It was the first. More specifically, the 2001 Acura MDX was the first 3-row crossover. The term crossover hadn’t even been coined yet, and at that time, the Lexus RX300 and Toyota RAV4 fit the description. More impressive is how long the MDX had the segment to itself. While the Volvo XC90 came out a couple of years later, and the Audi Q7 a few years after that, they were notably more expensive, plus, much of the target market came from Japanese cars and put high value on Japanese QRD. Yet the MDX had the Japanese luxury 3-row crossover segment to itself for 13 years, until the Infiniti JX35 came along, which still failed to dent the MDX’s sales supremacy.
To this day, Lexus has only offered a stretched RX350 with a very constricted third row, a description that also applies to the Genesis GV80. Still, many brands now have luxury 3-row crossovers, and you can add the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade models which are luxury models in all but badge.
The 2022 MDX is the model’s 4th generation. It retains the styling cues of the last three designs, such as blacked-out B and C pillars and sloping rear quarter window, which have always kept the MDX from appearing overtly as a 3-row vehicle. Not surprisingly, the MDX strongly shares the design language of the RDX and TLX models, which results in a clean design with very upscale surfacing. One complaint could be that the sloping rear quarter window has morphed into a shape that is being used by countless other 3-row models.
One Tried And True Powertrain
The least changed thing in this redesign is the 3.5L V-6 engine that produces the same 290 hp @ 6200 and 267 lb-ft @ 4700 as it did last year. Power hasn’t changed but the weight has increased to the tune of about 250 pounds thanks to all the new stuff you are going to read about. That this engine is in all models, means the previous Sport Hybrid model has not made it to this new generation. One has to think that Acura has some kind of hybrid in mind for the near future.
The platform is all new and not shared with any Acura or Honda model, though that probably won’t last. It retains the transverse engine layout and the base MDX is indeed front-wheel-drive. Acura dumped the quirky ZF 9-speed transmission that had been an issue with models from many brands, in favor of an in-house designed 10-speed that previously was only on the top trim.
The drivetrain retains some signature Honda/Acura features such as Hill Start Assist, which keeps the MDX from rolling backward when on a steep hill as the driver switches from the brake to the accelerator pedal. Related, is Automatic Brake Hold, which retains brake pressure after the vehicle comes to a stop, so the driver doesn’t have to keep their foot on the brake for the duration of the stop. It is switched off easily by a dash control for when creep after braking is desired. All models come with auto-stop as well, which is also easy to switch off.
The Integrated Dynamics System adjusts transmission, steering, the Drive-by-Wire™ throttle, and oddly enough, the ambient lighting system for Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes. The selector is the biggest control on the center stack which seems over-emphasized for something used so infrequently.
Handling Greater Expectations
A car-like drive experience has always been the MDX’s calling card, but the ante has been raised with Acura’s rekindled performance emphasis. Car-like won’t cut it, it now has to look and drive sporty car-like. To that end, the 2022 MDX features a double-wishbone front suspension for the first time ever. This geometry so praised on the early Integras and Legends, improves wheel control. Specifically, it increases lateral stiffness by 27%, allows for 173% more camber gain in the suspension stroke, and 8% stronger anti-dive over the previous strut design. New multi-link rear suspension geometry also improves stability and response, the former also helped by a 2.8” longer wheelbase, and 1.4-inch greater front and rear track.
There is a new belt-driven variable-ratio, rack-and-pinion electric power steering (EPS) system for a quicker response as evidenced by reducing lock-to-lock rotation from 3.10 to 2.73. A new brake booster seeks quicker response as well including when applied by the Collision Mitigation Braking System™.
Available is Acura’s latest version of Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive, which has always been a very good system in search of a better name. Through a pair of electronic clutches at the rear differential, the system delivers true (not brake-based) torque-vectoring to rear each wheel as needed. It makes itself known best in hard cornering where the power shift to the outside rear wheel helps rotate the vehicle through the turn. The trick is it only works if you accelerate through the turn, so you have to consciously use SH-AWD to benefit from it.
Big Interior And Plenty Of Practical Tech
In place of the former 2nd-row captain’s chair option, all models have a removable center seat that produces the same result. The dash is all new and more upscale looking. Through the steering wheel is a well-laid-out digital display. The center display is a generous 12.3 inches but there are also enough physical controls to keep you from searching through sub-menus.
The maximum cargo space is higher than any previous MDX, and there is more front-seat room, but most of the new stuff inside is tech-related. There is Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ and charging with the charging pad close to the driver so they are less likely to leave the phone behind when they exit.
The infotainment interface uses Acura’s “True Touchpad Interface™” in which where you contact the touchpad relates directly to where you activate something on the screen. It is intuitive and reduces driver eye diversion compared to a touchscreen. If you use a laptop touchpad frequently, it can take a little getting used to, since it behaves differently. Left-handers without the right-hand touchpad muscle memory might have an easier time of it. There is also the onboard natural language voice recognition system that is supposed to understand your commands better, and hopefully it's true.
Speaking of voice, CabinTalk® uses the HandsFreeLink® microphone in the front row to broadcast the from the first row through an in-vehicle public address system to the second and third rows. If the kids don’t like that, the Cabin Control App system will probably make up for it. It is a downloadable app that with the driver’s permission, allows the phone user to wirelessly control various aspects of the interior including rear climate control, the panoramic sunroof, and various audio system functions with the amusing exception of volume. The connected phones can even lookup locations and forward them to the nav system. Up to seven phones can be connected to the system.
Perhaps the silliest feature is the available ambient lighting system. The drive modes have their default colors. Comfort- blue, Sport-red, and both Normal and Snow are white. But using the touchpad you can also select among 27 lighting “themes”. We assume they mean colors, but the themes are all named after locations. So, you can decide if today is going to be a Pacific Coast, Champ-Elysees, or Peraltada type of day, with 24 other places to spare.
Pricing And Packages
Acura doesn’t do trim levels or options. What they do is packages, which are essentially trim levels with different nomenclature.
Base MDX - Starting MSRP, FWD: $46,900, AWD: $48,900.
The base model interior is done in synthetic leather, heated 12 way-power front seats, 3-way memory seats and other systems, Keyless Access with Push Button Start, and tri-zone climate You also get Wireless charging and Apple CarPlay / Android auto and a built-in Amazon Alexa system.
Outside are 19” alloy wheels, LED headlights, the panoramic moonroof, capless fueling system
power tailgate, and a thoughtful touch: a rear camera washer. Acura’s driving assist system known as AcuraWatch is also standard and includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, Driver Attention Monitor, auto high-beam headlights, and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) which can spot speed limit signs and display them on the gauge cluster screen or the Advance Package’s Head-up Display.
Technology Package - Starting MSRP, FWD: $51,600, AWD: $53,600.
Key features of this package are the Milano leather interior, 12-Speaker Acura/ELS STUDIO®32 Premium Audio System, and navigation system with Real-Time Traffic. The GPS also tells the climate system where the sun is so it can adjust its three zones accordingly. And if that isn’t sufficient there are also manual 2nd-row sunshades. No change to the outside except power-folding mirrors and parking sensors
A-Spec - Starting MSRP, AWD: $57,100.
“A” stands for “appearance” so outside there are black exterior trim details, 20-inch Shark Gray aluminum alloy wheels, and LED fog lights. There are more changes inside where the seats gain Ultrasuede® seating inserts, piping, and contrast stitching. There is a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom sport steering wheel, and additional metallic interior trim. Functional additions to the interior include ventilation for the front seats and four speakers in the roof added to the audio system
Advance Package - Starting MSRP, AWD: $60,650.
The top package on the MDX is also only available with SH-AWD. For the exterior, it adds 20” silver alloy wheels, power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, LED door handle lights, roof rails, Hands-Free Access tailgate, and remote engine start.
Inside, the main enhancements are the Surround View Camera System, heated steering wheel, authentic open-pore wood trim, 10.5-in Head-Up Display (HUD), and some additional charge-ports and an AC outlet.
Type-S - Starting MSRP, AWD: $65,000.
This one is coming. It is will be the first SUV Type-S and will feature a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 producing 355 hp and 354 lb-ft. SH-AWD system, Brembo® brakes, and 21-wheels and likely some additional styling enhancements.