You can leave it to Acura, a Honda division, to manufacture an SUV that is versatile and triumphs in all categories: The 2022 MDX has a stunning exterior, finished interior, solid engine performance, and a modern audio system. Whether you're looking for a car that holds all of your bags when you travel or want a car that can fit all of your friends, the MDX truly delivers and is a reliable option. It's no surprise that this car rivals the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Lexus RX, and Infiniti QX60.

Car enthusiasts can look forward to the MDX's release date of February 2, 2021. The standard version starts at $47,925, and the Advance Package begins at $60,650. The Type S model that has a later debut in 2021 will cost $61,675. The MDX is pricier than previous models, but the reason is justifiable: The current features remain unparalleled.

Today, we're giving a detailed breakdown of the MDX's qualities.

RELATED: 10 Coolest Japanese Cars Coming In 2021

Exterior

A red 2022 Acura MDX stands parked inside a warehouse.
Via: U.S. News & World Report

Bold and staggering don't even come close to describing how the 2022 Acura MDX looks like on the outside. The MDX is bigger than previous models, as its length is 198.4 inches and its height is 67.1 inches. This fourth-generation MDX is a clear departure from the ones released in previous years.

A new year means a fresh design for this SUV, and it's evident that Acura has revamped this car. This car has a more athletic look than its predecessors, and one of the first features you'll notice is the LED headlights. However, those looking for an unrivaled sporty design will love the Type S variant. The car is also equipped with a panoramic moonroof. The tires are sleeker and larger. It's no wonder that such a major update left fans excited on December 8, the date that Acura gave an extremely detailed look into this car. Drivers can choose between two exterior colors: Lunar Silver Metallic or Fathom Blue Pearl.

Interior

What the 2022 Acura MDX looks like inside.
Via: Motor Authority

A bigger car means that there are a spacious cabin and passengers can enjoy long trips without any discomfort: The MDX is a three row SUV that can accommodate eight people. The roomy third row of the Acura MDX is definitely a sharp contrast from the BMW X5's third row and the Lexus RX's third row. The effects of such an enormous car are felt everywhere inside: Car and Driver wrote in a December 2020 article that there's now an extra one-inch of legroom in the third row, and there are 18 cubic feet of space behind the third row.

Due to the expansion of the interior, the wheelbase is 113.8 inches. While the roomy interior is worth noting, it's also a delight to say that those who sit in the front of this car will have heated seats. When buyers are ready to customize their car, they can choose between two interior colors: Ebony or Parchment.

Engine & Performance

A 2022 grey Acura MDX drives down a road.
Via: MotorTrend

The MDX has an engine that is pretty standard for a luxury midsized SUV. There's a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 290 horsepower. The future Type S model will have a 3.0-liter V6 engine that is responsible for 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. For the 2022 models, Acura has gotten rid of the nine-speed transmission and has installed ten-speed automatic transmission instead.

The standard MDX model and the Type S evidently have differences, and the engine layout is no exception: While front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive is offered in the MDX, the Type S is only available in all-wheel drive.

The fuel economy for the MDX is admirable, as the car offers 22 mpg when the driver divides time between city and highway driving.

RELATED: Honda Designer Talks Through The Various Generations Of The MDX

Other Notable Features

The cockpit of a 2022 Acura MDX
Via: MotorTrend

The MDX doesn't just excel in its design and engine, it shines in the safety department too. There's lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The Acura official website reports that a forward-collision warning system and a lane-keeping assist system minimize risk.

The technology is additionally up-to-date and refreshing: There's Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa built-in system, a Siri Eyes Free feature, and Bluetooth. For the ultimate music experience, Acura equipped the MDX with the Acura Premium Audio system. The audio system includes nine speakers. There's also USB-A and USB-C outlets.

There's a 12.3-inch touchscreen that is easy to navigate. This uncomplicated and successful feature means that the Acura MDX has an edge over the Infiniti QX60 when it comes to technology, as the infotainment in the Infiniti is confusing.

Overall, the 2022 Acura MDX has surpassed all expectations in the automotive world due to its stellar qualities in all departments. Not only is it a gorgeous car, but it also has a finished interior, high-reliability scores, and advanced technological features. The most baffling part is that the car is pretty affordable when compared to its rivals, and it's almost too good to be true that this car has such remarkable features for such a price.

This SUV is the perfect marriage of comfortable interior space and fuel economy.  While Acura has had tremendous success with coupes and sedans, they have also made a formidable mark in the SUV industry with the release of the 2022 MDX.

NEXT: 5 Reasons Why The New NSX Is The Best Japanese Supercar (5 Reasons Why We’d Rather Buy The Old NSX)