2022 Acura MDX
When it comes to looking at luxury vehicles, do you put Acura on your shopping list?
You should. Honda’s upmarket brand has been transforming with new vehicles offering a different kind of luxury. More of a racing-bred emphasis based on their triumphs in endurance racing with their championship-winning prototypes and the iconic NSX.
When Acura introduced an all-new MDX on a brand-new mid-size SUV platform, they wanted to add some sportiness to the new three-row premium SUV.
This is why we got excited to try out the new 2022 Acura MDX Type-S. Simply to see how “sporty” Acura made their family favorite.
While riding on a new platform, the overall design of the Acura MDX retains a lots of the brand’s signatures. The diamond grille shape is enlarged, along with the logo. However, the front end has been tapered to create a more aggressive look. This is augmented by a new headlamp design that integrates four LED bulbs each with a solid LED strip above.
A new glasshouse design creates more of a sportier look overall. The roofline retains its “fastback” look, but with a more tapered rear end. The taillights have a new shape with an LED signature that is inspired by the latest RDX and TLX.
The Type-S tester sports a really cool Tiger Eye Pearl paint job – a shade of gold. This is complimented by a set of 21-inch split five-spoke alloy wheels with low profile performance all-season tires, and red brake calipers on all four wheels. Don’t forget about the large four exhaust ports sticking out of the rear bumper.
The new MDX retains its seven-seat cabin positioned over three rows. The front seats are big with plenty of aggressive bolstering. All three rows are upholstered in perforated leather. We found the second row comfortable, but the third row to be relegated for seating children only.
The new digital instrument binnacle offers straightforward readouts in a clean and customizable format. Every switch and control are solid to the touch, especially the ones of the thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel. The infotainment screen on top of the center stack is solely controlled by the touch pad on the center console.
As for cargo space, the third row folds flat to the rear cargo hold. Cargo volume starts with up to 18.1 cubic feet with the third tow up. Fold those seats down, then you get up to 48.4 cubic feet. Fold all seats down, and we have a maximum capacity of 95.0 cubic feet.
Standard power for the new MDX is the 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. However, our Type-S tester came with a new 355-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine underneath its hood. It is connected to a push-button actuated 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.
The Type-S is exactly what the enthusiast ordered. Performance is seamless and quick. You can hear the exhaust note, but it is pretty quiet and swift. Fuel economy-wise, we averaged 17.6 MPG.
Just because it’s a performance SUV, Acura made sure the strike the balance between sport and comfort. The Integrated Dynamic System also includes a Snow mode, as well as a Sport+ mode for more exciting driving. In any mode, the ride quality is solid and smooth. The new MDX maneuvers very well, with minimal roll and lean through the turns. You can flatten things out in either Sport or Sport+ modes.
The steering is quite good with decent on-road feel and response. It has a tighter turning radius compared to other vehicles in its class. The brakes are superb. Pedal response is great and offered good stops in normal and panic situations.
Pricing for the 2022 MDX lineup starts at $48,000. My Type-S Advance tester came with a sticker price of $73,595. There are a total of six different packages to choose from, including two Type-S packages.
The new MDX continues to play in a segment where image, luxury, and badge are the most important bullet points for a customer in this market. Its competitors include the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, Audi Q7, Jaguar F-Pace, Cadillac XT6, Lincoln Aviator, Buick Enclave, Volvo XC90, Genesis GV80, Lexus RX L, and Infiniti QX60.
In the premium SUV market, the new Acura MDX offers not only solid value, but a wide variety of experiences available for the most discriminating consumer. With this foot heavily in motorsport, the MDX Type-S is one way to transport your family quite rapidly and comfortably.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
