The 2024 Acura MDX Sort S is a three-row SUV for drivers. It’s one of the vital dynamically pleasing automobiles in its section, utilizing beautiful chassis tuning, fast steering, and a intelligent drivetrain to ship sport sedan-like efficiency in a a lot larger package deal. None of that issues, although, as a result of the infotainment system is so infuriating to make use of.
Whereas the overwhelming majority of the trade has moved to touchscreens, Acura, in its infinite knowledge, has determined to stay with its touchpad-style infotainment controls for the 2024 MDX. The large 12.3-inch central display screen isn’t touch-sensitive in any method, as a substitute navigated through the use of a sq. pad on the middle console you must click on on to decide on issues like audio supply or navigation vacation spot, like a touchpad on a laptop computer. And it ruins the expertise.
Touchscreens aren’t nice for navigating by infotainment methods when you’re shifting, however Acura’s touchpad system is actually worse. Studying the way it works is comparatively simple, however utilizing it’s by no means a clean, simple course of, particularly whereas driving. We’re assured homeowners will get used to the touchpad, however forcing your purchaser to “get used” to one thing that must be simple isn’t an excellent method to method a product.
Thoughts-boggling infotainment apart, the remainder of the MDX’s inside is a nice place to spend time. The structure isn’t as flashy as one thing like a BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS, however a wholesome smattering of actual, bodily buttons for issues just like the local weather management and quantity is welcome. Go for the Advance package deal and also you get a bucket filled with helpful tech, like a head-up show, a 25-speaker sound system, and 16-way adjustable massaging entrance sport seats.
The Sort S will get much more customary tech, like entrance seat air flow, navigation, a wi-fi telephone charging pad, distant begin, and a handful of extra energetic security methods. However the true extras come below the pores and skin, the place the Sort S sports activities quite a few chassis and drivetrain upgrades to make it really feel way more nimble than it seems.
Professionals: Stable Dynamics, Sharp Seems to be, Snug Inside With Loads of Luxurious Options
The MDX Sort S will get air suspension as customary, plushing up the trip with out giving it that “by no means settles” vibe frequent of different air-ride methods. Extra importantly, the sporty SUV will get a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 making 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired to a 10-speed computerized and all-wheel drive.
This model of Acura’s “Tremendous Dealing with” AWD isn’t your customary setup, both. Now in its fourth era, there’s actual torque vectoring at work for the Sort S, with the system capable of ship as much as 70 % of the engine’s torque to the rear, and as much as 100% of that torque to both the left or proper wheel, just like the methods discovered on the TLX Sort S and the Volkswagen Golf R.
Chuck the MDX Sort S down a twisty highway, and the system is simple to really feel working on your profit. You’ll be able to sense the pc sending all of that energy to the skin rear wheel if you happen to speed up whereas turning, coaxing the automobile’s rear finish to rotate as you negotiate by a bend. It’s not an particularly pure sensation, however it nonetheless makes the expertise extra enjoyable, and offers the automobile a much more agile vibe.
The remainder of the automobile is enjoyable, too. Flip the centrally mounted drive mode knob to Sport, and the suspension and steering tighten up, whereas the throttle pedal sharpens. This SUV is not any sports activities automobile, clearly, however the mixture of well-designed chassis upgrades makes it really feel smaller than it’s. Mixed with the quick-shifting 10-speed and customary Brembo brakes, it’s simple to chop by your favourite again highway at a reasonably brisk tempo with out feeling just like the automobile is falling over itself—not unhealthy for one thing weighing 4,788 kilos. And whereas the V-6 isn’t probably the most sonorous engine on sale as we speak, you’ll be able to’t fault its effectiveness. Maintain your proper foot buried and there’s actual pace on faucet right here.
Cons: Unacceptable Infotainment System, V-6 Is Efficient However Forgettable, Lackluster Gas Economic system
With a automobile this dimension, enjoyable isn’t the one goal. Fortunately the Sort S can very simply mix into the background and play the a part of a traditional three-row SUV while you’re not flogging it up your favourite canyon highway. Whereas it’s a bit stiffer than your common large SUV, the suspension is completely able to absorbing bumps when in regular mode. The third row is a bit tight, however no passengers had any actual complaints throughout my 4 days with the automobile. If you might want to transport greater than 4 adults typically, we’d recommend one thing larger. However consider, something larger than this MDX Sort S will possible be far much less enjoyable to drive.
The MDX’s touchpad interface can be the one factor holding me again from severely recommending it. However if you happen to’re available in the market, you received’t have to attend lengthy till it’s gone. Acura stated earlier this yr it plans to rid its lineup of the touchpad system beginning later in 2024. Our recommendation? Wait a yr. By then, the Sort S will get way more interesting.
Replace: An earlier model of this story indicated that the MDX Sort S had a 3.5-liter V-6, when in truth, the Sort S mannequin has a 3.0-liter engine. The story has been up to date.