The current 4th-generation MDX runs base, Technology, A-Spec (Advance package combined), and Advance trims with the 3.5L V6 plus 10-speed automatic. The MDX Type S is the high-performance variant with a 3.0L turbocharged V6, adaptive air suspension, Brembo front brakes, and SH-AWD standard. Type S Advance is the top-line MDX. SH-AWD is standard on most trims and standard on all Type S.

How many people can the MDX seat?

The MDX seats 6 or 7 depending on second-row configuration. Standard 7-seat layout has a three-passenger second-row bench. Optional captain's chairs in the second row reduce capacity to 6 but improve middle-row comfort and access to the third row. Third row fits adults for shorter trips and works fine for kids on longer drives. Cargo space behind third row is modest; folding the third row opens substantial cargo capacity.

What does the MDX tow?

Standard MDX with SH-AWD tows up to 5,000 lb when properly equipped. MDX Type S tows the same 5,000 lb. That covers most consumer towing - midsize travel trailers, small to midsize boats, dual-axle utility trailers, motorcycle trailers. For heavier towing (large fifth-wheels, horse trailers), a body-on-frame full-size SUV or pickup is the better choice.

What makes the MDX Type S different?

The Type S adds a 3.0L turbocharged V6 making 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque (up from 290 hp / 267 lb-ft on the standard 3.5L V6). It also adds adaptive air suspension with multiple drive modes, Brembo front brakes, larger 21-inch wheels, unique exterior treatment, sport-tuned exhaust, and standard Advance package equipment. Pricing typically runs $15K-$20K above equivalent standard MDX trims.

Can I test drive multiple MDX trims?

Yes, and it makes sense for shoppers deciding between standard MDX and Type S, or comparing equipment levels across base, Technology, A-Spec, and Advance. Tell us which trims you want to drive and we will pull them so you can compare back-to-back. The Type S air suspension and 3.0L turbo deliver a different driving character than the standard 3.5L V6 - the difference is clear in person.

MDX Configuration Questions?

MDX configuration involves multiple decisions - trim level, captain's chairs versus bench, Type S versus standard, color and equipment package choices.

If you have specifics in mind or want to talk through trade-offs before scheduling a test drive, our team can walk through it.

Reach out and we will get into the details.

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The Acura MDX at McGrath Acura of Westmont

The MDX has anchored Acura's SUV lineup since 2001 and the current 4th-generation (launched as a 2022 model) represents the most refined version yet. Three-row family seating, SH-AWD across most trims, V6 power, and Acura tech and luxury combine in a package that competes against BMW X5 (when sized correctly), Audi Q7, Lexus RX 350L, Volvo XC90, and Genesis GV80 - though the MDX typically prices below most of those competitors at equivalent equipment levels. For McGrath Acura of Westmont in Westmont, the MDX is consistently one of the highest-volume models we sell, reflecting Chicagoland family buyer patterns.

Pricing starts around $52K on base MDX and reaches the mid-$70s on MDX Type S Advance with options. The standard 3.5L V6 (290 hp) paired with the 10-speed automatic delivers smooth power suitable for family duty without aggressive performance. The Type S 3.0L turbo V6 (355 hp) transforms the driving character with stronger acceleration, sharper throttle response, and the adaptive air suspension that adjusts ride height and damping. For DuPage County families considering MDX, the cross-shop typically extends into BMW X5 40i, Audi Q7 55, and Lexus RX TX three-row variants - back-to-back drives clarify the Acura advantage on price-to-equipment ratio.

4th-generation MDX (2022+) with current chassis and tech
Three-row seating, 6 or 7 passenger configurations
3.5L V6 (290 hp) standard, 3.0L turbo V6 (355 hp) on Type S
SH-AWD standard on most trims and all Type S
Pricing low-$50s base to mid-$70s Type S Advance

For shoppers cross-shopping size down to a two-row luxury SUV, our new RDX inventory covers that segment. For sedan alternatives, our new Integra inventory covers compact sedan options.

Powertrain and SH-AWD

The standard MDX runs a 3.5L V6 making 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic. The V6 delivers smooth power across the rev range with the natural torque feel of a normally aspirated engine. Fuel economy runs 22 mpg combined on FWD configurations and 21 mpg combined on SH-AWD - competitive for the segment given the size and weight. The 10-speed transmission handles upshifts and downshifts smoothly, with sport modes that hold gears longer for performance driving.

The Type S 3.0L turbo V6 makes 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque - significantly stronger than the standard V6, with peak torque arriving lower in the rev range due to the turbo. The adaptive air suspension on Type S adjusts ride height (raising for off-pavement clearance, lowering for highway aerodynamics) and damping (firmer for performance, softer for comfort) based on drive mode and conditions. SH-AWD on Type S adds the torque-vectoring rear differential that distinguishes Acura's AWD from conventional setups - up to 70% of available torque can shift to the rear axle, with 100% of that rear torque routable to either rear wheel. Real-world cornering grip and stability under throttle exceed what conventional AWD systems deliver.

Standard 3.5L V6: 290 hp, 267 lb-ft, 10-speed auto, 22 mpg FWD
Type S 3.0L turbo V6: 355 hp, 354 lb-ft, adaptive air suspension
SH-AWD: torque vectoring up to 70% rear, 100% to either rear wheel
SH-AWD standard on all Type S, available on most other trims

For shoppers considering MDX hybrid or other powertrain options, the current MDX lineup is V6 only - no hybrid version is currently offered. For hybrid Acura SUVs, the Mustang Mach-E platform-mate ZDX is the EV alternative.

Trim Levels and Equipment Differences

Base MDX includes AcuraWatch standard, leather seating, dual-zone climate (with rear zone), heated front seats, 19-inch wheels, panoramic roof, and 12.3-inch infotainment with True Touchpad Interface. Base trim hits the value entry point for the segment. Technology trim adds heated steering wheel, navigation, ELS Studio premium audio, and additional driver assistance features. Most MDX buyers do not stop at base trim; Technology is the most common starting point for buyers who care about audio, navigation, and the additional comfort features.

A-Spec adds sport-themed appearance treatment - 20-inch dark wheels, sport pedals, A-Spec interior treatment with Ultrasuede inserts, sport seats, and unique exterior accents. The A-Spec Advance combines the sport appearance with the Advance package equipment (ventilated seats, head-up display, surround-view camera, premium leather, third-row power-folding seats). Advance is the top trim on standard MDX with the full equipment package without the A-Spec sport treatment - more traditional luxury appearance for buyers who want maximum equipment without the sportier visual elements.

Type S takes the platform to the performance trim with the 3.0L turbo V6, adaptive air suspension, Brembo front brakes, 21-inch wheels, and unique exterior and interior treatments distinguishing it from standard MDX. Type S Advance adds the same equipment richness as Advance trim. For buyers comparing top trims, MDX Advance pricing falls below MDX Type S pricing by $8K-$12K depending on configuration - Type S buyers are paying for the powertrain upgrade and chassis hardware specifically.

Base: AcuraWatch, leather, panoramic roof, True Touchpad infotainment
Technology: navigation, ELS Studio audio, heated steering, additional ADAS
A-Spec: sport appearance, 20-inch wheels, Ultrasuede interior
Advance: top equipment, ventilated seats, head-up display, surround camera
Type S: 3.0L turbo V6, air suspension, Brembo brakes, performance halo

For pricing transparency on specific MDX trims and current incentives, contact our team. For trade-in equity, our trade-in tool provides a starting estimate; the IL trade-in tax credit caps at $10,000, which can affect the numbers on luxury MDX trade-ins.

MDX Family Use in Chicagoland

The MDX is sized for family duty across DuPage County and the broader Chicagoland market. Length is around 198 inches - manageable in most parking decks at Oakbrook Center, Chicago Premium Outlets, downtown areas. Three-row seating actually works for adults in the third row for short trips (school pickup, restaurant runs) and for kids comfortably on longer drives. The middle-row captain's chair option (which reduces total seating from 7 to 6) provides easier third-row access plus more comfortable middle-row seating for adult passengers - typically the better fit for families with three or fewer children plus occasional teen or adult passengers.

SH-AWD genuinely matters for Chicagoland winter driving. Lake-effect snow events, icy overnight conditions on I-294 and I-88, and slush-heavy winter days all benefit from the torque-vectoring AWD that SH-AWD provides over conventional AWD systems. Towing capability up to 5,000 lb covers most family use - midsize travel trailers, small boats, motorcycle and snowmobile trailers, dual-axle utility trailers. For families heading to lake property in Wisconsin or Michigan in summer, the MDX handles the run with capability and comfort. For winter trips north or to ski areas, SH-AWD plus quality winter tires deliver real capability on snow-covered roads.

198 inches length - manageable in typical parking
Three-row works for adults short trips, kids longer trips
Captain's chair option reduces seats 7 to 6 with better access
SH-AWD genuine winter advantage over conventional AWD
5,000 lb towing covers most family recreation needs

For service support over the ownership period, our Acura-certified service department handles MDX maintenance including the more specialized work on Type S Brembo brakes, air suspension service, and turbo V6 maintenance.

Acting on a New MDX at McGrath Acura of Westmont

MDX inventory at the dealer level is generally good across base, Technology, and A-Spec trims. Advance and especially Type S Advance have tighter availability - high-equipment trims often need to be ordered or sourced from sister McGrath Acura locations. Color and equipment combinations matter; certain popular configurations (Apex Blue Pearl Type S, Performance Red Pearl A-Spec, Platinum White Pearl Advance) move quickly when they arrive.

The recommended sequence: pre-approve through our finance application so spending range is clear, schedule a test drive (or comparison drive across trims if cross-shopping standard versus Type S), and visit ready to make decisions on trim, captain's chairs versus bench, and equipment package. For Type S buyers specifically, allocation conversations happen early. For lease shoppers, AFS lease specials on MDX vary by month - we run lease versus purchase numbers side by side. For factory orders, lead times run 8-12 weeks for standard MDX trims and 10-16 weeks for Type S.

Base, Technology, A-Spec: reasonable lot supply
Advance and Type S: tighter, often order or sister-store source
AFS lease specials vary by month; lease vs purchase math runs both ways
Factory order 8-12 weeks standard, 10-16 weeks Type S

Visit McGrath Acura of Westmont at 400 E Ogden Avenue in Westmont to drive what is currently in stock, or contact our team to discuss configurations and Type S allocation. For shoppers also considering used MDX, our used MDX page covers the generation guide and shopping considerations for used 3rd-gen and 4th-gen MDX units.

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