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The MDX, now in its fourth generation, has been entirely redesigned to offer even more of what makes it so popular.
Masterfully crafted by Honda’s luxury and performance division, Acura, the MDX came with a bang when it launched in 2001, bringing tremendous performance, incredible technology, and the highest level of luxury. And for the first SUV of its kind, it got quite the attention. It was the first SUV to use a three-row unibody design and Honda's Global mid-size platform – the same platform that underpinned the Honda Odyssey, the TSX, and the Acura TL. It had a 3.5-liter V6 engine that made 240 hp, which made a pretty strong statement when compared to most common high-end crossovers from the era, like the Lexus LX 470 and the Land Rover Discovery.
Since then, the Acura MDX continues to be a key participant in the segment. Not to mention that it has subsequently matured into a far more attractive and luxurious family crossover. Debuting as a new brand flagship, the MDX flaunts a new styling, premium interior with nicer materials, and a full complement of advanced driving aids. The MDX, now in its fourth generation, offers even more of what makes it so popular.
We've compiled a few characteristics that will make the Acura MDX the ideal luxury vehicle.
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After a 2021 hiatus, the 2022 Acura comes with an updated exterior design that displays new athleticism and aerodynamics. Its design features smoother and strong shoulder line lines that link the front and rear LED lighting, accentuating the profile. From the side, you can spot the longer hood, a raked roofline, black B- and C-pillars, and the pleasantly-designed twenty-inch wheels.
The 2022 MDX is 2.2 inches longer than the 2020 model and has a wheelbase that is 2.8 inches longer, but it is still easily recognized as an MDX despite the altered proportions. Aside from that change, the Acura MDX’s track width is now 1.4-inch wider, guaranteeing a reduced load transfer when cornering. Thanks to its new, widened look with rounded-off edges and lower stance, the new MDX takes on a more wagon look. The A-Spec appearance package unlocks a bolder appeal, with a black grille, shark gray-shaded wheels, and black trim around its headlights and taillights.
The MDX offers a roomier cabin than its predecessor thanks to the body's increased stiffness, length, and width. One of Acura's strongest points is its comfortable interior seating, and the company follows the tried-and-true recipe of adding more padding and a more supportive design. While all seats are soft and have enough padding for support, front passengers in higher trim levels will benefit from more front seat bolstering.
The MDX now provides more legroom for passengers in all three rows, which are nothing short of comfy too. The second row gives you the most flexibility because it allows you to fold it, or if you need to maximize cargo space, remove it entirely. If you require a passageway to the seats in the third row, You can fold the middle seat flat.
With so many third-row seats in crossovers being uncomfortable and less supportive, it is encouraging to see Acura making such an effort to make provide comfort to all occupants. Now adults can now fit in the third row of seats without difficulty. Cargo space behind the third row has now increased from 15.0 to 16.3 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded, you’ll get 39.1 cubic feet, which is a 0.5-cubic-feet increase.
In a standard setting, the 2022 Acura MDX comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 power plant that produces 290 hp and 267 pound-feet of torque, pairing with the 10-speed automatic transmission and the base front-wheel-drive, or optional $2,000 Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.
Drivers seeking more authority on the road have the option to purchase a more potent version of the MDX, called the Type S, which made its debut later middle of the model year, in the summer of 2021. The Type S has a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged engine, which relays up to 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque to all wheels via the same 10-speed auto and standard SH-AWD system. With its upgraded brakes and wider tire size, the Type S feels snappier and sportier than the MDX's base engine.
Apart from being the fastest Acura ever made, the MDX Type S has some good looks, featuring a Tiger Eye Pearl orange paint, a blacked-out trim, and quad exhaust tips. Inside, the MDX Type S indulges its occupants with a 25-speaker ELS Studio luxury audio system and a 9-mode massaging front seats.
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Two large 12.3-inch displays, one on top of the dashboard and the other in the gauge cluster, give the cabin of the 2022 Acura MDX a futuristic appearance. The infotainment screen on the Acura MDX doesn’t have touchscreen functionality. Instead, it utilizes Acura’s True Touchpad Interface on the center console.
The infotainment system comes standard with Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, three USB ports, and a wireless charger for the front occupants, while higher trims include an integrated navigation system.
Wilfred Nkhwazi is a screenwriter, actor, and sports car enthusiast from Blantyre, Malawi. He has written 2 feature films and a thriller trilogy. Wilfred is pursuing an Electric Car Technology program and spends a lot of his time writing for hotcars.com, penning down fast whips, celebrity collections, and everything else in-between. When he isn't writing, he loves to take long drives around the city, make music, and drink hot chocolate.