Acura MDX: Bigger and better
In every respect, it’s a more substantial luxury-utility vehicle
The follow-up to the 2021 Acura TLX sedan is proof that laurel-resting isn’t on the company’s agenda. Nor should it be, considering that domestic- and import-based rivals are also busy revamping their vehicles.
The clean-sheet approach for the 2022 MDX, aside from a new platform and styling, also means a new Type S performance model with a stout turbocharged V-6.
The head-on view of the MDX shows an enlarged version of Acura’s Diamond Pentagon grille. The front end has been significantly lengthened ahead of the windshield, resulting in a more substantial appearance.
By contrast, the slimmer quad-element headlight adds a measure of sleekness to an otherwise boxy shape.
Compared with the previous MDX, the new model is about 2.5 inches longer and 2 inches wider. There’s also a 3-inch stretch between the front and rear wheels.
The platform is claimed to be stiffer and more rigid, which is intended to improve handling and ride comfort while reducing cabin noise. According to Acura, a new double-wishbone front suspension along with a redesigned independent rear suspension provide greater cornering stability.
There’s also a new steering rack and larger brakes that Acura says
shortens stopping distances while reacting more rapidly during autonomous emergency braking.
The interior has more head and leg room plus a bit more stowage space. The second-row three-person bench seat comes with a folding center section, which can be removed entirely to form two captain’s chairs and provide a convenient pass-through to the third row.
The gauges are now digital and can be customized to suit the driver. An accompanying 12.3-inch information screen functions through a
console-located touchpad. These are not universally prevalent, but at least Acura saw fit to add separate power, volume and seek controls for the audio system.
Amazon Alexa, which is standard with all MDX trims, can make phone calls, play music, control smarthome devices, direct you to specific locations and respond to many other information requests.
Powertrain choices begin with a carryover 3.5-liter V-6 that makes
290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque (premium fuel required).
Fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg in the city, 26 on the highway and 22 combined.
The Type S, arriving this summer, is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet. This is a welcome addition, but it’s still outmuscled by some competitors with offerings in the 500-horsepower range.
A 10-speed automatic transmission is linked to both engines.
Acura’s updated Super-handling
All-wheel-drive is an option for the nonturbo V-6 and is standard for the Type S. Compared with the previous MDX, the system is claimed to be 30 percent quicker when transferring torque to the rear wheels from the front. Power can be shifted to the outside rear wheel when cornering — called torque vectoring — which is generally intended to aid stability by reducing understeer (the tendency for a vehicle to continue in a straight line when the steering wheel is turned).
The base front-wheel-drive MDX starts at $47,900, including destination charges. “Base” is hardly an apt description since the vehicle is fitted with tri-zone climate control, panoramic moonroof, 12-way heated power front seats and a nine-speaker audio system.
Acurawatch is also standard and includes adaptive (variable) cruise control, forward-collision warning, road-departure mitigation and pedestrian detection.
The MDX can also be had with content-rich Technology, A-spec and Advance packages. The latter, which brings the MDX to $62,700, comes with a 10.5-inch head-up display (projecting select vehicle information onto the windshield), remote engine start, second- and third-row charging ports and 16-way power front seats.
Audiophiles will enjoy the ELS Studio-brand 710-watt 16-speaker sound system that’s standard in both the A-spec and Advance packages.
With the MDX’S dominating size and enhanced content, Acura is clearly stoking the luxury-class flames. The Type S further fills out the lineup while helping to keep performance seekers from leaving the brand.
What more could anyone expect from a clean-sheet design?