The all-new 2022 Acura MDX receives a much-needed makeover, helping it remain relevant in the crowded 3-row luxury SUV segment.
The MDX has long been a favorite of consumers and media alike, offering outstanding quality, reliability, and resale. But the MDX’s greatest strength is its ability to provide plentiful technology and luxury features at a reasonable price.
The MDX is roomy inside while not too ponderous on the outside, an attribute highly desirable for those living in dense urban centers. Of course, there’s also the MDX’s performance story, which only gets better as you climb the line to the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. At its core is a proven 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and 10-speed automatic, a pairing that neither labors to achieve rapid acceleration nor guzzle gas when doing so.
Max towing for the front-drive Acura MDX is rated at 3,500 pounds, while all-wheel-drive models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
EPA fuel economy for the 2022 Acura MDX is model is 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 with FWD, or 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined with AWD.
The potent new Acura MDX Type S joined the lineup in late 2021. It’s the MDX for folks who like to drive and want some extra performance. It’s powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, the same engine used in the Acura TLX Type S. It puts out 355 horsepower and 354.
In a recent drive of the new Type S, we marveled at how the standard air suspension, complemented by adaptive shock absorbers, makes for an MDX that can be more comfortable than the standard version or far sportier — especially when it’s in the new Sport+ driving mode.
Acura recommends 91-octane premium unleaded gasoline with both engines. The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons.
2022 Acura MDX (Starting at $48,000)
The front-drive 2022 Acura MDX is surprisingly well equipped, with pricing rivaling even some fully-loaded non-luxury SUVs.
A look at the MDX’s exterior reveals many standard features, many of which are extra-cost options on the MDX’s competition. The MDX rides on handsome 19-inch alloy wheels surrounded by high-performance all-season tires. Acura’s Jewel Eye LED headlights make a fashion statement and include automatic high beams and an on/off function tied to the wiper activation.
The MDX’s heated power side mirrors include integrated turn signals and a tilt-down feature with the transmission in reverse. A power glass panoramic moonroof and power tailgate are also standard fares, with the windows and moonroof capable of being operated remotely. Also standard is an acoustic laminated windshield and front side glass, and a capless fuel filler.
Standard on every MDX is AcuraWatch, a complete set of driver assists including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Also in the AcuraWatch package is adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, traffic sign recognition, and traffic jam assist.
Other standard driver assists include a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, a multi-view rearview monitor with guidelines, a rear camera lens washer, and hill-start assist. Acura’s tire pressure monitoring system includes a tire-fill assist monitor that gives visual and audible alerts when you’ve reached the correct tire pressure. Front-drive models get a tire repair kit, while all-wheel-drive trims come with a compact convenience spare tire for limited use at moderate speed.
The 2022 MDX includes Acura’s Integrated Dynamics System features Snow, Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings, adjusting throttle input, transmission gear change timing, steering input, and traction control for optimal performance on various road surfaces and conditions.
Inside the 2022 MDX, the standard seating configuration can accommodate up to seven passengers. An ingenious removable second-row center section creates instantaneous captain’s chairs, as well as a pathway to the third-row seat. However, although there is more interior room than in the previous generation, the 2022 MDX’s 50/50 split-folding third-row seat is still best suited for children or extremely flexible adults.
Seat coverings are a convincing faux leather, with 12-way power adjustments for both driver and front-seat passenger, including power lumbar support. Heated front seats are standard, as is a three-position driver’s seat memory with side mirrors and tilt/telescopic power steering wheel settings.
Cabin comfort gets augmented with tri-zone automatic climate controls, proximity keyless access with push-button start, auto up/down power windows, and LED interior lighting. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster replaces traditional analog gauges, looking right at home in the MDX’s ultra-modern dash.
The MDX’s infotainment functions are operated through a touchpad controller on the center console and displayed on a large 12.3-inch screen. However, without controlling apps and audio via a touch screen interface, the system can be cumbersome, especially while driving. The system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-in, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth streaming audio. A wireless charge pad is standard, as are USB charge ports in the first two rows, including one USB-A and one USB-C.
The MDX’s Premium audio system has nine speakers, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Acura Cabin Control, an app that allows passengers to control audio source, volume, and climate controls via their smartphone.
Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is available and adds another $2,000 to the MDX’s bottom line.
With the $1,045 destination fee, the 2022 Acura MDX costs $49,045. On a 60 month loan at 3% financing and no money down, the MDX’s monthly payment comes to about $881. See 2022 Acura MDX models for sale
2022 Acura MDX includes:
12-way heated power front seats – allow both driver and passenger the same number of adjustments to find the perfect seating position.
Panoramic glass moonroof – this massive roof covers the first two rows and features a sliding and tilt portion for letting more air into the cabin.
Power liftgate – makes it easy to access the MDX’s cargo area, mainly when your hands are full.
AcuraWatch – this suite of driver assists helps keep you safe by monitoring road and traffic situations, maintaining a safe distance from the traffic ahead, and keeping the vehicle from departing its lane.
2022 Acura MDX with Technology Package (Starting $52,700)
The Technology Package adds to or replaces the equipment in the MDX’s standard equipment list. Given it’s just $4,700 more than the base MDX, we think the added value it brings is worth the extra cost.
When ordering the Technology Package, buyers get 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, power-folding side mirrors, and perforated Milano leather seats with three-position passenger seat memory. A GPS-linked climate control system tracks the sun’s position relative to the MDX and adjusts the climate control accordingly.
Also included are second-row sunshades, multi-color ambient cabin lighting, and an Acura/ELS Studio audio upgrade with 12 speakers. The infotainment system gains voice-activated 3D view navigation plus AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with street conditions and rerouting feature.
Additional driver assists include front and rear parking sensors and low-speed brake control that automatically applies the brakes when sensing a front or rear collision might be possible. Rain-sensing wipers automatically activate when detecting rain, mist, or snow on the windshield.
As with the standard MDX, SH-AWD adds $2,000 to the bottom line.
With the $1,045 destination fee, the 2022 Acura MDX w/ Technology Package comes to $53,745. If putting no money down, the monthly payment on a 60-month loan with a 3% APR comes to approximately $966, only $84 more each month than the base MDX. See 2022 Acura MDX with Technology Package models for sale
2022 Acura MDX with Technology Package includes:
Navigation – this 3D view map makes it easy to find your way to any destination and includes the ability to see and avoid traffic jams by rerouting around them.
ELS Studio audio – brings more power and more speakers to the MDX’s cabin, delivering impressive sound reproduction and lots and lots of bass.
Rain-sensing wipers – automatically activate when detecting rain or snow on the windshield with the ability to vary speed accordingly.
Front and rear parking sensors – produce an audible alert when the MDX is getting too close to a stationary object, such as a parked car or brick wall.
2022 Acura MDX A-Spec (Starting at $58,400)
The A-Spec is the sportiest of the standard MDX models and comes standard with SH-AWD. However, besides some stunning visual upgrades and a larger rear anti-roll bar, there’s not much to distinguish its performance from the other MDX models. If you’re looking for something with more power and better moves, consider the 2022 MDX Type S.
Setting the A-Spec apart is an appearance package containing piano black trim around the grille, headlights, and taillights, as well as Shark Gray 20-inch alloy wheels. Unique to the A-Spec is an optional paint called Apex Blue Pearl.
The A-Spec’s sport seats come in black or red perforated Milano leather with Ultrasuede inserts. A leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel features contrasting stitching. Other visual touches include A-Spec metal sill plates, stainless steel sport pedals, and a black headliner.
Building off the Technology Package, the A-Spec adds LED fog lights, ventilated front seats, and an ELS Studio 3D sound system with 16 speakers and Cabin Talk, an in-car PA system that allows the driver to communicate with passengers in the third row.
With destination, the 2022 Acura MDX A-Spec comes to $59,445. On a no-money-down loan for 60 months at 3% interest, the A-Spec’s monthly payment comes to about $1,068. See 2022 Acura MDX A-Spec models for sale
2022 Acura MDX A-Spec includes:
SH-AWD – Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive is an advanced system that not only improves traction in snow and off-road conditions but vastly improves cornering performance on dry pavement.
Red Milano leather seating – makes a visual statement that wakes up the MDX’s interior.
Ventilated front seats – help keep front-seat occupants comfortable by circulating cool air through the perforated leather seat covers.
Cabin Talk – this in-car system uses speakers or wired headphones to allow the driver to communicate with the rear seat passengers.
2022 Acura MDX with Advance Package (Starting at $61,950)
At the top of the standard MDX lineup is the MDX w/Advance Package. This fully loaded trim includes all the features of the Technology Package and then adds even more luxury.
SH-AWD is standard, as are 20-inch silver 10-spoke alloy wheels, a hands-free power liftgate with a walk-away closing feature, LED outer door handle lighting, roof rails, and key fob activated remote start.
The heated and ventilated front seats are upgraded to 16-way adjustable status and include power thigh extension and side bolsters. Heated outboard second-row seats are also part of the Advance Package, as is a heated steering wheel.
Authentic open-pore wood trim and a more advanced ambient lighting system give MDX’s cabin a more upscale feel, while a rear AC charge outlet and third-row USB charge port make for a more functional interior.
For the driver, a 10.5-inch head-up display and 360-degree Surround-View Camera System are welcome visual aids.
With the $1,045 destination fee, the 2022 Acura MDX w/Advance Package costs $62,995. If putting no money down, a 60-month loan with a 3% APR yields a monthly payment of roughly $1,132. See 2022 Acura MDX with Advance Package models for sale
2022 Acura MDX with Advance Package includes:
Hands-free power liftgate – can be activated simply by having the key fob on your person and kicking your foot under the bumper. Once you walk away, the liftgate closes automatically.
Upgraded sport seats – include 16-way power adjustment with power-adjustable thigh extension support and side bolsters.
Head-up display – projects directly onto the windshield, showing crucial information such as speed, navigation directions, and adaptive cruise control range.
Surround-View Camera System – provides a full 360-degree view outside the MDX.
2022 Acura MDX Type S (Starting at $66,700)
The turbocharged MDX Type S is the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge. As such, it’s the most powerful and best-handling SUV ever produced by Acura. A 3rd-row seat is standard, as is torque-vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD) and a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 horsepower.
In addition to its powerful engine and sport-tuned 10-speed automatic transmission, the 2022 Acura MDX Type S is equipped with air suspension and active shock absorbers that allow for adjustable ride height. What’s more, the new MDX Type S is equipped with large 4-piston Brembo front brakes (with 14.3-inch rotors) and 21-inch wheels with high-performance self-sealing tires.
Visually, the new MDX Type S is set apart by black trim on the lower roof pillars, a diamond pentagon grille that improves cooling, and quad exhaust tips. There are also side vents beneath each headlight that feed two additional smaller radiators, which are employed to provide additional cooling for the turbocharged V6.
EPA fuel economy for the new 2022 Acura MDX Type S is 17 mpg city/21 mpg highway/19 mpg combined.
With the $1,045 destination fee, the 2022 Acura MDX Type S costs $67,745. If putting no money down, a 60-month loan with a 3% APR yields a monthly payment of about $1,217. See 2022 Acura MDX Type S models for sale near you
2022 Acura MDX Type S includes:
Turbo 3.0-liter V6 – equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger, this 3.0-liter V6 produces 355 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 354 lb-ft of torque at only 1,400 rpm.
Air suspension – this sport-tuned air suspension feature active damping and automatic ride-height adjustment.
Sport seats – the ones in the Type S are heavily bolstered and feature perforated Milano leather with trim made of synthetic suede.
Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel – gives the Type S a sporty feel and extra thigh clearance for drivers who like their steering wheel low.
Self-sealing tires – the Type S’s 21-inch Continental CrossContact RX tires, size 275/40R-21, are both grippy and self-sealing. They’re coated on the inside with a glue-like substance that automatically seals any punctures 5 mm in diameter or smaller. Acura says these tires, developed specifically for the Type S, offer much better ride quality than a conventional run-flat tire.
2022 Acura MDX Type S with Advance Package (Starting at $72,050)
The 2022 Acura MDX Type S with Advance Package is loaded with standard equipment, and one of its finest features is a 1,000-watt ELS Studio audio system featuring 25 speakers, a quantity that also includes some LED-illuminated door speakers.
Other standard hardware on the MDX Type S with Advance Package includes a surround-view camera system, a 10.5-inch head-up display, a pair of 3rd-row charging ports, and a leather-trimmed interior featuring sport seats upholstered in premium Milano leather.
The front seats, for the record, offer 16-way adjustability and nine different massage modes. The outer rear seats also are heated, just like the front seats and steering wheel.
Other notable features on the luxurious MDX Type S with Advance Package include open-pore wood interior trim (with a black metallic finish), and a hands-free power tailgate.
With the $1,045 destination fee, the 2022 Acura MDX Type S w/Advance Package costs $73,095. If putting no money down, a 60-month loan with a 3% APR yields a monthly payment of $1,313. See 2022 Acura MDX Type S with Advance Package models for sale near you
2022 Acura MDX Type S with Advance Package includes:
Surround-View Camera System – provides a full 360-degree view outside the MDX.
Head-up display – projects directly onto the windshield, showing crucial information such as speed, navigation directions, and adaptive cruise control range.
ELS Studio 3D Audio – this 1,000-watt premium sound system features 25 speakers, including six in the headliner and a pair of bass speakers on the center console.
Massaging front seats – these front seats provide 16-way adjustability and 9 massage modes.
