Last May, Acura revealed the all-new 2021 TLX Type S, a performance-focused sedan that’s a bit of a D-segment throwback. Then, as Ford Authority reported in September, the automaker trademarked MDX Type S, which signaled that Acura was thinking about making a high-performance version of its fourth-generation crossover, which was revealed back in December. Now, the 2022 Acura MDX Type S has officially been revealed in a unique way – as a tow vehicle for the automaker’s Pikes Peak racing team.
As one might imagine, the 2022 Acura MDX Type S is essentially a crossover version of the TLX Type S, and the two even share the same engine – Acura’s turbocharged 3.0L V6 that produces 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. That’s a full 65 horsepower and 87 pound-feet more than the base MDX’s 3.5L V6, which propels it from 0-60 miles-per-hour in 6.4 seconds. The turbo V6 is mated exclusively to a 10-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Other notable mechanical goodies include standard Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) with torque vectoring, a double-wishbone front suspension, front Brembo brakes, and an exclusive Sport+ driving mode that Acura says sharpens both steering and throttle response.
When it launches later this year, the 2022 MDX Type S will compete directly with the Ford Explorer ST, another performance-oriented crossover. The Explorer ST is powered by Ford’s 3.0L EcoBoost V6, which produces a superior 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque and is also backed up by a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The Lincoln Aviator – another, less performance-focused yet luxurious MDX foe – features the same powertrain as well.
Acura will provide more details about the 2022 MDX Type S, including pricing, closer to its on-sale date.
We’ll have more on what Ford and Lincoln’s competition is up to soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for non-stop Ford news coverage.
Comments
Another recycled Shivrowlay being compared to a Ford. Trying to control the gag reflex…
Acura is the one manufacturer that FORD/LINCOLN should track for comparison and competitive purposes. All things together, they are one of the best in the business that is loaded with posers. And Lee, probably should see your doctor about that ‘reflex thing’ or stop reading the blog? Ones health always trumps ones opinion we think.
Mike says…Lee says, “Who the heck is ‘we thinks’?”
In case y’all haven’t seen the blogs title, it’s ‘FORD Authority’, not Acura Authority (Honda), or Nissan Authority and it seems this blog is filled with opinions. Y’all’s seems to match y’all’s backside.
A comment sections purpose is to communicate with others and express your opinions…
So it is and so I did, but apparently not all opinions are allowed. Comments are a dime a dozen, eh.
The Acura interior is much nicer than the Explorer’s. The Ford and Acura don’t really compete against each other. The Ford Explorer is in the midsize 3 row SUV segment. The Acura MDX is in the near-luxury midsize 3 row SUV class. I would say the MDX slots in between the Explorer and Aviator.
Acura needs to stop acting like they’re a performance brand. Clearly, they’re not. They don’t have that great of a interior, Acura reliability has taken a dive, it’s tech is very poor, and it simply can’t compete against the Aviator and the German brands. In both luxury, tech, and performance. The only real benefit is their AWD system but once again, it’s not the greatest. I’d just rather buy an SQ7 or an Aviator GT.