Is the Acura MDX a fast car?
No—the standard MDX is not a fast car. It’s a practical, three-row luxury SUV built for comfort, space, and everyday usability.
For buyers who crave speed, the MDX lineup includes the MDX Type S, a high-performance variant that delivers genuine acceleration and sharper handling, albeit at a higher price and with sport-focused features.
Performance snapshot
Here are the main powertrains and their approximate acceleration figures to illustrate the speed range within the MDX family.
- Base MDX: 3.5-liter V6 producing about 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque; 9-speed automatic transmission; SH-AWD available; 0-60 mph approximately 6.5–7.0 seconds (depending on drivetrain and year).
- MDX Type S: 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque; standard all-wheel drive; sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes; 0-60 mph roughly 4.5–4.7 seconds.
In short, the base MDX offers adequate pace for everyday driving, while the Type S provides a substantial speed boost for enthusiasts who want sportier performance from a three-row SUV.
Ride, handling, and everyday practicality
Beyond straight-line speed, buyers weigh comfort, handling, and cabin livability. The MDX balances a smooth ride with upscale interior materials and family-friendly versatility, but the Type S trades some ride comfort for sharper handling and quicker responses.
: Base MDX emphasizes a comfortable, composed ride with adequate body control; Type S adds a stiffer suspension and performance-oriented tuning for tighter cornering and more precise steering. : Three-row seating (up to seven passengers), high-quality materials, and user-friendly infotainment; available driver aids and a premium audio system enhance everyday usability. : Generous cargo space behind the third row and flexible seating configurations; proper trims can tow up to about 5,000 pounds with the right equipment.
For most buyers, the MDX’s strength lies in comfort, space, and refinement. The Type S answers the call for performance, but its trade-offs include stiffer ride feel and a higher price.
Summary
In the Acura MDX lineup, speed is not the primary attribute of the base model. It remains a family-friendly, luxury SUV that prioritizes space and comfort. If performance matters, the MDX Type S stands out as a legitimate fast option within the segment, delivering sub-5-second 0-60 times and sport-tuned dynamics at the cost of comfort and price. Overall, the MDX offers a broad balance between everyday practicality and selective performance, depending on the trim you choose.
Is the Acura MDX fast?
Powered by a turbocharged V6 engine producing 355 horsepower, the MDX Type S reaches a top speed of 155 mph. Plus, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.5 seconds.
Is the Acura MDX a sports car?
The Acura MDX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by the Japanese automaker Honda under its luxury Acura division since 2000. The alphanumeric moniker stands for "Multi-Dimensional" luxury. It has ranked as the second-best selling mid-size luxury SUV after the Lexus RX in the U.S.
Which is better, MDX or Lexus?
The MDX is the better premium performance SUV compared to the Lexus RX because the MDX offers more horsepower, max more cargo volume and versatile amenities, including 16-way Power Front Seats. The MDX clearly beats out the competition with a more exhilarating and personalized drive.
What is the fastest Acura SUV?
The fastest Acura SUV is the ZDX Type S. While some dealers state faster top speeds for models like the MDX Type S and RDX A-Spec, the figures given are not confirmed, nor accurate, given they're limited to about 112 mph. The fully-electric ZDX Type S, on the other hand, has a confirmed top speed of 131 mph.
