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Offering a Type S variant for the first time, the all-new, three-row 2022 Acura MDX features over 24-inches of digital displays and a host of luxury amenities.
What’s New for the 2022 Acura MDX?
It’s an all-new affair with the 2022 Acura MDX that features tighter styling and a brawnier stance thanks to a cab-rearward design. Acura’s high-performance Type S brand is applied to the MDX for the first time with a turbocharged V6 engine that produces 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque paired with Super-Handling AWD (SH-AWD). The dash-to-axle ratio has been stretched 4 inches to lengthen the hood line and imbue the MDX with a powerful stance. There is all manner of new systems from a proprietary new airbag to fully digital cockpit and Amazon Alexa Built-In. We previewed the 2022 MDX here but today we’ll take a deep dive.
2022 Acura MDX – netcarshow.com | Shop 2022 Acura MDX on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
More athletic appearance
Sharp-looking Phantom Violet Pearl paint option
Over 24″ of screen space
ELS Studio stereo packs 25 speakers
Hybrid powertrain no longer available
Luxury German SUV trappings at a discount
2022 MDX Specs
- 290 horsepower from base engine
- 267 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 16.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 71.4 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Properly equipped models tow 5,000 lbs
- Ultra-thin speakers mounted in headliner
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain coverage
2022 Acura MDX Powertrain
The standard 3.5L V6 motor, that makes 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, is a carryover from the prior MDX generation however; it has been upgraded with a 10-speed automatic driving the front wheels. SH-AWD is a $2,200 option for base or Technology models and standard from there on up. It uses torque-vectoring control to move power around as needed for optimal traction and handling. New for 2022 is a double-wishbone front suspension system that promises tighter handling, something you can learn more about in our Suspension Explained article.
Only Type S models are fitted with the turbocharged 3.0L V6 that puts out 355 horses and 354 lb-ft of torque. It is also paired with a 10-speed automatic and SH-AWD exclusively. Brembo front brakes accompany these models along with an adaptive air suspension that can add up to two-inches of ground clearance, or squat low for high-speed efficiency. Something you will not find on the 2022 MDX is the hybrid powertrain that was available on the previous generation MDX we compare here.
Towing & Payload
You can tow up to 3,500 pounds on front-wheel-drive MDXs but there is not any trailering equipment, like a hitch, included. Acura does offer a range of accessories like receivers and wiring harnesses to this end. The 5,000-pound maximum trailering capacity requires purchase of a transmission cooler kit, which can be sourced from Acura.
2022 Acura MDX Fuel Economy & MPG
Every 2022 Acura MDX uses cylinder deactivation technology and idle start-stop in the interest of fuel efficiency. Base models earn EPA estimates of 19 mpg in city driving and 26 on the highway, subtract 1 mpg from the highway figure when fitted with SH-AWD. Hot-rod MDX Type S models do not fare as well, earning just 17 mpg around town and 21 on the highway. Something to keep in mind when evaluating the new MDX is that is requires 91-octane fuel, which can add up.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Three rows with seven seating positions is standard on the 2022 MDX, though the second-row middle seat can be removed to create a dual captain’s chair setup. It is a snazzy place to be, especially on the Type S Advance with its Azurite Blue leather and open-pore wood trim. Acoustic laminated front glass and Active Noise Control are lineup standard as is a panoramic moonroof. Legroom is decent for the middle row at 38-inches but the 29-inches found in the third row is best suited for kids. Luxury amenities range from massaging front seats and a heated steering wheel to power tilt-and-telescoping steering column and LED ambient lighting.
Entertainment & Technology
Every 2022 MDX comes with a configurable 12.3-inch instrument panel and 12.3-inch infotainment screen controlled via center console touchpad. Wireless Apple and Android phone mirroring, Alexa Built-In, a Wi-Fi hotspot and five USB ports are all included as well. CabinControl allows passengers to modify vehicle systems with their smartphone and A-Spec models come with CabinTalk, an in-vehicle intercom system. Stereo options include 9-, 12-, 16- and 25-speaker audio setups including ELS Studio 3D with 1000 watts of juice. Wireless phone charging and satellite radio are standard but you’ll need to move up the trim ladder to access navigation and the HUD.
Safety Features
AcuraWatch, the standard group of advance driver assistance systems (ADAS) found on the 2022 MDX, features Forward Collision Warning with Automated Emergency Braking and pedestrian detection, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keeping and automatic high beams. Available systems include front and rear parking sonar as well as a birds-eye view exterior monitor. New this year, Acura fits a proprietary 3-chamber passenger front airbag designed to more effectively cradle and protect the head during impacts.
2022 Acura MDX Trims & Pricing
Base – $49,045
Sporting 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof and full LED lighting makes the entry-level 2022 MDX a sharp-dressed crossover. Standard interior amenities include leatherette upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats as well as tri-zone automatic climate control. A headlining feature of this all-new MDX is the 12.3-inch Precision Cockpit digital gauge cluster, which, along with the 12.3-inch infotainment screen, is standard.
Wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto software is on hand along with a wireless charging pad, 9-speaker stereo and AcuraLink Connected Services. This app-based vehicle connectivity software allows for remote control of locks and engine start. AcuraWatch, the automakers’ suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).
Technology – $53,745
The Technology trim unlocks access to the striking Phantom Violet Pearl paint finish and sports 20-inch alloys. Perforated leather seating can be optioned in Ebony or Espresso and the brushed aluminum trim comes in a handsome bronze finish. Real-time traffic data and a navigation system are added here, as are rain-sensing windshield wipers and parking sonar.
A-Spec – $59,445
The Sporty MDX A-Spec features gloss-black exterior trim, LED fog lamps and an exclusive Apex Blue Pearl paint option. Leather trimmed sport seats with Ultrasuede inserts add sporty flair, especially in the available red and black two-tone theme. There is also a flat-bottomed steering wheel, fully climatized front seats and an ELS Studio 3D stereo with 16 speakers. Opt for the $1,956 Premium Sport package to add a heated steering wheel, dark chrome badging and illuminated doorsill covers.
Advance – $62,995
Tech highlights on Advance models include a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) and 360° Surround View exterior camera. Upgraded amenities like a hands-free liftgate, heated second-row and 16-way adjustable seats further the high-end feel. Other niceties like driver’s seat memory settings, a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror and open-pore wood trim are all on tap here.
Type S – $67,745
With 21-inch rims, quad exhaust outlets, red-painted Brembo brake front calipers and the Tiger Eye Pearl finish, there is no mistaking an MDX Type S. The 355-horse turbocharged motor with 354 lb-ft of torque and SH-AWD are standard on this model as is an adaptive air suspension system, exclusive front fascia, black headliner and patterned aluminum trim. Tack on the Utility package for roof rails, running boards and a cargo area protector.
Type S Advance – $73,095
Top-spec Type S Advance trim is the only model where you’ll find the 25-speaker ELS Studio audio system, 9-way massaging front seats and a fully leather-lined cabin, including a French-stitched dashboard. Roof rails and a walk-away close liftgate are part of the deal as is a heated steering wheel and Amazon Alexa Built-In.
Warranties
Acura’s warranty comes with longer time and mileage windows than the industry average but no complimentary maintenance, which is found among most of the luxury completion. Basic vehicle coverage runs 4 years or 50,000 miles and the powertrain is covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles.
What we think
2022 Acura MDX – netcarshow.com | Shop 2022 Acura MDX on Carsforsale.com
You can buy a nicely equipped base 2022 Acura MDX for about $49,000, or a fully outfitted Type S hot rod for $73,000. A new BMW X5, for comparison, starts at $61,000 and runs up to $84,000; and the MDX is not exactly skimping on luxury. In fact, it is an impressively engineered SUV with all manner of high-end amenities, tech and performance to boot. I’d buy one.
