I recently spent a week test driving the Acura MDX Type S Ultra 2026 around North Vancouver and points East to Maple Ridge and Langley while trying some dishes at eateries in the area.

It was a beautiful day in the city and I drove to North Vancouver and visited Coffee Villain which is located near 3rd and Chesterfield. Coffee Villain is a welcoming, independent coffee shop operated alongside Coffee Heroine Roasters. Known for its focus on small-batch, locally roasted specialty coffee beans, the cozy cafe serves as a go-to neighborhood hub for expertly crafted espresso beverages, pour-overs, and quick bites. Its low-key, community-focused vibe makes it an easy pit stop whether grabbing a drink on the go or picking up a fresh bag of house-roasted beans.

The next day I had dinner at East is East on Main Street in Vancouver, East is East offers an immersive sensory dining experience centered around the rich culinary traditions of the Silk Road. The restaurant is renowned for its warm, bohemian ambiance featuring earthy decor, low lighting, and live music or cultural performances. Its signature menu includes vibrant chai teas, nourishing rice bowls, fresh naan, and signature tasting feasts (“Chai Feasts”) that allow diners to sample a wide array of aromatic Afghan, Indian, and Middle Eastern curries and stews.

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.

The next day I took a drive to Maple Ridge and had lunch at Ban Chok Dee Thai Cuisine – Maple Ridge which offers a refined dining atmosphere where traditional Thai recipes are presented with artistic culinary flair. Renowned for its rich curries, fragrant stir-fries, and beautifully carved garnish, the kitchen emphasizes authentic flavors balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. The warm, thoughtfully decorated interior makes it a staple location in Maple Ridge for both casual family gatherings and special celebratory dinners. Here I had the Strawberry Lemongrass Basil Colada along with Chicken cashew nut with Wildberry rice and the Pad Thai Woon Sen with chicken, both very good dishes here.

After some time exploring the area I drove to Langley to have dinner at Food by Fanta in downtown Langley delivers a creative fusion menu that blends modern Western dining with vibrant Southeast Asian influences. Led by Chef Fanta, the stylish restaurant is celebrated for its playful presentation, elevated brunch offerings, and inventive dinner plates that feature unique flavor pairings. With its chic interior and focused emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients, it has quickly established itself as one of the Fraser Valley’s standout destination eateries. Here I had the Coconut Cloud drink along with the Tuna and our favourite Flower Dumplings, Chicken wings, Sablefish and we finished sharing the Kahnom Pung Sung Ka Ya dessert with pandan creme custard on caramelized sweet milk bread.

The SUV features a large cargo area for transporting groceries as well as all sorts of items or luggage when travelling.

The next day I met my friend Tara for brunch in North Vancouver at Loam Bistro a modern, design-forward neighborhood spot known for its elevated all-day brunch and cafe fare. The kitchen crafts creative, aesthetically plated dishes that blur the line between traditional breakfast and gourmet bistro dining—ranging from truffle or bone marrow omelettes to pistachio French toast and savory bowls. Paired with specialty coffees and a bright, stylish space, it provides a relaxed yet polished setting for casual morning catch-ups or daytime dining.

I had the Cauliflower & Tofu Bowl with Turmeric-roasted cauliflower & jackfruit, tofu, miso tahini sauce and a Matcha Latte.; while Tara had the Prawn & Gruyere Omelette French-rolled omelette with tiger prawns, mozzarella + gruyère, finished with béchamel sauce and house-made lemon chili oil.

We then shared the delicious Strawberry & Pistachio French Toast as kind of a brunch dessert, it was made with milk bread, pistachio anglaise, pistachio crumble, and strawberry compote.

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.