With sleek, sporty 2022 MDX, Acura back on track
Acura’s off to a strong start in 2021 with a pair of appealing new vehicles. The sleek and competitively priced TLX sport sedan already breathed new life into the luxury brand’s struggling car business.
A strong new version of Acura’s MDX three-row SUV builds on that, making it look like the brand’s latest reinvention may have staying power.
The new sedan and SUV share a family resemblance — particularly in their expressive and highly
detailed grilles, long dashto-axe ratio and modern, elegant interiors — that could set the stage for a resurgence by the oldest Japanese luxury brand.
After years when Acuras tended to look like either gussied up Hondas or overwrought attempts to stand out (who else remembers the brand-wide nose job that looked like a baby bird’s egg tooth?), Honda’s luxury brand may have found its niche: Offering style, interior materials and judiciously applied technology place it between mainstream brands like Toyota and Ford and elite brands.
The new MDX is longer, wider and lower than the old model, a combination that lends itself to sporty looks and enjoyable driving. Unlike the outgoing 2020 MDX, there’s no hybrid model, but the 2022 is better in every other way, making it well-equipped to compete with lower-luxury family haulers like the Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Infiniti QX60 and Lexus RX.
Driving impressions
Power comes from the same 3.5L V6 engine the 2020 MDX used. It produces a fairly staid 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The MDX is about 210 pounds heavier than the 2020 version, but Honda’s quick, smooth 10-speed automatic transmission makes up for that, providing satisfying accelerating. The all-wheel-drive system can send up to 70% of torque to the rear axle, and all of that to either wheel for maximum traction.
Luxurious interior
The MDX seats seven or six, depending on whether you use the second row as a bench seat or remove its middle section to create a pair of bucket seats and a space to walk to the third row. You can also flip the middle section’s back down to create a console and armrest between the two outboard riders.
The second row has good leg and head room. The two-person rear bench has limited space. It’s best suited for small children.
The front seat is roomy and nicely trimmed with aluminum accents, openpore wood, Milano leather and contrast stitching.
How much?
Prices for the 2022 Acura MDX start at $47,900 for a base, front-wheel-drive model. All-wheel drive starts at $48,900. The current top of the line is $60,650 for an Advance model.
I tested an MDX A-Spec with all-wheel drive. It was stickered at $57,100.