Vehicle Spotlight: The 2022 Acura MDX A-Spec
There’s good money to be made in the luxury 3-row unibody crossover space, and no one knows this better than Acura who created this segment 20 years ago. Serving as a leading option in its segment, the brand new MDX undergoes a radical change to showcase Acura’s revised luxury-performance value proposition.
As expected from a complete redesign, the 2022 MDX gets big updates to its size and styling. The flagship SUV now sits 0.8cm lower and 3.5cm wider than the outgoing model, while the wheelbase is lengthened 7cm for improved ride quality and increased cabin space. These larger dimensions are then emphasized with an elongated grille, wider headlights, and strong body lines to give the MDX a refined but muscular stance.
The interior is both dynamic and comfortable thanks to high-quality materials and modern electronics. Supple leather seating surfaces and double-pane windows work with the vehicle’s adaptive dampers to minimize outside road noise and vibrations, while the widescreen infotainment system and simplified center stack bring a cleaner look without impacting usability. The second-row seats feature a removable middle seat, and 3rd-row passengers get more headroom and legroom.
Advanced driver assistance systems come standard on the Acura MDX. The suite’s radar cruise control and lane-keeping systems are easy to control through physical controls on the steering wheel, and the system can even help minimize driving effort in stop-and-go traffic situations. Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto are included to keep drivers connected on the road.
Beneath the surface lies Acura’s all-new light truck platform that evokes the driving dynamics of a sports car. The new chassis delivers better handling abilities with improved ride comfort and collision safety thanks to a new double-wishbone front suspension setup and increased body rigidity. A 3.5L 290hp V6 engine powers the standard MDX, though a new Type-S variant with a 355HP turbocharged 3.0L engine is also available.
The Acura MDX finds the sweet spot balancing luxury, athleticism, and value that others have yet to discover. Given the amount of responsibility the MDX needs to accomplish as the brand’s new flagship model, we’re glad Acura moves the bar yet again oh what makes the MDX an excellent choice.
