- Acura has introduced the facelifted MDX, which features revised styling inside and out.
- The crossover sports a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google built-in.
- The 2025 Acura MDX and MDX Type S will go on sale in May.
Touchscreen displays are everywhere as they can be found on tablets, smartphones, and laptops. They can also be found in most cars, although a handful of automakers buck convention and logic.
Acura was one of them, as the brand embraced a True Touchpad Interface, which wasn’t intuitive or easy to use. While drivers would eventually get the hang of it, the system felt like a relic from a bygone era. The company is now putting the system firmly behind itself with the updated 2025 MDX, which features an all-new infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and Google built-in.
Besides being far more intuitive, it provides access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play store. Buyers will also find wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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Speaking of tech, the crossover comes with the latest generation of AcuraLink. Buyers will also find a Wi-Fi hotspot, over-the-air updates, and connected features such as remote locking/unlocking as well as remote start.
The elimination of the True Touchpad Interface enabled Acura to add a revamped center console. It features a less cluttered design, increased storage, and a more accessible wireless smartphone charger. Buyers will also find upgraded audio systems. The entry-level unit has two additional speakers, while the 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system has up to seven speakers more than its predecessor.
Subtle Exterior Revisions
The updates continue outside with a revised grille and a sportier front bumper featuring pronounced air intakes. The model also has darker headlights and taillights, as well as a revised color palette that now includes Canyon River Blue Metallic and Urban Gray Pearl.
Higher-end variants have additional changes as models equipped with the Technology Package ride on new 20-inch wheels. The package also includes “extensive refinement updates for a quieter cabin.” Among the changes are additional insulation and laminated rear door glass.
To keep drivers safe, there is a new camera and millimeter-wave radar system, allowing for improved detection and a wider field of view. The model also has better blind spot information sensors that now enable a new Lane Change Alert function. Rounding out the highlights are a new rear seatbelt reminder system and Adaptive Cruise Control with Cornering Speed Assist.
Getting back to equipment, the 2025 MDX offers a new A-Spec variant with an Advance Package. It combines sporty exterior styling with a luxurious interior that has quilted leather massaging front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and a head-up display – among other things.
The changes to the MDX Type S are similar, but the high-performance variant is distinguished by a frameless Diamond Pentagon grille and a far more aggressive front bumper with gloss black accents. They’re joined by new 21-inch wheels that feature a two-tone appearance.
Moving inside, the mid-size luxury SUV has redesigned front seats with Ultrasuede bolsters and Type S logos on the headrests. The model also comes with a new 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and the previously optional Advance Package.
The Type S builds on the safety improvements in the standard model as it has an improved long-range millimeter wave radar, an upgraded front camera, and new millimeter wave radar sensors at all four corners. Thanks to these changes, the crossover now has Active Lane Change Assist, Lane Change Collision Mitigation, and Front Cross Traffic Warning. Acura also says drivers can expect smoother adaptive cruise control responses as well as improved detection capabilities.
Under the hood, there’s a familiar turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 355 hp (265 kW / 360 PS) and 354 lb-ft (479 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to a ten-speed automatic transmission and the brand’s Super Handling all-wheel drive system.
The standard model has a 3.5-liter V6 with 290 hp (216 kW / 294 PS) and 267 lb-ft (362 Nm) of torque. It too has a ten-speed automatic transmission, but all-wheel drive is optional.
The 2025 MDX and MDX Type S will arrive at U.S. dealerships next month and pricing will be announced closer to launch.