2022 Acura MDX

　　

Acura MDX Video Shorts

by zzdcar Test Team

　　

2022 Acura MDX Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　The MDX is Acura's midsize three-row SUV. Redesigned for 2022, the newest version of the MDX gets sleeker exterior styling, additional legroom in all three rows, and many tech and interior updates. Acura has also upped the luxury quotient, improving the MDX's interior with high-end materials such as open-pore wood, stainless steel speaker covers, and a bevy of available upholstery selections.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Acura MDX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$213/mo  for MDX Base

　　MDX Base

　　4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A) - $48,000 MSRP4dr SUV w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) - $52,700 MSRPSH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A) - $50,200 MSRPSH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) - $54,900 MSRPSH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) - $61,950 MSRPSH-AWD A-Spec 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A) (Most Popular) - $58,400 MSRPType S 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $66,700 MSRPType S 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $72,050 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Previous MDX generations offered impressive value for the money — something that can't always be said of rivals such as the Audi Q7 or Mercedes-Benz GLE. This strong emphasis on value remains alive and well on the 2022 Acura MDX, which includes an array of desirable features even on its most affordable trim level. The MDX's sophisticated all-wheel-drive system is again available too. Besides enhancing traction in snowy or icy conditions, it can help the MDX feel more agile around turns on dry pavement.

　　All-new for 2022 is the MDX Type S. This sportier trim level comes with a turbocharged 355-hp 3.0-liter V6. It provides satisfying acceleration and is a welcome alternative should you find the 290-hp base engine to be underwhelming for an SUV of this size. It also has a few exclusive upgrades such as a sport-tuned suspension that can adjust the MDX's ride height and more powerful brakes.

　　Not everything new is improved, however. We really disliked the previous MDX's two-screen infotainment system, and even though there's just one screen now, the touchpad interface can be infuriating to use. But this is just one setback for a vehicle with a lot going for it. With updates to ride quality, interior room and all-around styling, plus the new high-horsepower Type S model, the 2022 Acura MDX is again one of the more compelling picks for a luxury SUV. Read our zzdcar Expert Rating for our test team's full breakdown.

　　

What's it like to live with?

We've been testing a 2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD Advance as part of zzdcar' long-term test fleet. We like this generation's more spacious interior, though the infotainment system (which is completely new, mind you) is proving to be just as controversial as the last MDX's interface. Check out our MDX 20,000-mile long-term test to learn more about what it's like to own and live with.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the MDX drive? The MDX's steering and handling are its best dynamic attributes. Acura's latest version of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive impressively enhances the MDX's nimbleness and helps with wet-weather traction. The MDX has a comfortable ride but can still rail through turns like an SUV half its size. Accurate and natural-feeling steering complement whatever driving you're doing, from corners to long hauls on the highway.

　　The base MDX's V6 engine isn't as impressive. It has character and revs smoothly but ultimately lacks some punch. At our test track, a MDX Advance accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is slower than just about every other luxury three-row midsize SUV we've tested, including the previous MDX. The 10-speed automatic transmission isn't as responsive or smooth-shifting as we'd like either. Thankfully, the MDX Type S, by way of its turbocharged engine and sportier tuning, has a livelier character.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the MDX? The MDX may just have the most comfortable front seats in the class. They're highly adjustable and incredibly supportive. The second-row seats don't have near the comfort of the fronts, but they can recline and slide. Ride comfort is surprisingly good since the suspension really takes the edge off most bumps in the road.

　　We found the climate control system easy to adjust, and it kept us pretty comfortable over hours behind the wheel. There is, however, a lack of vents for the rear cabin, with only middle console vents for the second row and nothing for the third. The seat heaters work well, but the seat ventilation is only mildly effective. Although we didn't find the cabin particularly noisy, our measured sound levels were higher than for most of the other vehicles in the class, particularly at highway cruising and full throttle.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below