The Acura MDX Type S Advance comes standard with an exclusive Adaptive Air Suspension system that actively adjusts ride height and suspension behavior based on driving mode, road conditions, load, and speed.
For Indiana drivers navigating everything from I-65 highway cruising to unpaved rural roads to February snowfall, the system earns its place across every season.
The Adaptive Air Suspension in the MDX Type S is controlled through the Integrated Dynamics System, the same drive mode selector that governs throttle response, steering weight, and torque vectoring behavior.
The system delivers a 40% lower spring rate while cruising at speed, reducing the transmission of road vibration and harshness into the cabin. In Sport or Sport+ mode, the ride height drops 0.6 inches for a lower center of gravity.
Lift mode raises the vehicle body 2.0 inches above its standard ride height for rough terrain, deep snow, or conditions where additional clearance helps prevent undercarriage contact. The system also levels the body automatically when loaded with passengers, cargo, or towing weight.
| Drive Mode | Ride Height | Spring Rate | Damper Setting | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snow | Standard | Standard | Moderate | Winter traction and control |
| Comfort | Standard | 40% lower at speed | Soft | Relaxed everyday driving |
| Normal | Standard | 40% lower at speed | Balanced | General daily use |
| Sport | -0.6 in. | Standard | Firm | Performance driving |
| Sport+ | -0.6 in. | Standard | Firmest | Track-inspired performance |
| Lift | +2.0 in. | Standard | Moderate | Rough terrain, deep snow |
| Individual | Driver-selected | Driver-selected | Driver-selected | Custom preference |
This range of adjustment across seven modes is a meaningful competitive differentiator. The MDX Type S Advance includes the full Adaptive Air Suspension system as standard equipment.
Indiana's driving environment puts a suspension system through a real range of demands across a single year. Winter brings snow accumulation and road conditions where additional ground clearance is genuinely useful. Spring and fall bring rain-softened roads and variable surface conditions where predictable handling matters.
Summer highway driving on I-65, I-69, and I-70 rewards a system that isolates road noise and vibration at speed. The MDX Type S handles all of these through the same integrated system rather than requiring the driver to choose between a comfortable vehicle and a capable one.
The Adaptive Air Suspension is a system that communicates most clearly through driving. The transition between Comfort and Sport+ mode, the feel of Lift mode engaging, and the stability difference at highway speed all become immediately clear on a test drive.
At Ed Martin Acura on E 96th Street in Indianapolis, our team can walk you through the MDX Type S Advance and demonstrate how the suspension system behaves across modes.
No. The Adaptive Air Suspension is exclusive to the MDX Type S Advance.
Lift mode raises the MDX Type S body 2.0 inches above its standard ride height for rough terrain, unpaved surfaces, or deep snow.
In Sport and Sport+ modes, the ride height drops 0.6 inches compared to the standard position.
The system responds to selected drive mode, while automatic body leveling operates independently when added weight is detected.
The MDX Type S Advance includes the complete Adaptive Air Suspension system as standard equipment on that trim.
Yes, positively. Automatic body leveling compensates for added weight to maintain target ride height.
The Adaptive Damper System adjusts shock absorber firmness. Adaptive Air Suspension also adjusts actual ride height.
Lift mode is designed for low-speed use on rough terrain or deep snow and is not intended for sustained highway driving.
The system does not require maintenance routines significantly different from a conventional suspension.
The MDX Type S Advance is the top configuration in the lineup and carries exclusive features no other MDX trim offers. View current MDX specials and incentives or apply for financing.
