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.
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.
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 and 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 and 362 Nm of torque. It
too has a ten-speed automatic transmission, but all-wheel drive is optional.
