Acura's True Touchpad system was a nightmare. But luckily, that bad dream is about to be over with the introduction of the 2025 MDX and MDX Type S. The three-row luxury SUV is getting a light refresh for the 2025 model year, which brings styling enhancements, light interior updates, and more standard tech. The new MDX is slated to go on sale in May.

Starting with that new infotainment, it's packed into the same large 12.3-inch display as last year, though it has been pushed forward a bit to accommodate the long-awaited touchscreen interface. The more intuitive tapping gestures aren't the only changes here, as the latest system also inherits Google built-in, which unlocks access to pre-loaded apps such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store. Customers can also mirror their phones more easily with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The latest generation of AcuraLink comes baked in as well, as does a Wi-Fi hotspot, over-the-air updates, and remote start and locking/unlocking.

With the touchpad system now gone, it has given Acura the freedom to change things up in the center console. The new layout has more room for storage and a more open area for the wireless charger to live.

Changes are visible on the outside as well, where the MDX gains a new insert design for the grille and a more athletic front bumper with deeper intakes. The headlights and taillights both have a darker finish, and the SUV adds Canyon River Blue Metallic and Urban Gray Pearl to its exterior color palette.

While trim levels stay mostly the same, there is now an A-Spec variant available with the Advance Package. As with the rest of the A-Spec Acuras, this model features sporty exterior styling with a posh interior. With the Advance Package, the latter is especially true with quilted leather massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and a head-up display.

There are also some equipment changes for trims with the Technology Package. Those models feature new 20-inch wheels, along with laminated rear door glass and extra insulation to make the cabin quieter.

The sound system gets some upgrades as well, with the standard version adding two extra speakers, while the more sophisticated Bang & Olufsen system jumps to 19 speakers––seven more than before.

Rounding out the equipment changes are some new safety features, including an upgraded camera system, improved blind spot sensors, a Cornering Speed Assist function for the adaptive cruise control, a rear seatbelt reminder, and a new millimeter-wave radar system with a wider field of view and more precise object detection.

The extra sporty MDX Type S benefits from the a similar set of changes, including a new frameless grille design up front, a more aggressive front bumper with a gloss black finish, and two-tone designs for the 21-inch wheels. The Type S also adds revised front seats with bolsters wrapped with Ultrasuede, along with Type S badging on the headrests. In addition, this model now comes with a bonkers 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, and the Advance Package is now marked as standard.

Powertrains go on unchanged, which means the standard MDX comes equipped with a 3.5 liter V6 making 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive remains optional, and power is routed through a ten-speed automatic. The Type S still packs a 3.0 liter turbocharged V6 under the hood, delivering the same 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque as before. The ten-speed automatic transmission continues to send power to the SUV's Super Handling all-wheel drive system.

The 2025 MDX and MDX Type S will begin arriving at U.S. dealers in May, with pricing to be released closer to the SUV's release.

Image Credits: Acura