The Acura MDX has long been a popular choice in the luxury SUV market, offering a blend of premium features, three-row practicality, and a reputation for reliability at a competitive price. For over two decades, the MDX has been a dependable option, with many older models still on roads today, a testament to Acura’s renowned build quality. The 2022 Acura MDX represents the latest iteration of this successful formula, aiming to inject more style and sophistication into a segment that’s more competitive than ever. This review dives deep into the 2022 MDX, examining its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right luxury SUV for your needs.
Design and Exterior Appeal
The 2022 MDX underwent a significant refresh, resulting in a visually appealing and modern SUV. Adopting the current trend of larger front grilles, the MDX presents a refined and subtly upscale aesthetic. While the prominent Acura badge might be a bit too bold for some, it aligns with design trends seen in other luxury brands. The overall design evokes a sense of understated luxury, perhaps drawing comparisons to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, but arguably executing the design language even more effectively. For those seeking a handsome SUV that doesn’t scream for attention, the MDX strikes a compelling balance. It avoids the perceived ostentation of some rivals like the Genesis GV80 while offering more visual interest than more conservatively styled competitors such as the Volvo XC90.
Understated Elegance
The MDX’s exterior design prioritizes elegance and sophistication over overt flamboyance. The lines are clean, and the proportions are well-balanced, creating a cohesive and pleasing silhouette. The dark gray paint option, as tested, enhances the vehicle’s form, with shadows accentuating the bodywork’s contours and adding visual depth.
Paint and Surfacing
While the design is generally well-executed, closer inspection reveals minor shortcomings in surface quality. As noted in the original review, reflections on the body panels can appear slightly distorted, indicating areas where the surfacing could be improved for a truly flawless finish. This minor imperfection, however, does not detract significantly from the overall attractive appearance of the 2022 Acura MDX.
Interior and Comfort
Stepping inside the 2022 Acura MDX reveals a cabin that mirrors the exterior’s understated luxury. The interior design is both sumptuous and refined, utilizing high-quality materials such as leather, aluminum, and wood trim. The overall ambiance convincingly positions the MDX within the luxury segment, offering a significant upgrade from mainstream SUVs.
Premium Cabin Feel
While the MDX’s interior is undoubtedly luxurious, it might not evoke the same immediate “wow” factor as some competitors, like the Genesis GV80 with its particularly opulent cabin. However, the MDX prioritizes a more subtle and enduring sense of quality and comfort. For those considering upgrading from a Honda Pilot, the MDX represents a substantial leap in interior refinement and material quality, justifying its luxury designation.
Spaciousness and Comfort
Passenger space is a key strength of the 2022 MDX, offering generous room in both the first and second rows. The front sport seats, as featured in the tested model, provide ample support and comfort for longer journeys. The second-row seats are also notably comfortable and, in higher trims like the Advance Package, include heated functionality, enhancing passenger comfort, especially in colder climates. A panoramic moonroof further contributes to the feeling of spaciousness, flooding the cabin with natural light.
Features and Technology
The MDX is equipped with a comprehensive array of features, including a third-row seat that expands passenger capacity for larger families or occasional needs. The cargo area is also generously sized, accommodating a significant amount of luggage or gear. In terms of technology, the 2022 MDX includes a full suite of active safety systems, a surround-view camera system, and a premium 16-speaker audio system. Amazon Alexa integration is also included for added convenience.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Powering the 2022 Acura MDX is a 3.5-liter V6 engine known for its smoothness and refinement. This engine produces 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, delivering adequate performance for most driving situations.
Smooth but Adequate Power
While the V6 engine is undeniably smooth and refined in its operation, it might feel less potent when compared to turbocharged rivals, such as the BMW X5 40i. Drivers accustomed to more spirited acceleration might find the MDX’s power delivery to be merely adequate rather than exhilarating. However, for everyday driving and typical family hauling duties, the engine provides sufficient power and a relaxed driving experience.
Refined Driving Experience
Complementing the smooth engine is a new ten-speed automatic transmission that operates seamlessly, shifting gears almost imperceptibly. This contributes to the overall sense of refinement and luxury, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride for both driver and passengers.
Handling and Agility
On the road, the MDX demonstrates competent handling and a composed demeanor. The steering is light yet precise, providing a reassuring sense of control, particularly on highway journeys. The suspension, featuring a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear setup (more commonly found in sports cars), contributes to surprisingly agile handling for a three-row SUV. On winding roads, the MDX exhibits a degree of sportiness and body control that exceeds expectations for its class. While not designed for outright performance driving, the MDX can confidently handle corners and changes in direction, offering a more engaging driving experience than some competitors. Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system further enhances traction and stability, providing added confidence in various weather conditions. For drivers seeking a slightly sportier driving experience, the MDX A-Spec trim is available, promising enhanced driver engagement.
Infotainment and Technology Challenges
Despite its many positive attributes, the 2022 Acura MDX faces criticism regarding its infotainment system. While the system’s display is visually appealing, the controls and user interface present usability challenges.
Infotainment System Critique
Acura has opted for a touchpad-based infotainment control system, eschewing the more common touchscreen interface. This touchpad, located near the gear selector, is intended to provide precise control over the infotainment system. However, in practice, it proves to be less intuitive and more cumbersome than traditional touchscreens or rotary dial controllers.
Touchpad Interface Issues
The touchpad’s operation mimics that of a laptop trackpad, requiring users to swipe and tap to navigate menus and select options. While Acura claims the system is designed for proportionate and precise cursor movement, users may find it challenging to accurately select on-screen elements, particularly in the corners of the display. The system’s sensitivity and menu structure can also be frustrating, requiring a steeper learning curve compared to more user-friendly infotainment systems. Interestingly, Apple CarPlay integration bypasses some of these touchpad-related issues, allowing for more conventional touch-and-swipe inputs within the CarPlay interface.
Camera System Quirks
The surround-view camera system, while offering valuable visibility, also suffers from a questionable control placement. The button to manually activate the cameras is located on the end of the windshield wiper stalk, a position that is not easily visible to the driver. This awkward placement makes it less convenient to manually engage the camera system when maneuvering in tight parking spaces, undermining its potential usefulness.
Practicality and Value
One of the strongest selling points of the 2022 Acura MDX is its attractive pricing within the luxury SUV segment. The MDX offers a compelling value proposition, providing a wealth of features and luxury appointments at a price point that often undercuts its European rivals.
Competitive Pricing
The tested MDX, equipped with the Advance Package, carried a sticker price of $62,175. While this is certainly a significant sum, it represents considerable savings compared to similarly equipped German competitors like the BMW X5. Even compared to value-oriented luxury SUVs like the Genesis GV80, the MDX remains competitively priced, often offering a lower entry point for comparable features. For buyers seeking a luxury three-row SUV without breaking the bank, the MDX presents a compelling option. Base models of the MDX start even lower, making luxury SUV ownership accessible to a broader range of buyers.
Practicality and Family-Friendliness
Beyond its value proposition, the MDX excels in practicality, offering a spacious and versatile interior suitable for families. The three-row configuration provides seating for up to seven passengers, and the generous cargo area accommodates luggage and gear for family trips. Features like heated second-row seats and a panoramic moonroof further enhance passenger comfort and enjoyment.
Areas for Improvement
While the 2022 Acura MDX is a well-rounded and capable luxury SUV, there are areas where it could be improved to better compete with segment leaders.
Engine Power and Fuel Economy
The 3.5-liter V6 engine, while smooth, could benefit from more power to truly compete with the turbocharged engines offered by rivals. Furthermore, fuel economy, at 21 MPG combined and 25 MPG on the highway, is merely average and not a standout attribute. Given the engine’s adequate power output, improved fuel efficiency would be a welcome enhancement.
Cabin Quietness
While the MDX’s cabin is generally comfortable, it lacks the same level of noise isolation and serenity offered by some competitors, particularly in the luxury segment. Road noise and bumps are more noticeable in the MDX compared to rivals prioritizing ultimate cabin quietness. While not a major flaw, enhancing cabin isolation would elevate the MDX’s luxury experience.
Infotainment System Usability
The most significant area for improvement is the infotainment system. The touchpad-based control system is unintuitive and cumbersome, detracting from the overall user experience. Acura should consider adopting a more user-friendly control interface, such as a touchscreen or a more refined rotary dial system, in future iterations.
Conclusion
The 2022 Acura MDX is a highly competent and value-packed luxury SUV. It excels in areas such as exterior design, interior space and comfort, and driving dynamics, offering a well-rounded package for buyers seeking a three-row luxury SUV. Its competitive pricing further enhances its appeal, making it a sensible choice within its segment. However, the MDX stops short of being truly class-leading, with areas for improvement in engine power, cabin quietness, and, most notably, infotainment system usability. Despite these minor shortcomings, the 2022 Acura MDX remains a strong contender, particularly for buyers prioritizing practicality, value, and understated luxury in a three-row SUV. It’s a sensible and dependable choice that continues to resonate with buyers seeking a well-rounded luxury family vehicle.
Pros:
- Stylish exterior design
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- Attractive pricing for the luxury segment
Cons:
- Infotainment system usability
- Engine power could be more potent
- Cabin quietness not class-leading
Verdict:
A sensible and well-equipped luxury SUV that offers great value, but lacks standout features to truly lead its class.
