reduces heat mass entering the catalyst.

To better manage overall engine temperatures, two additional sub-radiators are employed, fed by two large openings on the front facia, one on either side of the grille. Additionally, the open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille increases airflow to the engine compartment by approximately 14 percent to further benefit cooling.

The Type S Turbo V6 also features a robust rotating assembly for enhanced performance and durability. Like the twin-turbo V6 in the NSX, it employs a high-strength forged steel crankshaft, while its connecting rods use the forged steel construction from Acura’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder.

Unique to the Type S Turbo V6 is the design of its pistons. The top piston ring carrier is a high-density Ni-resist cast iron, which features better wear characteristics and better sealing, helping to reduce emissions.

2022 MDX and MDX Type S Engines
	2022 MDX SH-AWD®	2022 MDX Type S
Engine Type	Aluminum-alloy V6	Turbo Aluminum-alloy V6
Turbo Type	—	Twin-Scroll
Displacement (liters)	3.5	3.0
Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net)	290 @ 6,200	355 @ 5,500
Torque, lb.-ft. @ rpm (SAE net)	267 @ 4,700	354 @ 1,400-5,000
Valvetrain	24-Valve, SOHC i-VTEC®	24-Valve, DOHC
Variable Cylinder Management™	•	•
Compression Ratio	11.5:1	9.8:1
Fuel Injection	Direct	Direct
Throttle Control	Drive-by-Wire Throttle System	Drive-by-Wire Throttle System
Idle Stop	•	•
CARB Emissions Rating	ULEV70	ULEV70
Tune-Up Interval	100k +/- Miles No Scheduled Tune-Ups	100k +/- Miles No Scheduled Tune-Ups
EPA Fuel Economy Ratings: (City/Highway/Combined)1	19 / 25 / 21	17 / 21 / 19

1 Based on 2022 EPA mileage ratings; Use for comparison purposes only; Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.

Low-Profile Double Overhead Cam Cylinder Heads
To help achieve the engine’s low-profile form, engineers did away with separate cam bearing caps and instead incorporated the caps directly into the valve cover itself. Not only does this help lower the engine’s height, it also reduces the number of parts.

Variable Cylinder Management™
Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. To achieve the compact design of the Type S Turbo V6, an all-new VCM™ mechanism was applied.

VCM™ operates the engine with three cylinders in a wide range of situations to maximize fuel efficiency and lower emissions, switching seamlessly to six-cylinder operation when more power is needed. To prevent pumping losses, the engine computer closes the valves on the inactive cylinders. On the SOHC 3.5-liter engine, this is accomplished by using VTEC®, which locks the rocker arms activating the valves together to prevent the valves from opening when VCM™ is active.

To achieve the low profile of the new DOHC cylinder heads, this arrangement has been replaced with a more compact rocker arm and hydraulic lash adjuster design. When all six cylinders are in use, a pin in the valve lifter assembly is held in place with oil pressure. When VCM™ is activated under light cruise and when off-boost, the engine’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU) changes the oil pressure balance in front of and behind the pin, allowing the pin to slide out of the lifter, creating a gap that prevents the valve from opening. When the ECU determines all six cylinders are needed, the system readjusts the oil pressure balance, sliding the pin back in place and reactivating the valves for full power, all before the turbo can create boost.

Active Vibration Control
To maintain smooth operation when Variable Cylinder Management™ is engaged, new engine mounts and Active Vibration Control unique to the Type S Turbo V6 are used. AVC detects and helps cancel vibration from the engine and contributes to nearly imperceptible VCM™ operation.

Active Exhaust
MDX Type S features an Active Exhaust system, adapted from the NSX. The Active Exhaust opens a valve in the exhaust system to let more of the V6 engine’s natural sound flow through the system for a distinct auditory experience.

The Active Exhaust system operation is dependent on the selected Integrated Dynamics System mode. In Comfort, Normal and Sport modes, the valve opens at 4,750 rpm, maintaining a serene driving environment in most circumstances. In Sport+, the threshold is lowered to 3,250 rpm, for a more exciting driving experience. The system works in tandem with Active Sound Control to deliver an emotional and engaging engine sound inside the cabin.

Active Noise Cancellation™
Active Noise Cancellation™ (ANC) is applied to reduce unwanted noise, especially during VCM™ cylinder deactivation mode. The ANC system also incorporates Active Sound Control (ASC), which enhances the vehicle’s natural engine, intake and exhaust sound inside the cabin using the vehicle’s speakers.

High-Performance 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
The new engine is exclusively paired with an enhanced version of Acura’s 10-speed automatic that has been updated to handle the considerable torque and power output of the Type S Turbo V6. Updated internal components include a new torque converter, stronger gears and improved clutches.

Internally, the 10-speed automatic underwent significant changes to accommodate the higher output torque of the Type S Turbo V6, including stronger materials, more advanced surface coatings, and fine particle peening (FPP).  Additionally, a new torque converter uses a high torque-compliant damper to accommodate the increased torque output of the new engine, and the transmission valve body is modified for the high-pressure usage needed for lock-up control with the high-torque engine.

Drivers can choose fully automatic operation or use steering-wheel mounted paddles to shift manually. When using the paddles, the transmission uses Type S-exclusive programming for 40-percent quicker downshifts. In Sport+ mode, the transmission also upshifts 30-percent faster by using a brief fuel cut during the gearchange.

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive System™ (SH-AWD®)
The MDX Type S comes standard with the fourth generation of Acura’s acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®). The system progressively distributes optimum torque not only between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels for more precise and exhilarating handling response across a wide variety of road conditions.

Introduced in the 2019 RDX, the rear differential in the fourth-generation SH-AWD® system has been enhanced specifically in anticipation for the new Type S Turbo V6. Compared to the third-generation system, maximum rear axle torque capacity has been increased by 40 percent, and the rear wheels also receive torque 30-percent faster in normal conditions. Up to 70 percent of torque can be sent to the rear axle, and 100 percent of that torque can be distributed to either the left or right rear wheel.

The fourth-generation system’s improved response is achieved by the adoption of a shorter hydraulic circuit and a higher-torque electric motor that drives the rear differential’s twin hydraulic pumps. The hydraulic circuit was also optimized for more consistent response time at the left and right rear wheels.

When cornering, SH-AWD® distributes more torque to the outside rear wheel, creating a yaw moment to help turn the vehicle through corners which makes for more accurate turns, reducing understeer and improving controllability. With cornering forces more evenly distributed between front and rear tires, the ability to utilize more of the available torque is increased on wet and dry roads. The system also overdrives the rear axle by 2.9 percent, which amplifies the yaw effect of lateral rear-wheel torque distribution when cornering.

The SH-AWD® system works in cooperation with the Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) system and Agile Handling Assist® to optimize torque distribution for superior handling and traction. The engine ECU provides information on engine rpm and torque, the transmission ECU provides the transmission gear-ratio selection, while the VSA® ECU provides wheel-speed data. The SH-AWD® ECU also monitors steering angle, lateral g-forces, vehicle yaw rate and electrohydraulic clutch engagement for the right and left rear axle shafts. Drive torque is calculated by the ECU, and then the acceleration, wheel spin, lateral G-force and steering angle are used to determine the front-to-rear torque distribution and the torque split between right and left rear wheels.

Based on the selected Integrated Dynamics System mode, one of three different SH-AWD® maps is used. Normal and Comfort modes have programming aimed at day-to-day driving, while Sport and Sport+ modes use a more aggressive programming that targets performance driving, maximizing cornering agility and handling performance.  

SH-AWD® is a full-time all-wheel-drive system with a torque-transfer unit bolted directly to the front-mounted transaxle. The torque-transfer unit receives torque through a spline connection that is part of the front differential housing. A set of helical gear shafts and a hypoid gear set within the torque-transfer unit sends power to the propeller shaft, which in turn transfers power to the rear differential. Similar to the high-performance 10-speed automatic transmission, the torque-transfer unit’s internal gears implemented the FPP process to accommodate the higher torque output of the Type S Turbo V6.

The lightweight SH-AWD® rear differential utilizes an electric motor that powers a pair of hydraulic pumps – one for each clutch pack. A pair of linear solenoids controlled by the SH-AWD ECU selectively sends pressure to the clutch packs, which in turn control the amount of power sent to each rear wheel increasing cornering grip and line traceability.

2022 MDX and MDX Type S Transmission and SH-AWD®
	MDX	MDX Type S
Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)	Available	•
10-Speed Automatic Transmission	•	30% faster upshifts in Sport+
Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters with Rev-Matching Downshifts	•	40% faster downshifts

More information on the 2022 Acura MDX powertrain is available here.

2022 MDX Type S: Chassis

Key Type S Chassis Features:

• Double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension retuned for Type S performance
• Acura-first air suspension system with adjustable ride height
• Adaptive Damper System with three different Type S-specific damping curves
• Rear-mounted battery improves weight balance and handling
• Electric power steering retuned for sportier driving feel
• NSX-inspired electro-servo braking system
• Brembo® front brakes with 14.3-inch rotors and four-piston fixed calipers
• Updated Integrated Dynamics System with Type S-exclusive Sport+ and Lift modes
• 21-inch wheels and tires with self-sealing high-performance all-season tires (Acura first)

Performance Tuned Chassis with Double Wishbone Front Suspension
The MDX’s front suspension uses two wishbone-shaped control arms, in place of the more common MacPherson strut setup in many competing SUVs. The double-wishbone front suspension delivers more precise control of wheel camber, caster and toe angles to maximize tire-to-ground contact for exceptional handling precision and cornering grip. The rear suspension consists of a multi-link system that excels at enhancing stability, ride compliance, and impact harshness.

To further improve handling and driver excitement, the suspension of the MDX Type S has been updated for optimized roll resistance with a much stiffer 30.5 mm solid front stabilizer bar, and a new 20.0 x 3.5 mm hollow rear stabilizer bar. The SUV’s battery has also been relocated from under the hood to the cargo area to improve weight balance. The result is the best handling and most dynamic SUV in Acura history.

Air Suspension
MDX Type S and Type S Advance both use the Acura’s first-ever air suspension system. This system increases ride comfort and dynamic capability, augmenting MDX’s premium driving experience.

With effective spring rates up to 40-percent lower than the standard MDX, MDX Type S features an isolated ride that is ideal for broken pavement, speed bumps and road undulations. The system also features automatic load leveling, compensating for passengers and cargo by maintaining a level ride height for a better driving experience. The air suspension can also lower the suspension when the MDX Type S is parked, easing passenger ingress and egress, as well as cargo loading and unloading.

With a new Lift mode in the SUV’s Integrated Dynamics System, the air suspension also allows the driver to increase the vehicle’s ride height by nearly 2 inches (50 mm), improving ground clearance on demand for more extreme conditions, such as deep snow or emergency road hazards.

Adaptive Damper System
MDX Type S uses Acura’s Adaptive Damper System, which continuously adjusts damping force based on sensor inputs. The Adaptive Damper System enables active and customizable control of damper response using information from the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system’s wheel speed sensors, yaw/G sensors, steering angle, and wheel stroke sensors, to adjust damping response every 0.002 seconds to adapt to both varying road conditions and driver inputs.

Compared to the amplitude reactive dampers in the standard MDX, the adaptive dampers in the MDX Type S are up to 52% more compliant for enhanced ride comfort or provide up to six times as much damping force in dynamic handling scenarios.

The dampers also are tied into the Integrated Dynamics System, providing three unique damping curves set to the driving mode. Comfort and Snow modes use the softest settings, while Sport and Sport+ use a more aggressive damping curve for improved body control in high performance driving situations. Normal mode strikes a balance between the two, offering day-to-day livability with a sporting edge. See below for more details on the Integrated Dynamics System.

Belt-driven Electric Power Steering (EPS) system
The belt-driven Electric Power Steering (EPS) system has been retuned for the MDX Type S to provide a more aggressive and performance-focused feel, with the system’s assist reduced by up to 23% compared to the standard MDX. This, combined with the quick responses of the Adaptive Damper System, gives MDX Type S a much more agile feel.

Electro-Servo Braking System
Inspired by the Acura NSX supercar, and also applied on the TLX sport sedan, the MDX Type S features a new electro-servo brake system that offers excellent feel and feedback for the driver through the brake pedal.

When the driver applies the brake pedal, a signal is sent to the vehicle’s Electronic Servo Brake ECU, which determines the appropriate amount of braking force to be applied by the hydraulic braking system. As in a traditional braking system, a hydraulic master cylinder then pumps brake fluid through the system; however, midway between the master cylinder and the calipers is a separate motorized electronic actuator, the same actuator used in the NSX. This actuator receives an electronic signal, generated in the master cylinder module, that measures how the driver has applied the brakes – soft or hard, slow or fast – and precisely defines how much hydraulic pressure is apportioned to the brake calipers at each wheel.

An additional benefit of the electro-servo brakes is the ability for engineers to finely tune the brake pedal force and electronically control the brake pressure, giving the MDX Type S a shorter pedal stroke and improved pedal feel to inspire driver confidence.

Brembo® Front Brakes
Braking performance is further improved with the addition of larger, more powerful Brembo® front brakes. The new Brembo® four-piston front calipers grip rotors that are 14.3-inches in diameter (+0.5 inches) and 1.2 inches thick, for a 5.3-percent increase in heat capacity compared to the standard MDX, for improved resistance to fade during repeated hard use.

The rear brake calipers are painted in the same red as the front, and the brake rotors in both front and rear are treated with Ferritic Nitrocarburizing (FNC) coating for improved corrosion resistance.

Type S Integrated Dynamics System
With its standard Integrated Dynamics System, the MDX Type S offers drivers an expanded ability to customize their driving experience. In addition to Normal, Snow, Comfort, Sport and Individual modes, Type S adds exclusive Sport+ and Lift modes.

On MDX Type S, the Adaptive Damper System and new air suspension work together to create a noticeable difference between the different dynamic modes, with notably improved ride quality in Comfort mode, and a smoother ride overall in Normal mode than standard MDX. The air suspension system also gives a sharper performance feel to Sport and Sport+ by reducing ride height 15 mm, lowering the center of gravity for better handling.

Sport+ quickens transmission upshifts by 30 percent and increases the engine sound through more aggressive use of the Active Exhaust and Active Sound Control. The engine’s idle speed also adjusts depending on the selected Integrated Dynamics System mode: 680 rpm for Comfort and Normal modes, while increasing to 800 rpm in Sport and 1,000 rpm in Sport+ for enhanced launch performance.

Sport+ also retains the aggressive damper settings, sharper throttle response and higher steering effort from Sport mode. Sport+ mode also adds a boost gauge and G meter on the exclusive Sport+ Digital Cockpit™ display.

Lift mode uses the air suspension to increase the ride height by nearly 2 inches (50 mm). In addition, the Adaptive Damper System is set to its firmest setting. Lift improves ground clearance on demand for more extreme conditions, such as deep snow and sand or emergency road hazards, though it is not intended as an off-road mode. Lift automatically disables above 37 mph to maintain vehicle stability at speed.

Type S Wheels & Tires
MDX Type S comes standard with 21-inch wheels and tires, featuring a Shark Gray finish, with Type S Advance highlighted by a Berlina Black finish with a machined face. Measuring 21 x 9.5 inches, these split 5-spoke wheels are the largest wheels ever fitted to MDX. Integrated into the wheel’s construction are three resonators to help reduce road noise for a comfortable and quiet cabin environment.

Also standard on MDX Type S is the first-ever use of self-sealing tires. The 275/40R21 Continental CrossContact RX ContiSeal is a new high-performance all-season tire specially developed for applications like MDX Type S. An inner layer automatically seals punctures up to 5 mm in diameter, such as nails or other road debris. Unlike a run-flat tire, the self-sealing tires used on MDX Type S allow the driver to continue to use the tire for an extended period, until the next scheduled maintenance stop, where an Acura technician can determine if the tire needs further attention or replacement.

More information on the 2022 Acura MDX chassis is available here.

2022 MDX Type S: Exterior & Interior

Key Type S Exclusive Exterior & Interior Features

• New front fascia with open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille increases cooling airflow, body-colored grille surround
• Aggressively styled front and rear fascias exclusive to Type S, quad exhaust outlets
• Type S badges on grille, tailgate, fenders, key fob, steering wheel, sill plates
• Type S exclusive Tiger Eye Pearl paint color
• 16-way heated and cooled seats with Milano leather and unique curvilinear quilting (Type S with Advance Package)
• New Azurite Blue leather interior option (Type S with Advance Package)
• Acura-first massaging seats with nine different modes (Type S with Advance Package)
• Black metallic wood trim and ultra-premium headliner (Type S with Advance Package)
• 25-speaker ELS STUDIO 3DÒ  Signature Edition premium audio system (Type S with Advance Package) with illuminated front door speakers

More Aggressive Exterior Design
Numerous Type S signatures distinguish the exterior design of the MDX performance variant. Starting with a restyled nose, MDX Type S features an exclusive open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille, which increases airflow to the engine by approximately 14 percent. Flanking the grille on either side are additional air inlets, routing cooling air to the sub radiators on each side of the engine compartment. The grille, window surrounds, and mirrors are all finished in black for a sporty appearance. Complementing the dark trim are headlights with a dark finish.

In the rear, Type S adds a more aggressive rear fascia, taillights with a dark finish, and large quad-exhaust finishers. Type S badges are found on the grille, front fenders and tailgate. Its 21-inch wheels showcase the bright red brake calipers in front and rear. MDX Type S with Advance package is highlighted by gloss black lower body trim and wheel arch trim. Both MDX Type S and Type S with Advance Package are available in the Type S-exclusive Tiger Eye Pearl paint that debuted with the 2021 TLX Type S.

More Opulent Cabin
Inside MDX Type S, Red, Ebony or new Light Orchid Milano-leather seats are accented with premium Black Ultrasuede® inserts and feature 12 adjustments for the driver and front seat passenger with 4-way power lumbar. Additionally, Type S includes a racing-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel with the Type S badge, contrast stitching on the dash, doors, and lower instrument panel, metal sport pedals and a metal-plated glove box handle.

More premium than any Acura vehicle in history, the 2022 MDX Type S with Advance Package adds full Milano leather with a special curvilinear quilted pattern on the front and middle row seats, with contrast stitching and piping on all three rows. The driver and passenger can each choose between nine different massaging options for the front seats. Ebony, Light Orchid, Red and an exclusive new Azurite Blue leather are available.

The MDX Type S with Advance Package also features unique black metallic wood trim and ultra-premium headliner. To achieve the metallic appearance on the wood trim, a liquid metallic flake is hand-wiped across the surface, and excess material is rubbed off, delivering a unique and subtle metallic finish. The headliner achieves a complementary appearance by weaving white and black fabric together.

All MDX grades, including Type S, feature an acoustic laminate windshield and front door windows. Type S with Advance Package adds laminate rear door windows.

	AVAILABLE INTERIOR COLORS
AVAILABLE EXTERIOR COLORS	Ebony	Red	Light Orchid	Azurite Blue (Advance only)
New: Tiger Eye Pearl*	• (Type S only)	–	• (Advance Package only)	•
Liquid Carbon Metallic*	•	•	–	–
Apex Blue Pearl*	•	–	•	–
Performance Red Pearl*	•	–	–	–
Majestic Black Pearl*	•	•	–	–
Platinum White Pearl*	•	•	• (Advance Package only)	–
Lunar Silver Metallic	•	–	–	•

* Premium Paint offered at an additional cost

New Massaging Front Seats
MDX Type S with Advance Package also features the first massaging front seats ever in an Acura vehicle. Featuring nine different massage modes, each with three levels of intensity, the seats use a series of air bladders in the seat back and bottom cushion to provide a stress-relieving and revitalizing massage experience for the driver and front passenger.

MASSAGE MODE	FUNCTION
Wave	Soothing wave motion on back
Shiatsu	Shiatsu-type pressure motion on back
Step	Broad stepping motion up and down back
Awake	Random stimulation of back massage elements
Fusion	Combination massage on back
Lower Back	Massage function concentrates on lower back
Upper Back	Massage function concentrates on upper back
Rejuvenation	Focuses on pelvic massage on seat cushion to reduce fatigue
Zen	Seat uses back and bottom cushion for wellness massage

New ELS STUDIO 3D® Signature Edition
Created for audiophiles and premiering in MDX Type S with Advance Package is a new 25-speaker ELS STUDIO 3DÒ  Signature Edition premium audio system. Precision crafted to create a class-leading audio experience, this new system builds upon the award winning ELS STUDIO 3D® audio system family.

Developed in conjunction with legendary eight-time Grammy® award-winning music producer Elliot Scheiner, the system features a unique Center Parquet™ sound experience, developed using the center of the famous Carnegie Hall Parquet section as a reference.

Two digital signal processing (DSP) amplifiers combine for 1,000 watts of power, sent through 22 discrete channels to 25 advanced speakers. Each of the speakers are carefully placed in the dash, doors, pillars, console and ceiling to create immersive audio. The six 17-cm speakers in the doors and center console, the two 9-cm speakers in the front doors, and the three 9-cm coaxial speakers in the rear doors and center dash all feature a carbon-fiber diaphragm for incredibly low distortion and excellent sound reproduction, and the two carbon graphite dome tweeters near the A-pillars provide extended high-frequency performance. The system’s DSP amps also feature Acoustic Motion Control™, which helps add more bass below 80 Hz by reducing the inertial motion of the speaker cone after it has already moved for a more transparent and natural sound.  

Front seat passengers benefit from the system’s Symmetrical Sound Stage, a first for Acura. This merges the sound from the door, center dash and center console-mounted speakers to deliver extremely clear mid-base with low distortion, putting the listener in the center of the experience with perfect left-to-right balance.

Ensuring that all passengers share equally in the Signature Edition’s superior sound quality, the system uses a technique called Time Aligning for the second row. By delaying output to speakers closest to the listener by as little as 1/48,000 of a second, the sound arrives at the listener’s ear at the same time as the more distant speakers, creating a clarity and authenticity, giving the sound an “in the air” feeling, rather than emanating from a particular speaker.

Major Features Comparison
	2022 MDX	2022 MDX Type S	2022 MDX Type S with Advance Package
Full-LED Exterior Lighting	•	•	•
True Touchpad Interface™ with 12.3-inch HD Dual-Content display	•	•	•
12.3-Inch HD Precision Cockpit™ Digital Instrument Cluster	•	•	•
Acura Navigation with 3D View	w/ Technology Package	•	•
Wireless CarPlay® / Android Auto™ Integration	•	•	•
Wireless Charging Pad	•	•	•
ELS STUDIO® 3D Premium Audio System with 16 Speakers	A-Spec and Advance Package	•	–
ELS STUDIO® 3D Signature Edition Premium Audio with 25 Speakers	–	–	•
Integrated Dynamic System (IDS)	4 Mode: Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual	6 Mode: Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, Lift, Individual	6 Mode: Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, Lift, Individual
12-Way Power Front Seats	Base, Technology, and A-Spec	•	–
16-Way Power Front Seats	w/Advance Package	–	• Includes 9-Way Massage Function
Heated & Ventilated Front Seats	w/ A-Spec, Advance Package	•	•
Heated Rear Outboard Seats	w/ Advance Package	–	•
Flat Bottom Sport Steering Wheel	w/ A-Spec Package	•	•
Heated Steering Wheel	w/ Advance Package	–	•
Geometric Brushed Aluminum Trim	w/ A-Spec Package	•	–
Authentic Open-pore Wood Trim	w/ Advance Package	–	• Includes Black Metallic Finish
Black Headliner	w/A-Spec Package	•	• Unique Fabric for Black Metallic Appearance
IconicDrive™ Ambient LED Lighting	w/ Technology Package	•	• Includes additional lighting in front door speaker grilles
Remote Engine Start	w/ Advance Package	•	•
Power Folding Side Mirrors	w/ Technology Package	•	•
Low-Profile Roof Rails	w/Advance Package Painted Silver	–	Painted Gloss Black
Gloss Black Wheel Arch and Lower Body Trim	–	–	•
Gloss Black Mirror Caps	w/A-Spec Package	•	•
Rain Sensing Wipers	w/ Technology Package	•	•
Surround View Camera System	w/ Advance Package	–	•
Head Up Display	w/ Advance Package	–	•
AcuraWatch™	•	•	•

More information on the 2022 Acura MDX exterior, interior and safety features is available here.