[MDX69]

2022 Acura MDX Positioned to Maintain Three-Row Sales Lead

With snappy styling, excellent road manners, daring interior and proven powertrain, the redesigned Acura MDX should carry on the momentum.

www.wardsauto.com

2022 Acura MDX Positioned to Maintain 3-Row Sales Lead

At the end of its lifecycle, the outgoing MDX outsold every rival nearly 2-to-1. With snappy styling, excellent road manners, a daring and functional interior and a proven powertrain, the fully redesigned model should carry on the momentum.

Tom Murphy | Feb 18, 2021

CHELSEA, MI – Acura has taken criticism over the years for, excuse the idiom, being neither fish nor fowl – too expensive to compete with mainstream brands but not fancy enough to challenge established luxury brands.

This predicament has been reflected in modest sales of the recent past.

But Honda’s upscale brand continues to demonstrate its relevance with an albeit limited portfolio. A few months ago, we told you about the all-new sporty TLX sedan, which is selling well.

The 2-row RDX last year achieved 52,785 U.S. deliveries in the Middle Luxury CUV segment tracked by Wards Intelligence, outselling 3 BMWs and every Audi, Cadillac, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo in the sector.

But now it’s time for Acura to take a bow in a segment it truly dominates with its three-row MDX: Large Luxury CUVs.

At the end of its lifecycle, the outgoing MDX landed in 47,816 U.S. driveways in an extraordinary 2020, outselling every rival (Audi Q7, BMW X7, Cadillac XT6, Infiniti QX60, Mercedes GLS) by about 2-to-1, according to Wards Intelligence data. The No.2 Volvo XC90 achieved 34,251 deliveries last year.

This sets the stage for the fully redesigned fourth-generation ’22 MDX (interior pictured below), now on sale with its 1st double-wishbone front suspension, wider wheels and tires, new multi-link rear suspension, improved braking and an all-new light-truck platform that makes for Acura’s most rigid utility vehicle ever.

On road, these notable enhancements give the redone MDX excellent road manners, tracking predictably (and quietly) on the highway and surface streets and frolicking in fresh snow off-road on a cold Michigan winter day, enabled by the 4th-generation Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.

Even with 3 rows standard, the ’22 MDX handles as if it’s smaller and lighter than its 4,534- lb. (2,056-kg) curb weight.

Here in central lower Michigan, Acura stages competitive test drives in the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and Lexus RXL (with V-6), and the MDX stacks up very well, particularly on the powertrain front: The Audi and Volvo use stout 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. engines, while the MDX employs the proven award-winning 3.5L SOHC V-6 that has been core to Honda and Acura vehicles for years.

Tom Murphy

With automakers investing so heavily in battery-electric vehicles and governments worldwide pushing for a zero-emissions future, it’s hard to say how much longer existing gasoline engines will remain competitive, assuming there isn’t an endless trough of R&D funds for automakers to improve them, or (in a very unlikely scenario) launch new ones.

The MDX is a case in point: Acura was thorough in redesigning nearly every aspect of its popular three-row CUV, but the engine gets only modest improvements.

The ’22 model carries over the same 290 hp and 267 lb.-ft. (362-Nm) torque rating and compression ratio of the previous MDX, although new multi-hole fuel injectors and catalytic converters give the MDX a better ULEV emissions rating.

The engineering team also redesigned the air-intake system to be constructed from polypropylene reinforced with mica and glass to help mitigate heat and to reduce noise, especially at wide-open throttle.

Between 2003 and 2014, this engine (initially displacing 3.0L, then 3.5L) won 7 Wards 10 Best Engines trophies, as well as an 8th for its application in the Honda Accord Hybrid in 2005.

Note Acura sales in U.S. as solid blue line in middle of luxury market.

It still feels fresh, refined and supremely capable in any rev range, especially paired for the 1st time with Honda’s 10-speed automatic transmission (replacing the 9-speed in the previous MDX).
An extra forward gear helps the MDX achieve an impressive 23.5 mpg (10 L/100 km) during the 55-mile (89-km) drive back to metro Detroit. The turbo-4s in similar-size competitive vehicles might struggle to reach that level of efficiency.

Beyond the mechanical bits, the ’22 MDX is a good-looking vehicle with more crimps and seams in the sheet metal and more drama and depth at the front end below the edge of a long hood. From the back it looks more muscular and athletic, particularly with the rear bumper tucked in close for a shorter overhang.

The angular design language extends inside the MDX, reflected in the door trim, seat stitching and steering wheel. The tiered instrument panel blends matte-finish materials and piano-black plastic with a cleanly designed upper section that is hand-wrapped and top-stitched.

Authentic aluminum and open-pore wood give the cabin an upscale feel, as does the Milano premium leather-trimmed seats that are standard with Technology and Advance packages. Base MDX models come with leatherette.

Acura

Our A-Spec test model (generously optioned with SH-AWD and a $58,625 sticker price) incorporated a bold color combination of red Milano leather with black microsuede (pictured below).

Most shoppers are bound to pick the more conventional interior hues (Ebony, Graystone, beige Parchment and caramel Espresso-pictured above), but the mere availability of an interior resembling the color of a fire truck makes the MDX a contender among enthusiast shoppers who want to stand out.

The seats (both aesthetically and ergonomically) represent a significant upgrade for the new MDX, adopting the new Sport Seat architecture 1st introduced in the RDX.

Standard across all models is a flexible 2nd row with a removable center seat, as well as seating for two in the 3rd row, which is reasonably comfortable for a smallish adult. 3rd-row seats fold flat into the floor; they stow manually (no power folding available) and reaching the lever to redeploy the seat while standing at the rear bumper can be a challenge. A hands-free power tailgate closes automatically upon walking away.

Tom Murphy

In the front row, the push-button transmission from the previous model carries over in the center console, which now incorporates the latest generation of Acura’s groundbreaking True Touchpad Interface, connected to a high-definition 12.3-in. (31-cm) display, the largest yet to appear in an Acura, for accessing infotainment menus.

7 USB ports are available, 3 in the front row and 2 each in the 2nd and 3rd rows.

New to MDX is a 10.5-in. (27-cm) head-up display and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium audio system that makes old songs sound fresh with remarkable track separation – different instruments and vocals coming from specific speakers strategically placed.

Qi wireless phone charging is standard and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, along with Cabin Talk for communicating with 3rd-row occupants. Amazon Alexa connectivity is built-in.

The ’22 MDX comes with a broad range of standard driver-assistance features, from adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic monitor and forward-collision warning to lane-keeping, traffic-jam assist and traffic-sign recognition.

Pricing starts at $46,900 and walks up to $60,650 for an Advance model with SH-AWD. Stay tuned for pricing of the MDX Type S high-performance variant powered by a 355-hp 3.0L turbocharged V-6, set to arrive this summer.

Acura proudly touts the MDX as the best-selling 3-row SUV of all time, with more than 1 million sold since the 1st MDX arrived in 2001.

That’s no small accomplishment, and neither is the all-new ’22 model.

Tom Murphy

 

[MDX69]

 

[MDX69]

 

[MDX69]

Tested: 2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD Is a Driver's Family Hauler Tested: 2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD Is a Driver's Family Hauler
Acura's larger 3-row MDX benefits from significantly sharper handling and more technology.

By Mike Sutton

Feb 24, 2021

View Photos


Michael SimariCar and Driver




UPDATE 2/23/21: This review has been updated with test results.

Acura's driver-focused brand reboot is off to a strong start with the compelling 2021 TLX sports sedan that it introduced late last year. But to be successful in today's market, the brand's recipe for handling prowess also has to work on a hulking, 3-row utility vehicle. Fortunately for the redesigned 2022 MDX—whose predecessor outsold the TLX roughly 2 to 1 in recent years—it does.

The 4th-generation model's athleticism is surprising considering it's about 2 inches longer and wider than before and has a wheelbase that's 2.8 inches longer. Partially compensating for the larger footprint is a new platform, which is stiffer and features a switch from a strut front suspension to a control-arm setup that sharpens its manners and handling. Combined with direct but not overly quick variable-assist steering, the result is a reassuringly positive feel from its front end when turning into corners, regardless of the selected drive mode.



View Photos



Michael SimariCar and Driver

HIGHS: Sharper steering and handling, more spacious 2nd and 3rd rows, additional standard tech.

More on Acura MDX and TLX




2022 MDX Is More Expensive and Bigger Inside



Tested: Acura TLX Shows Signs of Greatness

A revised multilink rear suspension and adaptive dampers add to its nimble composure, as does a torque-vectoring rear differential on versions equipped with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Base models get 19-inch wheels, but most trims wear 20s shod with 255/50R-20 Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S all-season tires. Ride quality on the big rollers is taut but never harsh. While road isolation is not as comprehensive as that of, say, an Audi Q7 or a Volvo XC90, the MDX's responsiveness is unexpected for a 7-seat vehicle nearly 200 inches long. A blanket of snow prevented us from learning if the new version improves upon the 0.83 g of lateral grip posted by an all-wheel-drive 2017 MDX we last tested. But our new SH-AWD A-spec test vehicle did stop from 70 mph in 170 feet, which is about par for this segment and a solid 15 feet shorter than its predecessor.

Power comes from Acura's familiar, throaty-sounding 3.5-liter V-6 that's good for 290 horses, which now mates to an automatic transmission with 10 speeds, up from the previous nine. Gear swaps are smooth and well-coordinated. But given the MDX's sportier character, we'd like quicker responses from the 10-speed's paddles on the steering wheel. At 4514 pounds, our test vehicle weighed just shy of 300 pounds more than its predecessor, with that bloat contributing about a half-second to its acceleration times. The run to 60 mph now takes 6.4 seconds and the quarter-mile passes in 15.1 seconds at 93 mph, which feels wholly adequate for a family hauler and is quicker than many workaday 3-row SUVs, such as the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-9. Both of those vehicles need around seven seconds to hit 60 and a few more tenths to complete a quarter-mile.



View Photos



Michael SimariCar and Driver

LOWS: Unimpressive real-world fuel economy, touchpad infotainment interface remains less than intuitive.

Despite the MDX's weight gain, its EPA fuel-economy estimates—21 mpg combined, 19 city, and 25 highway for SH-AWD models—are essentially the same as those of the outgoing model. However, that picture is less rosy in the real world: Our test vehicle averaged a full-size-SUV-like 16 mpg overall, and it only managed 22 mpg on our 75-mph highway test versus 28 mpg for its 2017 model-year counterpart.

A longer hood helps the MDX's handsomely creased bodywork more closely mimic rear-wheel-drive proportions, despite its engine still being mounted transversely. Inside, drivers will appreciate the standard front sport seats and smaller diameter, thicker-rimmed steering wheel. Technophiles will dig the bright 12.3-inch gauge-cluster and infotainment displays, although we maintain that, despite some updates, Acura's touchpad interface is no replacement for a well-executed touchscreen. Aluminum accents and open-pore wood trim combine with ambient lighting to give the MDX's cabin a rich, high-tech vibe that's commensurate with the $61,675 ask of the top Advance SH-AWD model. Prices start at $47,925, a $2400 increase over the outgoing model.



View Photos



Michael SimariCar and Driver
Additional highlights include an available head-up display, 16-speaker ELS audio system with 710 watts, and a removable 2nd-row center console/seat that can convert the central bench to captain's chairs. Comfort levels are high in the middle row, although 6-footers may wish for a bit more legroom when front-seat occupants aren’t feeling generous. Rearmost riders benefit from easier access to a more spacious 3rd row that sits higher off the floor, but adults still won't want to sit back there for long. On the utility front, the MDX tows up to 5000 pounds, and its cargo hold swallows 16 cubic feet of stuff behind the third row, 39 with the 3rd row folded, and 71 with both rows folded.

That the MDX's driver-centric evolution has brought any uptick in versatility is impressive. As it did with the TLX, Acura will offer a Type S version of the MDX later this year, which should be far more interesting with its 355-hp twin-turbo V-6 and larger brakes, wheels, and tires. But even in standard 290-hp form, the MDX reinforces Acura's new direction via its heightened connection with the road.


Specifications
2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$58,625 (base price: $49,925)
ENGINE TYPE
SOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
212 in3, 3471 cm3
Power
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque
267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arms/ multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.8-in vented disc/13.0-in disc
Tires: Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S, 255/50R-20 105H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.8 in
Length: 198.4 in
Width: 78.7 in
Height: 67.1 in
Passenger volume: 139 ft3
Cargo volume: 16 ft3
Curb weight: 4514 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.4 sec
100 mph: 17.6 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.6 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.2 sec
1/4 mile: 15.1 sec @ 112 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 112 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 170 ft
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 16 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 22 mpg
Highway range: 400 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 21/19/25 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

 

[Analytical1]

I just got my 2022 tech tonight! I am one who does not like change (have had the 2014 for 8 years) so I will be a perfect guinea pig to see how the new touchpad works. Everything else is amazing so far! What have you all liked/disliked?

 

[MDX69]

 

[MDX69]

I just got my 2022 tech tonight! I am one who does not like change (have had the 2014 for 8 years) so I will be a perfect guinea pig to see how the new touchpad works. Everything else is amazing so far! What have you all liked/disliked?

Congratulations on your new purchase! How do you like it so far compared to your 2014?

I have not gone to see the 2022 so no real opinion yet versus my 2017 Sport Hybrid. For the most part, I like that they are upping their luxury game and making this generation more than just a Honda Pilot Plus. I do wish that they would have had the Sport Hybrid option again tho.

 

[MDX69]

 

[MDX69]

https://www.cars.com/articles/2022-acura-mdx-5-things-we-like-and-3-things-we-dont-433238/

2022 Acura MDX: 5 Things We Like and 3 Things We Don’t

By Nick Kurczewski

March 12, 2021

2022 Acura MDX
Cars.com photo by Jennifer Geiger

The 2022 Acura MDX is a fresh take on a luxurious three-row SUV that squares off against strong rivals such as the Lincoln Aviator, Lexus RX, Genesis GV80 and Infiniti QX60. Where the new and improved MDX shines is in value. Even with a starting price of more than $47,000, the 2022 MDX comes standard with loads of safety features and updated tech touches, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Related: 2022 Acura MDX Review: Tech Pains Curb Family, Luxury Gains

2022 Acura MDX Specs & Reviews Find a 2022 Acura MDX Near You

Inside, Acura’s engineering team focused on creating a more functional and flexible place to spend your time. The center seat in the 2nd row can be used either like a bench seat, which accommodates three car seats across, or removed so the outboard seats become captain’s chairs. There has also been a substantial upgrade to the MDX’s infotainment system, though this also proved controversial during our test.

You can click the related link above to read our complete review of the 2022 Acura MDX. Or for a quick recap of this mid-size luxury SUV’s best attributes — plus some items that need a rethink — keep reading below.

Things We Like
1. Smooth V-6, Improved Transmission

2022 Acura MDX
Cars.com photo by Jennifer Geiger

Under the hood is a 3.5-liter V-6 that sends 290 horsepower to the front wheels courtesy of a 10-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive is optional. This is a smooth and refined powertrain, and the gearbox in particular is a solid step forward from the previous 9-speed automatic. There is no hunting for gears or hesitation in acceleration when powering through city or highway traffic.

2. More Standard and Optional Safety Features
The previous Acura MDX already came standard with an impressive amount of active safety equipment, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. Newly standard safety items include a driver attention monitor, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition and Acura’s Traffic Jam Assist. This system controls braking and acceleration at slow speed and works to a complete stop, all while maintaining a safe distance behind the vehicle ahead. The aim is to reduce driver fatigue during traffic slowdowns.

3. Seating Flexibility

2022 Acura MDX
Cars.com photo by Jennifer Geiger

The MDX still offers 3 rows of seating and space for up to 7 people onboard. Yet, for the 2022 model year, the 2nd row packs some surprises. The middle seat can be removed to create a nearly 14-inch wide walkway to the 3rd row. This creates more stretch-out space for second-row occupants, and makes it easier to access the 3rd row. Along these same lines, with the push of a button the 2nd-row seats collapse and slide forward to aid anyone climbing into the rear-most seats.

4. Creative Cargo Space

2022 Acura MDX
Cars.com photo by Jennifer Geiger

Like the improved seating capabilities, Acura also turned its attention to the MDX’s cargo area. Not only is there more total space behind the 3rd and 2nd row than what rivals offer, the MDX has a few extra cards up its sleeve. There is a roomy underfloor storage compartment as well as a reversible cargo floor with an easy-clean plastic side. Need to haul muddy hiking gear or a particularly dusty antique? Flip the cargo floor and don’t worry about dirtying the trunk’s carpet.

5. Improved Infotainment — to a Point
The good news is that the 2022 Acura MDX has a more intuitive and user-friendly infotainment system than the dual-screen setup used in its predecessor. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, and we found the Amazon Alexa voice controls very handy. The system now comes with a large 12.3-inch screen mounted on the dashboard. While the display is large and clear, things get murky when it’s time to scroll through various menus and controls. More on this in just a moment …

Things We Don’t
1. Fussy Infotainment Controls

2022 Acura MDX
Cars.com photo by Jennifer Geiger

While the MDX’s infotainment system is better than before, it still lacks an actual touchscreen. That’s right, the primary means of controlling the system is via a center console touchpad. It takes lots of patience, practice and some luck to get right (especially when you’re driving). The major pieces are all there; Acura is simply short a touchscreen to make everything perform seamlessly.

2. 3rd Row Remains Best Left for Kids
Getting to the 3rd row is easier for 2022, though the space back there is still best left for kids. Anyone feeling greedy about legroom while perched in the 2nd row will be a serious problem if the MDX is at full capacity. With a 2nd-row seat slid all the way back, there’s not much 3rd-row legroom directly behind it.

3. MPG Is Only OK

2022 Acura MDX
Cars.com photo by Jennifer Geiger

The Acura MDX isn’t much better or worse than its mid-size luxury SUV rivals when it comes to mpgs. It’s also not any better than the previous version. In fact, the 2022 Acura MDX is slightly less fuel efficient than the model before it. The difference is small, though it would have been nice to see the new MDX’s overall fuel economy needle move upward, not down.
More From Cars.com:

• 2022 Acura MDX: Cost Up, Fuel Economy Down
• How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2022 Acura MDX?
• 2020 Acura MDX Review: Transmission Tweaks Put It in Our Good Graces
• Find Your Next Car

Related Video: 2021 Acura TLX 1st Drive


[MUSIC PLAYING]


Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

 

[MDX69]

 

[jkhonea]

That's literally the only thing holding me back from getting one. Making the infotainment a non-touchscreen is a step backwards from the 3rd gen. I will buy a 4th gen ONLY when and IF they add a touch screen as an option.

I thought that originally as well but after getting it in the RDX and really getting used to it in the MDX, I love not having to touch the screen. No screen smears, nothing to mess it up. And with the palm rest of the 22, it's so much easier to work with and actually feels natural. The main "glitch" isn't really with Acura but the fact that the iPhone and Android aren't direct maps like the main infotainment. But again gotten used to that as well.

 

[mcrab]

I swear people just parrot the opinions of these car “reviewers”. I have a 2016 MDX and like the dual screen set up. The screen resolution could be better but it is not nearly as bad as some people say it is. As far as the touch pad, it is far better than having a touch screen and with all of that piano black that is used in the new interior I just don’t think you need another surface that attracts dirt and fingerprints. As with any new car once you get use to the layout working the controls becomes almost second nature. Overall Acura has done a great job with the new design.

I absolutely agree that people parrot opinions of the so called experts or first time reviewers. It is no different than a person reviewing a fine scotch and say they taste marshmallow toasted over an eight year old oak fire on a cloudless night in June in Montana, after hearing that from a scotch expert.

I’ve put 500 miles on my A-spec and I find the new touchpad system works exceptionally well. Yes, the first few times you use it, it is different. I can now just glance at the display without looking at the touchpad. My wife’s 2022 Volvo uses a touch screen. I feel I’m safer using the touchpad over the touchscreen. Also, using the controls on the steering wheel flipping through your favorite stations, which is what distracts most people, makes that task a breeze.

 

[brian_tii]

I absolutely agree that people parrot opinions of the so called experts or first time reviewers. It is no different than a person reviewing a fine scotch and say they taste marshmallow toasted over an eight year old oak fire on a cloudless night in June in Montana, after hearing that from a scotch expert.

I’ve put 500 miles on my A-spec and I find the new touchpad system works exceptionally well. Yes, the first few times you use it, it is different. I can now just glance at the display without looking at the touchpad. My wife’s 2022 Volvo uses a touch screen. I feel I’m safer using the touchpad over the touchscreen. Also, using the controls on the steering wheel flipping through your favorite stations, which is what distracts most people, makes that task a breeze.

I'm impressed with your skill there - I struggled so badly with that touchpad deal that I had a hard time trying to make it work FOCUSED on it sitting in the parking lot. It would have been better if they made absolute positioning an option or at least made the thing more accurate or something. Scrolling pages was a dizzying mess. I felt it was awful to the point of being unusable. The best solution is actually simple - do both and people can use whatever they prefer (touch screen or goofy touchpad). Suffice to say we test drove a 2022 and said no thanks. It really didn't seem up to par with the entry level models of the German competition. I actually liked the 4 cylinder Q7 a lot better at that price point. The only positive thing that really stood out for me on the MDX was that the seats are incredibly comfortable. Frankly the test drive was really disappointing as we were expecting to LOVE the MDX but just didn't.

 

[rbmorse]

I'm impressed with your skill there - I struggled so badly with that touchpad deal that I had a hard time trying to make it work FOCUSED on it sitting in the parking lot. It would have been better if they made absolute positioning an option or at least made the thing more accurate or something. Scrolling pages was a dizzying mess. I felt it was awful to the point of being unusable. The best solution is actually simple - do both and people can use whatever they prefer (touch screen or goofy touchpad). Suffice to say we test drove a 2022 and said no thanks. It really didn't seem up to par with the entry level models of the German competition. I actually liked the 4 cylinder Q7 a lot better at that price point. The only positive thing that really stood out for me on the MDX was that the seats are incredibly comfortable. Frankly the test drive was really disappointing as we were expecting to LOVE the MDX but just didn't.

Brian, sounds to me like the sensitivity of the touchpad was not set appropriately for you. The demonstration sales person should have shown you how to adjust it if you were having problems. I have the the same system on my TLX and it is unusable for me when set to "high" sensitivity, but very easy and friendly on "low".

 

[brian_tii]

Brian, sounds to me like the sensitivity of the touchpad was not set appropriately for you. The demonstration sales person should have shown you how to adjust it if you were having problems. I have the the same system on my TLX and it is unusable for me when set to "high" sensitivity, but very easy and friendly on "low".

Aha! That maybe the key. I didn't have any sales with me due to COVID. We did the test drive and all solo.

 

[MDX69]

2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD A-Spec First Test: Gets the Job Done

But, frustratingly, that's about it.

www.motortrend.com

2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD A-Spec 1st Test: Gets the Job Done
Looks better, has more space and technology, but lacks promised performance.
Scott EvansAuthorRenz DimaandalPhotographer
Apr 20, 2021

Acura MDX Full Overview
None of us wants to believe we'd fall for a marketing pitch or an advertising line. We're all sophisticated, modern consumers who've seen it all. We're jaded, and too smart to be sold, anyway. But there's a reason you remember commercial jingles years or even decades later. There's a reason you prefer one brand over the other, even if you can't really explain why. None of this is by accident; it's the work of teams of professional marketers with untold budgets saturating the world with carefully crafted messaging based on decades of psychological and behavioral research. It's also the reason you should keep being jaded and skeptical of the messages you're bombarded with, because they're designed to sell you something, not convey an irrefutable truth. Automotive advertising is no exception, and the 2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD isn't delivering what the marketing is promising.


Looking Beyond the Advertising
Go to Acura's website right now and look up the MDX. "Performance" is the overriding message. It's listed as a "premium performance SUV," performance is the first of 3 categories presented for further information, and an additional section on performance is directly below. It's consistent with all of Acura's messaging about the MDX, and the direction of the greater Acura brand, both of which center on "precision crafted performance."

The issue is, the MDX doesn't deliver. Not on that message, anyway.
But no one buys a three-row premium SUV because it kicks ass on the racetrack. That's not what these vehicles are made for. Comfort, convenience, technology, space—those are the things that really matter. And those are the places where the MDX largely succeeds.



More Space for Activities
This big SUV has grown in every dimension, opening up useful space throughout. There's more cargo room behind every row and even stowage under the rear cargo floor (without giving up the spare tire like some automakers do). There's a bit more passenger space in the 1st 2 rows and significantly more than before in the 3rd row, where an average height adult can now fit. After all, those kids in the 3rd row are going to get a lot bigger in the 10 years you're statistically likely to keep this vehicle.

Roomier rear accommodations are welcome, but passengers are going to be underwhelmed by the seats. A hard, flat, unsupportive third row may be industry standard, but it's disappointing in the second row. At least those middle seats fold and slide forward with the touch of a button to allow third-row access. That may be less elegant and luxurious than power actuation but is magnitudes faster. How Acura engineers came up with that time and effort saver but awkwardly placed the handles that release the folded third-row seats where you must climb into the back of the car to reach them is beyond us.
Similarly, being able to remove the middle seating section in the second row is a nice trick, but actually lifting it out of the vehicle is awkward and cumbersome, and the resulting exposed mounts in the floor make it look like something is missing. Nothing about this says "luxury."

The front row is where Acura really delivered. There's a bit more stretch-out room, seat heaters are standard, and the Advance Package features 16-way heated and cooled seats that remain comfortable at the end of a 7-hour road trip and still offer good lateral support in corners.


Hi-Tech, High Atop the Learning Curve
Acura promises the most tech it has ever put in a vehicle, and it delivered. The execution, though, is a mixed bag.
The optional ELS Studio 3D stereo is fantastic, providing the kind of clarity and range you usually have to pay a lot more money for on a much more expensive car. You have to operate it, though, through Acura's controversial True Touchpad Interface. It's a powerful system and highly customizable, but the learning curve is extremely steep. Every little feature can be made a favorite, so once you've got it set up the way you want and get used to the way the touchpad works—you don't use it like a trackpad, instead touching it exactly where you would on the main screen—it's very convenient. But getting there is a struggle.

The infotainment setup has all the right add-ons, though. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and Amazon's Alexa voice assistant is integrated into the system. Unfortunately, Alexa responds to a lot of words that sound vaguely like "Alexa," making it more annoying than helpful.

It's a similar situation with the new digital instrument cluster. You'll want to dig through the menu and switch it to the "Crafted" layout, which looks like traditional round gauges. The "Advanced" layout tries to take advantage of the design freedom offered by a screen but ends up looking like someone put all kinds of information and graphics in a bucket and threw it at a chalkboard. There's too much information competing for your attention, half of which isn't useful.

We're also of 2 minds on the advanced driver aids. We're happy to see all the latest features included and things like traffic-jam assist are very helpful, but the lane-centering system is so hyperactive with its near-constant steering corrections that you'll probably just want to switch it off.

Promised Performance Mostly Undelivered
All the right technology is present under the skin, but in this case, it really doesn't deliver. A new and considerably more rigid platform, a new control arm front suspension and revised multi-link rear suspension, next-generation torque-vectoring all-wheel drive that can send more power rearward and do so more quickly, bigger brakes, variable-ratio electric power steering, a new transmission with more aggressive gearing and faster shifting; this thing has it all.

Put it on our test track, though, and the only metric by which it outperforms the old MDX is acceleration. A lower 1st gear gets the new model off the line quicker, cutting the 0-60-mph time by 0.6 second to 5.7 seconds. It's all the launch, though, because the new MDX is actually slower in our 45-65-mph passing test by 0.1 second.

Stopping from 60 mph is also slightly worse. Despite the bigger brakes, the new MDX needs 118 feet to stop from that speed, 2 feet more than the 2019 MDX SH-AWD A-Spec we tested. No doubt a contributing factor is the additional mass, with the 2022 model carrying 269 more pounds than the 2019 as a result of growing slightly in every external dimension.
The thrust of Acura's pitch, though, is really about handling. All that suspension and all-wheel-drive work should pay some real dividends, but it doesn't. The new MDX pulls 0.84 g on the skidpad, versus the previous model's 0.85, but that's a paltry difference compared to the figure-eight result. That test measures acceleration, braking, handling, and the transitions between them, and the new MDX was way slower than before. With a 28.6-second lap at 0.60 average g, it can't hold a candle to the old model's 27.1-second lap at 0.65 average g.

Performance Isn't Just About the Numbers, Is It?
Here at MT, we believe the way a vehicle feels to the driver matters as much or more than the numbers it generates on the test track, and the test driver's notes do say the MDX felt sporty and even power oversteered off the corners. Maybe there's something there, after all? Only if you drive it like you're at a racetrack.

On the road, the overwhelming impression is one of adequacy. The 2022 MDX gets the job done, and that's about it. There's nothing about the way it drives on real-world roads, straight or curvy, that's sporty or even memorable. It's extremely competent, sure, but it has no soul. The steering is numb, and the way the body moves is controlled to the point of feeling robotic. It never gets into a groove. The torque-vectoring works, making the handling more precise, but not more exciting.

In fact, the wrong things make the drive exciting. Like the smaller RDX, the MDX features a brake pedal tuned for perfect limousine stops that don't disturb your passengers in the slightest. An admirable goal, but in practice it makes the brake pedal feel like stepping on a wet sponge. Nothing happens until the pedal is halfway to the floor. Stopping from higher speeds the 1st few times means applying the brakes then stomping on them to get the stopping power you wanted the first time. Hardly elegant.

It's a similar feeling under acceleration. As the testing shows, the MDX gets off the line, but it's soggy in the middle. Acura's 3.5-liter V-6 is old and feels overwhelmed by the weight of this vehicle. The new 10-speed automatic transmission does its best, but all the power and torque are at the top of the rev range, and worse, there's a plateau in the torque delivery between 2,500 and 3,500 rpm. It's a good thing the transmission can drop four gears at once when you put your foot down, because that's the only way this thing really gets moving. Otherwise, you're always giving it a lot more gas than you think you should to get the response you want. (Thankfully, an MDX Type S with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 is on the way.)




But Is It Luxurious?
Being a "premium" brand rather than a traditional "luxury" brand cuts both ways. It allows Acura to sell its vehicles for significantly less money than the old-school luxury brands, but it means costs have to be saved somewhere. Acura mostly has the balance right, keeping the interior very quiet, offering a bangin' sound system, and loading up on the latest tech.
There are misses, though, in the little details. Acura's "Milano" leather looks and feels less rich than the leather in luxury competitors, and the textured plastic trim between the bits of real wood and metal looks like something from a Honda Civic. The center console layout is odd, with the wireless phone charger underneath a wrist rest that makes it awkward to get your phone in and out. Then there's all the empty space around the protruding pushbutton shifter, and the maddening inelegance of going to all the trouble to house the USB charging ports in a pop-up module only to paste a giant battery logo on it and ruin the effect.

Should You Buy One, Then?
As much as the MDX is hit or miss on the tech, the luxury, and the driving experience, it's really good at what it needs to be: a nicer mainstream SUV. Compare it to a Honda Pilot and you see a lot of style and tech advantages for not a lot of extra money. Compare it to an Audi Q7 and you understand why the true luxury brands are so much more expensive than the premium ones. The 2022 MDX gets the job done fine, but a forgettable driving experience, some frustrating tech, and uncomfortable rear seats mean "fine" is as good as it gets.

 

[MDX69]

 

[MDX69]

 

[MDX69]

2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD Advance Review- Sublime Satisfaction

We test our new favorite three-row crossover, the Acura MDX, and find that its beauty is more than skin deep.

www.torquenews.com

By John Goreham G+ Apr 30 2021 - 9:25am
2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD Advance Review- Sublime Satisfaction
We test our new favorite three-row crossover, the Acura MDX, and find that its beauty is more than skin deep.
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The Acura MDX has a new platform for 2022, and the driving experience has set a new bar for excellence in our minds. There are many benefits to a great vehicle platform, but rather than talk about stiffness, rigidity, and double wishbones, all of which deserve mention, we will focus on why we feel the MDX is so special when you drive it.

Unusual for our test weeks, a holiday added a bonus day to our time with the MDX and we drove it in downtown Boston traffic, all over metro Boston’s inner and outer ‘burbs, and we then took it on a long highway drive to the mountains and tried the MDX on some lonely mountain roads and even dirt roads. In every situation, the MDX impressed us. Here is our review with the usual headings. What is unusual is how positive every opinion is.

Related Story: New Study Names Acura MDX Best Used Vehicle Under $20,000

2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD Advance - What Is It? What’s It Cost?
The MDX is a 3-row, 7-passenger premium crossover. The SH-AWD stands for “Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.” Advance is the trim package, and it is 1 of 4 flavors the MDX is available in, the top trim is 1 way to say it. The MDX is built in East Liberty, Ohio using a transmission and engine also built in America.

The ‘22 MDX starts at around $48K. Our test vehicle had a price including destination charges of $62,175. While this is certainly a lot of money, the MDX is a lot of vehicle, and if your budget isn’t this large we would point you to the Honda dealer nearest you. However, in our opinion, the MDX earns every penny of its $62K. We feel it is a better value than the “luxury” vehicles this size which cost much more and offer a lot less. For example, how many “luxury brands” offer a 70K powertrain warranty and have Acura’s reputation for quality?

2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD Advance - How Does It Feel When Driven?
The MDX is so satisfying to drive it is hard to imagine how it could be better. Of course, we’ve said exactly that about other past Acura vehicles, and somehow the brand continues to push the bar higher with each new generation.

Let’s start in the driveway. Acura’s steering technology is magic. The MDX can be steered with a light touch when you are in a confined space and even at single-digit speeds the vehicle is special. It made us wonder if that light, quick steering would feel odd when speeds increased. That was a silly concern.

Head off, and the buttery-smooth V6 engine offers you what you really want. Seamless, abundant power. The kind of power that makes you forget about the engine in a good way. You never need to push the MDX. In normal driving, it doesn’t break a sweat.

In corners, the MDX turns without any tippy sensation. This is a crossover that feels like a large premium car, not a brute ‘ute. The steering is perfect in every corner and at every speed. Although the MDX is a vehicle of generous proportions, you forget that when you drive along. It feels smaller than it is.

The roads in New England are still at their worst after a winter of frost heaves and plow damage. The MDX Advance has 20” rims, but the sidewall of the tires is more than able to handle the broken streets. Acura didn’t spoil the ride with super-low-profile tires. Comfort is outstanding on any surface. Even dirt roads didn’t upset the suspension of the MDX in our testing.

On the Highway, the MDX is sublime. Acura’s lane-keeping assist is as good as any we have tried, and the adaptive cruise control is smooth and smart. Your role in the MDX on the highway becomes one of either active participant or ready supervisor - it’s your decision.

The MDX was so quiet on the highway we could detect zero engine noise. We test EVs regularly now, and the MDX’s low sound levels match any we have driven, including the Mustang Mach-E.

There are 4 drive modes from which to choose. Normal, Comfort, Sport, and Snow. We liked Comfort the best. It seemed to match the MDX’s vibe and it doesn’t reduce the engine’s power. Our ten-year-old could not keep her eyes open when she was in back. 5 minutes on the road and she went into a sort of blissful light sleep. Our front passengers simply said, “We should get one of these.”

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2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD Advance - Practicality
Shoppers of 3-row crossovers expect practicality, and the MDX delivers. The spare tire is up under the rear, so there is no cargo volume sacrifice. Under the floor is a nifty area for your emergency supplies, and the cargo space is very large behind the rear seats. We dropped the 3rd row and slid 6 Adirondack chairs into the cargo space without any difficulty. The rear cargo opening is both tall and wide. We didn’t try it, but it appeared that we might be able to fit one of our smaller kayaks into the MDX with the 2 rear rows folded.

So, the MDX is a spacious crossover. Yet, we parallel parked it in Boston’s Fenway area (actually called Kenmore Square) in one swing. No curb bump, no back and forth shimmy to squeeze it in. The MDX fits in a normal length and width city parking space without difficulty. More importantly, if you have a normal-size garage it will fit.

The MDX is arranged as a “6 plus 1.” The 3rd row is relatively roomy for two. The middle row is a very roomy 2-passenger space, or the center cup holder/console folds up to add a 7th seat. We feel this is ideal. Sure, an 8th-seat is always welcome, but not at the cost of a massive footprint and shoulder-to-shoulder seating.

2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD Advance - Infotainment
Acura’s new MDX has 1 of the largest, clearest, and best-populated head-up displays we’ve tested. This keeps your eyes facing up and forward on the road. We used the thumb controls on the steering wheel to make our selections and the Google Voice Assistant works perfectly via the wireless Android Auto interface.

We rocked Pandora on the 16-speaker ELS Audio system and were amazed at how outstanding the audio Acura offers is today. It is the match of the best systems in the world. You really have to hear this audio system to grasp how much better than “premium” it is.

The main screen is large and clear, but out of the driver’s reach. Acura offers a touch-pad interface perfectly positioned to where your hand rests on the nifty wrist pad. The center console armrest and this pad pair up to give you the perfect fit. Those who prefer a remote interface will find Acura’s to be intuitive. Those who prefer to simply touch the screen will find it does not accept your input that way. The volume knob is to the right of this pad and easy for the passenger to reach as well as the driver. Acura separates out the HVAC and heated seat controls so you don’t have to peck in the menus of the main screen to access them.

2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD Advance - Wish List
If we had 1 wish list item it would be a green powertrain option in the MDX. 21 MPG may be acceptable today, but in 5 years we doubt many buyers will feel it is. A plug-in hybrid along the lines of the Honda Clarity's design would be our preference. Acura does have a battery-electric vehicle coming. We expect to see it by 2024. Lexus and Tesla have choices today in this segment with meaningful fuel cost and environmental impact advantages over the MDX. However, none of them match the MDX in driving satisfaction.

2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD Advance - The Verdict
We feel Acura’s MDX has now separated itself from the Lexus RX line in a meaningful way. There is also less similarity to the Honda Pilot. The 2 don’t even share the same platform right now. Acura has elevated the MDX to a place its peers have not yet gone.

Shoppers seeking a deeply satisfying to drive 3-row crossover with impressive practicality should start with Acura’s new 2022 MDX Advance. Audiophiles looking for a vehicle in this segment should simply pick a color.

Note: The writer doesn’t own any Acura products, does not invest in automotive stocks, has never attended an Acura launch event or “junket,” and doesn’t even have an Acura ball cap. Torque News does not accept advertisements from manufacturers (the ads you may see are generated by your browser). Any opinion offered is strictly based on our testing of Acura’s products.

John Goreham is a long-time New England Motor Press Association member and recovering engineer. Following his engineering program, John also completed a marketing program at Northeastern University and worked with automotive component manufacturers. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American newspapers and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin

 

[Owen H]

Things I like about my 2022 MDX Advanced, compared to my previous 2018 MDX: 1) The backup camera, which in 2018 was unusable at night, is much improved. 2) Overall the vehicle and/or road noise is much quieter. 3) More room in the back for things. 4) Better sound system. 5) it is easier to estimate where the front of the car is compared to 2018. It was difficult to tell in the 2018 just how close you were to an object (like a post in front of a parking spot). The new hood design seems to slope more towards the front giving you a little more clues to judging how close you are.