2022 Acura MDX: Bold Evolution Meets Digital Sophistication
The fourth-generation 2022 Acura MDX stands tall with its most radical design transformation to date, packed with innovative technologies and a sophisticated interior that mirrors the elegance of a digital era. This article takes an in-depth look at the newly unveiled model, examining its improved design, advanced technology features, enhanced performance, and refined comfort offerings.
A Leap into Boldness
The exterior of the 2022 Acura MDX witnessed a major design overhaul, underlined by a bold and unique exterior design language. The model's transformation highlights Acura's commitment to aggressive aesthetics and an upscale feel, with the new MDX exhibiting a commanding presence thanks to its intricately sculpted grille and hood, wide stance, and a stretched wheelbase. The evolution of the MDX is apparent in its elevated exterior design, contributing to a more premium look and feel.
Performance Evolution
The 2022 Acura MDX introduces a new platform designed to deliver enhanced performance and handling. A highlight is the implementation of a double-wishbone front suspension—an MDX first—that promises precision and control. It's powered by Acura's new 3.0-liter V6 Turbo engine and fourth-generation Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, suggesting that Acura has taken significant strides to improve the driving dynamics of this new model.
Embracing the Digital Age
Stepping inside the 2022 Acura MDX reveals a digital haven. The model debuts several new technologies, including the Precision Cockpit all-digital instrument display, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The tech-forward approach extends beyond the driver's seat, with passenger space improvements across all three rows and a multi-function second-row seat that adds an innovative touch to the interior.
A Touch of Elegance
The interior of the 2022 Acura MDX exudes a sense of sophistication, thanks to high-grade materials such as open-pore wood, brushed aluminum, and Milano leather. The hand-wrapped instrument panel adds a premium touch, and the next-generation Acura sport seats ensure first-class front seat comfort. Furthermore, the MDX A-Spec models feature ventilated front seats, while the Advance Package provides additional power-adjusting side bolsters and thigh extensions.
Price and Availability
The 2022 Acura MDX is set to arrive at dealers starting at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $46,900. Various trim levels offer different features and performance enhancements, providing a variety of options for potential customers.
Integrated Dynamics System
The Integrated Dynamics System in the MDX offers various driving settings that adjust to different conditions. Drivers can easily switch between Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual modes, which fine-tune engine and transmission performance. These adjustments include Idle Stop, steering settings, and the responsiveness of the SH-AWD. The new Individual mode allows drivers to customize their driving experience according to their personal preferences. Additionally, the Technology Package introduces Acura's IconicDrive™ interior lighting system. This system provides 27 different LED lighting schemes to illuminate the MDX cabin. The schemes are automatically set to align with the Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, and there are 24 additional user-selectable illuminations themed after iconic roads and race circuits around the world.
Award Winning Audio
2022 Acura MDX: Bold Evolution Meets Digital Sophistication
The fourth-generation 2022 Acura MDX stands tall with its most radical design transformation to date, packed with innovative technologies and a sophisticated interior that mirrors the elegance of a digital era. This article takes an in-depth look at the newly unveiled model, examining its improved design, advanced technology features, enhanced performance, and refined comfort offerings.
A Leap into Boldness
The exterior of the 2022 Acura MDX witnessed a major design overhaul, underlined by a bold and unique exterior design language. The model's transformation highlights Acura's commitment to aggressive aesthetics and an upscale feel, with the new MDX exhibiting a commanding presence thanks to its intricately sculpted grille and hood, wide stance, and a stretched wheelbase. The evolution of the MDX is apparent in its elevated exterior design, contributing to a more premium look and feel.
Performance Evolution
The 2022 Acura MDX introduces a new platform designed to deliver enhanced performance and handling. A highlight is the implementation of a double-wishbone front suspension—an MDX first—that promises precision and control. It's powered by Acura's new 3.0-liter V6 Turbo engine and fourth-generation Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, suggesting that Acura has taken significant strides to improve the driving dynamics of this new model.
Embracing the Digital Age
Stepping inside the 2022 Acura MDX reveals a digital haven. The model debuts several new technologies, including the Precision Cockpit all-digital instrument display, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The tech-forward approach extends beyond the driver's seat, with passenger space improvements across all three rows and a multi-function second-row seat that adds an innovative touch to the interior.
A Touch of Elegance
The interior of the 2022 Acura MDX exudes a sense of sophistication, thanks to high-grade materials such as open-pore wood, brushed aluminum, and Milano leather. The hand-wrapped instrument panel adds a premium touch, and the next-generation Acura sport seats ensure first-class front seat comfort. Furthermore, the MDX A-Spec models feature ventilated front seats, while the Advance Package provides additional power-adjusting side bolsters and thigh extensions.
Price and Availability
The 2022 Acura MDX is set to arrive at dealers starting at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $46,900. Various trim levels offer different features and performance enhancements, providing a variety of options for potential customers.
Audio in the 2022 MDX comes in three different levels. The standard system includes a 9-speaker, 7-channel audio system with 350 watts. With the Technology Package, the MDX upgrades to an ELS Studio system that includes 12 speakers and 550 watts across 12 channels. The premium ELS STUDIO 3D audio system is available with the A-Spec and Advance Packages, offering 16 speakers and a total of 710 watts. Both ELS STUDIO systems have been perfected by eight-time Grammy award-winning music producer and sound engineer, Elliot Scheiner.
Connectivity & Charging
The 2022 MDX offers multiple charging and connectivity features. It includes a pop-up socket in the center console with USB-C and USB-A ports, as well as a convenient smartphone pocket. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ integration and a Qi-compatible 15-watt wireless charger add to the convenience. Furthermore, the car features Amazon Alexa Built-In, enabling drivers to use Alexa for navigation, music, phone calls, weather checks, smart home controls, and more. The MDX is equipped with CabinControl, which allows passengers to control several car functions through a smartphone app. With the A-Spec and Advance Packages, the MDX includes CabinTalk, amplifying front-seat voices for better communication with passengers in the back. The 2022 MDX also introduces the latest generation of AcuraLink™, offering in-vehicle 4GLTE Wi-Fi, over-the-air software updates, and a variety of cloud-based services.
Advanced Powertrain
The 2022 MDX debuts with a 3.5-liter direct-injected i-VTEC™ V6 engine, producing up to 290 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is paired for the first time with Acura's 10-speed automatic transmission, which offers a wider gear ratio range and more discrete gears than the previous 9-speed version. The new Active Shutter Grille feature improves fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag under certain conditions.
Torque Vectoring SH-AWD
The MDX also has an optional rear-biased Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD) system, which can transfer up to 70-percent of engine torque to the rear axle under normal driving conditions. This system provides sharper and more accurate turn-in, with improved traceability when cornering.
Advanced Safety and Driver-Assistive Technologies
The 2022 MDX offers an expanded suite of AcuraWatch™ safety and driver-assistive technologies, including updated Road Departure Mitigation, Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Pedestrian Detection, and a new Driver Attention Monitor. The Technology Package includes Low Speed Braking Control, a new system that uses parking sensors to warn the driver or apply the brakes in potential collision situations.
Next Generation Passenger Front Airbag
The MDX features Acura's award-winning next-generation passenger front airbag technology. This airbag uses a three-chamber design to better protect the passenger's head in the event of an angled frontal collision. The car also incorporates the latest generation of Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure to enhance both occupant and pedestrian collision protection.
Safety Targets
The new MDX targets a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Next to Arrive: High Performance MDX Type S
Due for release in late summer 2021, the MDX Type S will be the first SUV to carry the Type S high-performance nameplate. It will feature Acura's new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine and come with standard 21-inch wheels with 275-series tires. Inside, the Type S offers 9-mode massaging front seats, colors, and trims unique to Type S, and a new "Signature Edition" ELS STUDIO 3D premium audio system.
Design, Development, and Manufacturing
Like its predecessors, the 2022 MDX was designed, engineered, and developed in America. It will continue to be built at the company's East Liberty, Ohio plant, with its engines produced at the Anna, Ohio plant, and its transmission manufactured at the company's Tallapoosa, Georgia plant.
Final Thoughts
As we delve into the key specifications and dimensions, we can clearly see the significant upgrades made in the 2022 Acura MDX. Both the 2020 and 2022 models run on a 3.5-liter V6 engine, but the 2022 MDX takes advantage of a more refined 10-speed AT transmission as opposed to the 9-speed AT transmission used in the 2020 model. The 2022 model also boasts the fourth generation of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, offering advanced handling dynamics.
Peak horsepower and torque remain unchanged at 290 and 267 respectively, maintaining the MDX's powerful and smooth drive. The front suspension has been upgraded to a Double Wishbone Front Suspension, which is generally considered to offer better handling than the MacPherson Strut used in the 2020 model. The rear suspension remains a Multi-Link setup for both versions.
In terms of steering, the 2022 MDX benefits from belt-driven electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering with a variable ratio, promising improved handling and responsiveness compared to the electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering in the previous model. Braking in the 2022 MDX has transitioned to an Electric iBooster from the Hydraulic Assist system in the 2020 version.
The 2022 model is also slightly larger than its predecessor, with an increase in wheelbase, length, width, and height, contributing to improved interior spaciousness and ride comfort. The track, which is the distance between the center of the left wheel and the center of the right wheel, has also been increased, promising improved stability and handling.
One of the major improvements comes in the form of enhanced passenger and cargo volume. The 2022 MDX offers an increased EPA passenger volume of 139.1 cu. ft., up by 6.4 cu. ft. compared to the 2020 version. The cargo volume has also seen a significant rise in all configurations - behind the third, second, and first rows.
In Conclusion: A Balance of Boldness and Elegance
With the launch of the 2022 Acura MDX, the company has taken a big step forward in terms of technology, performance, and comfort. With several feature upgrades, advanced driver-assistive technologies, and an enhanced powertrain, the new MDX is set to redefine the luxury SUV market. The expanded interior space and cargo volume make it a more practical choice for families or those in need of additional cargo space. Whether you are looking for a comfortable ride, superior handling, or innovative technology, the 2022 MDX checks all the boxes and delivers a driving experience that meets the expectations of even the most discerning customers. This latest offering from Acura is truly a blend of comfort, luxury, and performance.
-Ed
2022 Acura MDX
