Acura Unveils ’22 MDX CUV as Brand’s New Flagship

Acura today introduces the all-new 2022 MDX, saying the fourth-generation CUV represents the model’s most radical transformation yet.

Newly designated as the brand’s flagship, the ’22 MDX features new exterior and interior designs and what Acura calls the most high-tech and advanced cockpit in the brand’s 35-year history.

Powering the MDX is a 3.5L V-6 rated at 290 hp and 267 lb.-ft. (362 Nm) of torque and paired for the first time with Acura’s 10-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency is maximized with variable valve timing and variable cylinder management.

The all-new light-truck platform underpinning the MDX lengthens the wheelbase by 2.8 ins. (71 mm) and is 1.4 ins. (36 mm) wider. The dash-to-axle ratio is extended by nearly 6 ins. (152 mm), lending a “cab rearward” proportion to the MDX and emphasizing the power under the hood.

The vehicle architecture also features a double-wishbone front suspension, a first for the MDX; an all-new multilink rear suspension; and improved body rigidity, enhancing ride comfort and handling as well as improved collision safety performance, Acura says.

The MDX debuts several new technologies including Acura’s Precision Cockpit all-digital instrument display, built-in Amazon Alexa and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

The cabin (below) makes use of authentic materials such as open-pore wood, brushed aluminum and soft-touch Milano leather. A hand-wrapped instrument panel with available top-stitching provides a premium touch, the automaker says.

Acura’s largest-ever center display is 12.3 ins. (31 cm) wide and features intuitive controls along with more accurate swipe zones and handwriting recognition, as well as AI-driven Smart Shortcuts for quick and predictive access to common tasks.

Also new for 2022, the MDX Advance Package offers a 10.5-in. (27-cm) full-color head-up display that can show critical vehicle alerts, collision warnings and incoming calls and texts as well as navigation instructions and vehicle speed.

Acura’s standard next-generation sport seats feature 12-way adjustment, three-way seat heating and three-position memory. The A-Spec trim level adds ventilated front seats while the Advance Package offers power-adjusting side bolsters and thigh extensions for 16-way adjustment.

Acura MDX 22 interior

The second row’s removable middle seat provides three seating options; a traditional bench for 3-across seating and 7-passenger total capacity (with second-row middle seat up), a captain's chair-style wide center armrest with additional cupholders (with second-row middle seat folded down), or wide pass-through for access to the third row (middle seat removed).

The third row is 2 ins. (51 mm) higher from the floor compared to the outgoing model and has USB charging ports on both sides of the cabin.

Cargo space is increased 1.5 cu.-ft. (42 L) to 16.3 cu.-ft. (462 L) and can expand up to 71.4 cu.-ft. (2,022 L) with both second and third rows folded. The new MDX also has 80% more space available under the cargo floor behind the third row.

The ’22 MDX, priced starting at $46,900, will arrive at dealers Feb. 2.

The high-performance MDX Type S, powered by Acura’s new turbocharged 3.0L V-6 developing 355 hp and 354 lb.-ft. (480 Nm), is set to arrive in late summer.

Both are assembled at Acura’s East Liberty, OH, plant, and their engines are built at the company’s Anna, OH, plant.

The MDX is the top seller in Wards Intelligence's Large Luxury CUV segment, with 32,553 deliveries through the first nine months of the year. That's down 12.6% from year-ago but is 10,000 units ahead of the second-place Volvo XC90.

Acura MDX 22 2nd row_0