The Acura MDX is an excellent choice for budding families in need of a luxury three-row SUV. Of course, no one really “needs” luxury. But the opulence that perforated leather, soft-touch surfaces, and all of the convenience that the higher-echelon vehicles provide are always welcome. That’s what makes the MDX a great choice – it provides the finer things in life at a low $48,000 price point.

But for those that want to have all of their cake and eat it too, there is now the option for the 2022 Acura MDX Type S. In fact, there’s really only one type of person that should buy this special trim level.

The 2022 Acura MDX Type S appeals to premium luxury buyers with a need for speed

After spending some time in the 2022 Acura MDX Type S, it’s clear to us that it’s made for well-heeled dads – or moms – with a need for speed to get the kids to soccer on time. But rest assured that the SUV is fitted with everything else that anyone could want or need.

Those wants and needs include things like massaging front seats, perforated Milano leather upholstery, and a 25-speaker ELS sound system. But at the heart of the matter, the MDX Type S is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine – sourced from the TLX Type S – that generates 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. For reference, the lower MDX trims have a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 290 and 267, respectively.

So, how much faster is this sporty trim level? According to the folks at Car and Driver, the 2022 MDX Type S can scoot to 60 mph from a standstill in a sports car-like 5.5 seconds – compared to 6.4 seconds in the standard trims. That’s on par with rivals like the Audi Q7 and the Genesis GV80. That should also be quick enough for the family-oriented businessman that wants to speed home for his wife’s “world-famous” casserole.

What else does the Acura MDX Type S come with?

Aside from the turbocharged engine and vibrating seats, the MDX Type S ups the performance ante with an adaptive air suspension. The fancy setup lowers the car by 0.6 inches in Sport and Sport + mode and raises it up by 2.1 inches in Lift mode. On the road, we could feel the car raise and lower slightly with the twist of the large knob on the center console. The ride also felt noticeably stiffer in the sporty modes and the steering felt tight but over-boosted.

There are also Brembo brake calipers and 14.3-inch rotors up front for better stopping power. They definitely feel grippy at normal driving speeds and will work well when braking for the stop sign that you saw at the last second. There are also other Type S goodies like sport pedals, a sport steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and “exclusive” styling bits to give the family hauler a sporting look.

How much does the MDX Type S cost?

Remember that low price point we mentioned above? That goes out the door when the boxes are checked for the top-level Type S Advance like the one we drove. The price as tested came in at a wallet-busting $72,550, which is nearly $25,000 more than the base price.

The question is: Is all of that performance and extra luxury worth the equivalent of a base Honda Civic? In our opinion, not really. Unless, of course, you’re a well-heeled mom or dad that needs to run their errands on time, every time. In that case, this race-ready three-row SUV has you covered.