I recently spent a week test driving the Acura MDX Type S Ultra 2026 around Vancouver and Burnaby while trying some dishes at eateries in the area as well as viewing the cherry blossom trees.
The Acura MDX Type S Ultra aims to deliver speed, comfort, and advanced engineering in one premium package, while Vancouver’s restaurant scene thrives on creativity, quality ingredients, and neighborhood culture. Together, they represent two sides of modern lifestyle living mobility and taste.
The city was in full bloom with beautiful blossoming trees and I took a drive to Central Park in Burnaby to see some.
It was then time for dinner and drove to Vancouver to Yum Yai Thai Food and to enjoy some Thai street flavours. The restaurant emphasizes traditional Thai flavors through dishes such as curries, stir-fried noodles, and aromatic soups. Customers often gravitate toward the balance of spice, sweetness, acidity, and fresh herbs that defines authentic Thai cooking. Its location along Main Street places it within one of Vancouver’s busiest food corridors. I had the tasty Som Tum Combo Papaya salad, grilled chicken and sticky rice; as well as the Roti with peanut sauce.
The next day I drove through East Van to Just Pizza where the restaurant emphasizes classic pizza styles with accessible pricing and neighborhood convenience. In a city where dining can often become expensive or trend-driven, places like Just Pizza remain important because they provide familiarity, consistency, and community appeal. This is one of our favourite spots for sourdough pizza and I shared the delicious Cabbage salad; and I then had the In Brussels pizza with a tomato sauce base and the honey sesame crust while Lawrence had the Claypot Rice feature pizza.
At the center of the SUV is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission paired with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which actively distributes torque for improved cornering and stability. Acura also equips the Type S Ultra with adaptive air suspension and Brembo front brakes, giving the SUV sharper handling characteristics than typical family-oriented crossovers.
As I love Matcha I headed to the Riley Park neighbourhood to visit Mitchie Matcha Café which has become one of Vancouver’s standout destinations for Japanese-inspired beverages and desserts. The café specializes in premium matcha drinks, soft serve, pastries, and minimalist presentation. What separates the café from many trend-focused dessert shops is its emphasis on authentic matcha flavor rather than excessive sweetness. The atmosphere reflects Vancouver’s modern café culture: clean design, natural lighting, and a relaxed social environment. For many locals, it has become both a neighborhood coffee alternative and a social media favorite. I had a Matcha Black Sesame iced latte.
Inside, the MDX Type S Ultra leans heavily into luxury. Quilted leather seating, massage-equipped front seats, ambient “Iconic Drive” lighting, and a digital-focused cockpit help distinguish it from lower trims. Acura has also emphasized passenger comfort with a long wheelbase and refined suspension tuning aimed at balancing sportiness with long-distance usability.
As I was in the area I then had dinner at Chickpea Restaurant one of Vancouver’s most recognizable vegan restaurants. Known for generous portions and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, the restaurant has built a strong reputation among both vegan and non-vegan diners. The menu includes falafel platters, vegan shawarma, hummus bowls, and creative comfort-food dishes that prioritize flavor and texture rather than simply substituting meat alternatives. Its Main Street location reflects the character of the surrounding neighborhood: artistic, community-oriented, and highly supportive of independent businesses. I had their Falafel Salad bowl.
Located a couple of km North on Main street is Kobo Ice Cream which represents Vancouver’s growing interest in artisan dessert concepts. Rather than focusing on traditional ice cream flavors alone, Kobo experiments with globally inspired ingredients and rotating seasonal offerings. The shop’s modern branding and specialty flavor approach appeal to younger customers looking for more unique dessert experiences. Vancouver’s dessert scene increasingly rewards originality, and Kobo fits that trend well by combining visual presentation with small-batch craftsmanship. I visited to try what was the delicious Tahini and roasted walnut ice cream, also tasted a bunch of their other flavours, deciding that the Tahini was my favourite.
I really enjoyed the Acura MDX Type S Ultra 2026 it was a great car to drive in and around Vancouver.
By: Richard Wolak
Disclosure: Acura Canada provided me with the Acura MDX Type S Ultra 2026 for a week to test drive, and photograph.