 So, and if you're new to the channel, I'm Gold Pony. I do new car truck SUV reviews on YouTube. And today, we're in the brand new 2024 Acura MDX courtesy of Bobby Ray Hall Acura in McKinney-Expert PA for more information on their inventory. Please feel free to check out the link in the description box below. And so today we're in the new MDX because for one, my mother owns one. And two, we have this really cool interior color called like Azurite or Azurite. I can't say it, it's AZU RITE. But it is so unique. I've never seen a color like this inside of a vehicle before. So I'm a big fan of that, but not only that, you do get two years or 24,000 miles of complimentary maintenance with any Acura. You'll also get a better warranty than Honda, believe it or not. Four years, 50,000 miles, bumper to bumper, six years, 70,000 miles on the powertrain. So, ultimately in this video, we will be testing out and going over everything about this one from acceleration to braking, steering feel, ride quality, sound system, exhaust clip, all that fun stuff. So, I've excelled all of that. What do you guys say? Go ahead and jump right into it. And as always, let's start with pricing. And so, as you can imagine, there are several different trim levels for the 2024 MDX. First one being the base, starting at $49,850, which is a modest $300 bump from the 2023 model year. Technology for $54,550. A-spec for $60,250. Advance for $63,800. Type S for $68,150. And lastly, the Type S advanced for $73,500. And by the way, that's the one we have today. That's it for the last four trim levels, all-wheel drive is going to come standard. But for the first two, simply add $2,200 if you wanted to add all-wheel drive. That actually comes standard with the front-wheel drive setup. But as you can imagine with all of these trim levels, there are a couple different power plants for the MDX. First one is going to belong to the non-Type S trim levels. And more than likely, it's going to be the more reliable engine. That is the 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6, putting out 290 horsepower at 6,200 RPM, 267 pound-feet of torque coming in at 4,700 RPM, powers sent to front wheels or all wheels to return speed automatic with paddle shifters. Which you guys know, by the way, we will be testing out here in a little bit. Zero to 60 time for this engine coming in at 5.7 seconds with MPG numbers coming in at 19 in the city, 26 on the highway for the front-wheel drive, 19 city, 25 then on the highway for the all-wheel drive. So not really much of a difference between the front-wheel and all-wheel, so might as well just get the all-wheel drive taking premium on let it fuel. But so then there is the Type S engine, which is slightly different. It's a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder, putting out 355 horsepower at 5,500 RPM, 354 pound-feet of torque coming in at 1,400 RPM, that power being sent to all four wheels through yet again, 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Zero to 60 times substantially different coming in at 5.5 seconds with MPG numbers coming in at 17 in the city, 21 on the highway taking premium on let it fuel. And so before we do any kind of fun acceleration or paddle shifter test here in the MDX, what did I mention to you guys, the drive modes? There's kind of like a turn-dial labeled dynamic mode. You turn that to the left and to the right. It's gonna give you snow, comfort, normal, sport and individual. Then if you were to go with that Type S, you're gonna get sport plus and lift. So let me go ahead and turn that. We're in sport and then if you actually turn and hold, it's gonna put it in sport plus. Hey, it changes the gauges pretty substantially as well. That is pretty cool. But anyways, what those drive modes will do besides change the gauges is adjust things like the shift points, throttle response, the steering sensitivity, the all-wheel drive system engagement and in the case of our Type S, the ride height as well. So that is pretty cool. So now that we've got all of that out of the way, what do you guys say? Let's go ahead and find a straightaway. Let's put the paddle shifters here to the test first and let's see how quickly the paddle shifters are going to react for us in our MDX Type S. All right, so if you press that D slash S button again, that can put it in full manual shift mode. It's gonna tell you what gear you're in up on the digital gauges here. So I'm gonna put it in first gear in three, two, one. Yeah, baby. Good sound. Whoa, they're quick. What the heck? They're quick. What's wrong? What is wrong with this thing? SUV paddle shifters, this appears to be slow and lazy. Dang man, that was fun. Why are these paddle shifters so quick? And the second thing is with paddle shifters, which you can also use them for, is if it were to be snowing out here in PA, like it quite often does in the winter, you can use it for a little bit of engine braking, just do a little bit of downshifting with the paddle shifters. So you don't actually have to hit the brakes and we're sliding off the road. So they're there for that as well. But having said that, they're also there for fun because paddle shifters are quick. I didn't expect that. And maybe it's because it's the Type S, I don't know, but they actually do react quick. So well done, Acura. You did a very good job with your paddle shifters. But to give back full control to the MDX, you simply just hit that D slash S button again. That's gonna give back full control and let's find yet another straightaway and let's put the acceleration here to the test with the MDX having full control. And let's see how quickly we can get our new MDX Type S here up to speed. All right, let's do it from a stand still in three, two, one, go. That sound, I can't get over the sound. That thurs you, man. That is fun. That is a little too much fun for an SUV, if I'm being quite honest. That is a good acceleration without a doubt and there really should be that quicker than an SUV, but it's definitely not gonna have any issues emerging onto the highway. Having said that, the under engine configuration, you're not gonna have any issues emerging onto the highway with that either. That thing is also plenty quick. So either way you go with, you're gonna have some fun. This thing is definitely quicker than an SUV should be. I'll just put it that way. But anyways, to go along with that acceleration, as always, braking is equally important. So up front you will find 13.8 inch ventilated front disc in the back, 13 inch solid rear disc, and that's for the regular engine configuration. But if you're ready to go with that Type S, that brake size is actually bumped up the 14.3 inch ventilated front disc with four piston front cowpers as well. As far as the 6-0 stopping distance goes, that comes in at 118 feet, which is plenty fine as well. That is sports today and good. Typically SUVs, you get 120s, if not 130, so 118 feet. That is incredible in the braking feel. Easily on the firmer side of things. It instantly brings you to a stop. So for me, I absolutely love the braking feel in this MDX. But anyways, that touching on suspension and handling, up front you're gonna get a double wishbone type front suspension. Hit the back, independent multi-link rear suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, but one of my favorite parts, an adaptive damping suspension also comes standard on every trim level of the MDX. Why do I like this? I like it because what an adaptive damping suspension is, is essentially gonna monitor each shock absorber individually, not only adjusting to the road imperfections, giving you a smoother ride, but also tightening up that suspension during heavy cornering, giving you better handling as well. So it really gives you the best of both worlds. So you don't have to sacrifice anything with an adaptive damping suspension. So absolutely love that. And with the Type-S, you actually also get an adaptive air suspension. So what do I mean by that? Essentially when you put it in that sport plus driving mode, or when you're going a little bit faster, that suspension is automatically gonna lower a little bit at higher speeds, giving you better air dynamics. And of course, if you take it out of that sport plus driving mode, it's gonna raise them back up. So yet again, giving you the best of both worlds. So I absolutely love that as well. Overall, as far as ride quality goes, because we have both of those incredible suspension elements, ride quality has been perfectly fine. In my short little test drive here today, let me actually go ahead and take it out of sport driving mode. Let me actually put it in comfort. So yeah, ride quality has been perfectly fine. As far as steering feel goes, it does adjust depending upon the drive mode that you put it in. So you're gonna get a much heavier weight to the steering. If you put it in sport plus, you're gonna get a much looser steering feel as you would typically expect from an SUV in a comfort driving mode. So I do want to say that as far as cabin noise goes, I got the air kind of cranked up right now. Other than that, it's been perfectly fine to get very little road of wind noise coming into the cabin. So I've had no issues there. Touching on visibility, I actually can see great out the back. So 100% no issues there. Rain sensing windshield wipers will come standard on the technology trim level and up. So essentially whenever the MDX texts any kind of mist or rainfall, it's gonna automatically turn on those windshield wipers for you. So just one last thing you gotta worry about there. I love that. And there is going to be a head up display that will come standard on the advanced trim level. So that's gonna project your speed, limited safety features up onto your windshield like I am currently looking at. It's fairly large display as well. So that's pretty cool. So that's gonna better help you keep your eyes on the road there and help with forward visibility yet again. But that pretty much rounds out the performance segment of this review, guys. Let's now go ahead and take a look at the exterior of our brand new 2024 Acura MDX. All right, so here she is you guys, the new 2024 Acura MDX finished in Lunar Silver. In case you were curious of our exterior color name, but let's go ahead and start with where this one is made. Taking a look at the VIN first character is the number five, indicating that the new 2024 MDX is built and assembled here in the US, specifically Ohio. But let's go ahead and start up front. Of course, you're gonna find that type S badging found on the front grill definitely looks good. But if you don't go with the type S, you're not gonna find that obviously. And that front grill is gonna differ slightly depended upon that as well. But massive Acura logo up front didn't used to be that large and in charge up front, but definitely is now. But one thing I love about the MDX up front is those Juul-I LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, of course, but definitely give it that Juul-I look and specifically even the fog lights down below, which by the way come in the A-Spectrum level and up. They kind of have that Juul-I look for sure as well. So I love that. Of course, you get the automatic feature meaning when it starts to get dark out, headlights will turn on automatically for you. But you also get automatic high beams. So when you have your high beams on a night and since there's a vehicle coming in the opposite direction, it's gonna automatically dim them back to low beams. Then when that vehicle is gone, it's gonna automatically bounce it back up to high beams for you though. So that is pretty cool as well. And then to the sides down to the corners there, you do have some front air curtains helping direct air around the wheel and tire combination. But that pretty much rounds out the front end. I love the look of it. Let's now go ahead and make our way to the side of the MDX. All right, so Benelso, so you are around to the side of this one. Aluminum roof rails or gloss black roof rails will come standard on this one depended upon the trim that you go with. Chrome or gloss black windows surround, same thing depended upon the trim that you go with. Rear privacy glass though is going to come standard across the board. Taking a look at the side mirrors that are body colored power adjustable side mirrors or gloss black. They won't be heated with LED integrated turd signals as well. And actually the reverse gear tilt down feature is going to come standard on every single trim level as well. So when you put the MDX in reverse they're gonna tilt down slightly so you don't run over any bicycles or skateboards or whatever the case. But if you wanted the power folding feature meaning when you lock the thing up it's gonna automatically fold this side mirrors in go with the technology trim level end up. But do you like that type S badge you found on the front fenders? Again, that's specific to the type S of course. But taking a look down at the wheel setup they will of course differ depended upon the trim level. 19 by 8.5 inches for the base trim, 20 by nine inches for the technology A spec in advance and then 21 by 9.5 inches for the type S. So not only do they get bigger with trims but they also get wider for a little better handling I suppose as well. So that's pretty cool. But anyways, they're pretty much out the side profile. Let's now go ahead and make our way to the back. All right, so now since we are around to the back of the MDX body colored shark fin antenna all the way to the top just below that rear spoiler with an integrated brake light just below that rear window wiper gotta love these LED tail lights. They definitely look dang good as well. And then just below it all you will have dual exhaust outlets with quad chrome tips. So having said that I do believe you guys know what we have to do next is always here is that exhaust clip. All right, so now since we are around to the back of the MDX when it comes to opening that rear tailgate it is a power tailgate for all trim levels across the board. So love that. And if you were to go with one of those advanced trim levels it's also gonna be a hands free power tailgate as well. But once opened up cargo capacity behind that third row comes in at 16.3 cubic feet. If that was not enough space you can of course fold that third row down begin up to 39.1 cubic feet. And then with all rows folded that is going to come in at 71.4 cubic feet total. But in that cargo area you can find some cargo lighting of course to our grocery bag hooks. There's some chrome plated tie down anchors as well. There is a cargo cover and if you were to lift up underneath of that cargo floor you will find some in floor storage then as well. But then making your way up to the third row leg room that comes in at 29.1 inches for reference I mean even six feet tall this is how much space I had back there. There are some cup holders back there but to my surprise there's actually USB charging ports for that third row as well so love that. But the maker way up to the second row leg room that comes in at 38.5 inches again six feet tall this is how much space I had back there. Tri-Zoom climate control though actually does come standard for all trim levels across the board. So both driver, passenger and the rear passengers together can set their own temperature. So I like that rear ventilation of course is going to come standard. There are USB charging ports for that second row. There's a 120 volt power outlet if you were to go with the advanced trim or the Type S. Heated second row is gonna come with the advanced trim levels again and rear window sun shades coming with the technology trim level and up. I absolutely do love them. But anyways then making our way up to the front seats leather at finish is gonna come with the base trim level. Milano premium leather coming with the technology trim level and up. However there's gonna be a leather suede combination available for the A-spec and Type S trims. 12 way power adjustable front seats with power lumbar comes standard. 16 way power adjustable front seats coming with the advanced trim levels. By the way that comes with power thigh extensions and power side bolsters actually as well. But all trim levels are gonna get memory settings for both driver and passenger. That's not the Mercedes always likes to do but I like that. So you got three different memory settings for the passenger seat as well. So that's pretty cool. Heated front seats coming with all trim levels ventilated front seats coming with the A-Spectrum level and up. Overall seating was 100% perfectly comfortable. Why do you ask? Because the seams are vertical. I always harp on this in a lot of my reviews. If there's horizontal seams a lot of times that creates awkward pressure points but when manufacturers use vertical seams like Lexus often does like Acura often does. And sometimes Mercedes but not always it's so much more comfortable. There's no awkward pressure points though. As far as seat comfort goes 100% on point. Then taking a look at the steering wheel of course is tilt and telescoping. It is power adjustable for all trim levels across the board. So that's pretty cool. And you will actually get a flat bottom with the A-Spectrum and Type S trim levels and it will be heated as well for the advanced trim levels. But now let's go ahead and make our way to the startup. Let me start by showing you guys the key here. You got your Acura logo on the one side. It actually says Type S as well. So that is pretty cool. When you flip it over lock unlock the button to pop the rear tailgate and the engine hold button that's gonna be your remote start. So that's pretty cool as well but all in all it is all keyless entry with the push button start. So all I'm going to do here is put my front of the brake and press that engine start button located just to the left of the air vents. And so once started up which you guys are looking at is a 12.3 inch digital gauge cluster that does come standard for all trim levels across the board. I love that. They're steering wheel mounted controls. You can use that to adjust what is on there. And of course when you change the drive mode it is gonna completely alter the look of the digital gauges as well. And that's the beauty of digital gauges. You can completely customize the look of them with the colors and the load out and all that fun stuff. So I'm a huge fan of the gauges in this thing. But now let's go ahead and make our way to overall interior quality. A panoramic moon roof will come standard for all trim levels. Frameless rear view mirror with home light controls for up to three different garage doors coming standard for all trims as well. Wireless phone charger, all trim levels. Trizone climb control, all trim levels. Brushed aluminum trim that does come standard but open pour wood trim comes with the advanced trim levels in case you wanted that. 24 colors of ambient lighting coming with the technology trim level and up. I love that. Stainless steel pedals coming with the A spec and type S trim levels. And overall I think my favorite part is the combination with the open pour wood trim and this incredible blue interior finish. I'm telling you guys after test driving and experiencing so many different cars they always have either the traditional black or tan leathers. And to see something like blue or green I recently saw on IKEA as well. That's what I'm all about because I'm tired of seeing the same thing. I like these fun colors and that's just my personal opinion but I do love the interior color here. But anyways, we do have a couple of cup holders up here a little bit of storage probably for your key and within the center armrest. It's actually two sections there. That's nice but it's an okay amount of storage. Not the most I've ever seen but it's a nice kind of felt finish on the sides there. USB charging port and 12 volt power outlet in there as well. But overall because of the interior color I absolutely love the interior in this thing. But now let's go ahead and make our way to the infotainment screen. It is a 12.3 inch infotainment screen. It is not touch screen. However, you can control it by using the touchpad controller and buttons located kind of directly behind the shift buttons. And so when you use that you can toggle between things like Bluetooth and audio streaming. There is wireless Android Auto Apple CarPlay. So I love that it's wireless for all trims. Factory navigation system coming with the technology trim level it up. Of course you could check it your drive modes up there and your radio information. And so when it comes to the sound systems there are a few of them. Nine speakers is going to come with the base setup. 12 speaker ELS studio sound system coming with the technology and then for the A spectrum level and up you're going to get a 16 speaker ELS studio sound system. So that of course being the one that we have today. So having said that, what do you guys say? Let's go ahead and turn on the radio see what we got playing today and let's test out the clarity of this one. All right so clarity 100% on point. Base was plenty fine as well. You know it's funny how the same sound system can sound different in different vehicles just because of the size of the vehicle and where the speakers are placed. I would say this same sound system found in the Integra is so much better. It's still dang good in the MDX without a doubt but in the Integra because of the size of that thing it's better there but it's still actually in here in the MDX. I just wanted to say that. Anyways, last thing I wanted to mention you guys on the infotainment screen is when you do put the MDX in reverse you will of course find a review camera coming standard across the board but also a surround view monitor for the advanced trim levels giving you that bird's eye view there to the right and this is extremely high definition as well so I actually love it but anyways that is always is going to lead us into safety and so first let me start by saying IIHS top safety pick plus which is the very highest designation given by IIHS that pretty much says it all right there. Front side, side current airbags do come standard driver and passenger knee airbags as well. In the back you're going to have latch aka lower anchors to tethered to children for the rear car seats, rear child door locks, tire pressure monitoring system but also coming standard. Blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert, collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation system, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and forward collision warning then as well. And so overall when it comes to my final thoughts of course let me start with staying excellent safety. It doesn't get any better than IIHS top safety pick plus. Paddle shifters are surprisingly quick. That's another thing I want to mention because it surprised me. Like I said, there aren't supposed to be that quick in SUVs but this one did a wonderful job with that. Digital gauges look absolutely wonderful. I like that as well. I love the interior color on this thing, that blue, that navy blue that we have in this thing. Hope it came out on camera all right for you guys but I absolutely love the interior in this thing. As far as room for improvement goes I think more space would be nice. I mean, if this is the largest SUV by Acura they either need to make a new larger SUV to kind of compete with other larger luxury SUVs or just make this thing a little more spacious I guess you could say. Cause typically if you're looking at like a GLS or something it comes in what 80, 84 cubic feet and this one's coming in at 71. So I would just expect MDX to be a little bit bigger or at least Acura offer a larger SUV. That's all I'm saying. But also a better name would be pretty darn cold. I'm getting really bored of the three letter names that these manufacturers are coming up with. I love that Acura brought back the Integra. I wish they would change the TLX to maybe a legend or a vigor or something like that. And I wish that they would change the names of their SUVs as well. Make it something fun. Like Kia Telluride or a Palisade like something that has meaning behind it and that is not boring like three letters. But anyways, that's just my opinion but let me know what you guys think of the MDX in the comment section below and that is about it for this one you guys. Thank you so much for watching. If you're free to follow me on social media at the bottom of the screen if you wanna see what's coming next on the channel before it gets to YouTube be sure to hit the subscribe and the bell notification button if you're into new car reviews cause that is what we do here on this channel after all. Do appreciate you guys watching more than you know and I'll see you guys all in the next video. Stay Gold.