2022 Acura MDX vs. 2021 Genesis GV80: Which Is Bettter?

Completely redesigned after a year off, the 2022 Acura MDX takes on the brand new 2021 Genesis GV80, both offering strong engines and optional all-wheel drive. Which is better?

Quick Facts

• 2021 GV80 is the first SUV/crossover from Genesis.
• Acura MDX is completely redesigned for 2022.
• Both offer turbocharged V6 engine upgrades.

2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX shown driving in Modern Steel Metallic.

Base price: $47,925 / Choose the right trim for your 2022 Acura MDX 

What we like: Roomy interior; wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; high-performance Type S; resale value.

What we would change: Reduce tire noise; improve fuel efficiency; fix irritating touchpad.

Overview: One of the older category members, the Acura MDX has been in production since 2001 and is a good seller for Acura. However, the big SUV took 2021 off, back for 2022, after a redesign that gave it a longer and wider body and a sophisticated suspension. With many of its competitors going with turbocharged four-cylinder base engines, Acura has stayed with the tried and true, the base 2022 MDX powered by a 3.5-liter V6. It sends power to either the front wheels or all four, and if that’s not enough, there’s a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 in the Type S, with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive and Brembo brakes.

A high-quality interior complements an angular exterior look. We like the optional removable center seat in the second row, allowing easier access to the rear. As expected from Acura, the cabin is well built, and the dash includes a large infotainment screen, although the touchpad can be a challenge to use while driving.

The base model gets synthetic leather upholstery, a 9-speaker audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and two 12.3-inch screens, as well as the AcuraWatch suite of safety systems. Acura has a reputation for bulletproof reliability, so expect resale values to remain strong.

What’s new for 2022: With the SUV taking 2021 off, the 2022 Acura MDX is all new. Later this year comes the MDX Type S, the extra sporty model with turbocharged V6 power.

Features and technology: A choice of engines includes a 3.5-liter V6 and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. The base 3.5-liter can be hooked up to the front or all four wheels, while the turbo is connected to Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive only.

The base model gets synthetic leather upholstery, power front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and two 12.3-inch screens, one for the instruments and one for controlling infotainment. Also included are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Amazon Alexa, wireless charging, a 9-speaker audio system, and USB charging ports for the first and second rows. Safety comes via the AcuraWatch suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, and a rear cross-traffic monitor.

Upper trims get such things as Milano leather throughout, open-pore wood, a surround-view camera, 16-way power front seats that are heated and massaging, third-row USB ports, and a high-quality 16-speaker ELS sound system.

What does the future hold: Given that Acura is typically so good about the details, we would like to see it dial down the tire noise. The sidewalls are stiffer for better handling, but they make a fair amount of noise, so we’re hoping Acura can mitigate that. We would also like to see a possible hybrid option as well and a better touchpad. See 2022 Acura MDX models for sale near you

2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80 is seen here driving in Savile Silver.

Base price: $49,925 / Read our 2021 Genesis GV80 Review

What we like: Tons of standard and optional features; rear-wheel or all-wheel drive; excellent safety technology; class-leading warranty.

What we would change: Third row is pointless; add a V8 and/or a hybrid.

Overview: The first-ever crossover SUV from Hyundai’s Genesis luxury division, the 2021 Genesis GV80 brings a lot to the table for a starting price under $50,000. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine sends power to either the rear wheels or all four, and the GV80 is a confident and capable handler with a compliant suspension and different driving modes for sporty fun. An optional twin-turbo V6 ups that performance considerably, giving it plenty of shove.

Even the base trim level comes very well equipped, with a 14.5-inch touchscreen with both handwriting recognition and redundant controls, a 12-speaker premium audio system, and a slew of driver-assist and safety features. The five-passenger GV80 does offer an optional third row in one trim, but it’s tiny and leaves virtually no space for cargo behind it. As with all Genesis products, the 2021 GV80 comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

What’s new for 2021: Everything, as the GV80 is a brand-new model.

Features and technology: Keeping things relatively simple, the 2021 Genesis GV80 is offered with either a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder or a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Beyond that, there are eight trim levels. However, even the base GV80 is well equipped, with heated and 12-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, 19-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a power-adjustable steering wheel. The infotainment system consists of a 14.5-inch screen with a dial control and handwriting recognition, a 12-speaker premium audio system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and four USB ports. An impressive suite of safety features includes lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision assist, forward collision warning with emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Options are numerous and include a panoramic roof, wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats, an outstanding 21-speaker Lexicon audio system, and a digital key, which allows an Android phone to open and operate the GV80. Other options include leather seating, blind-spot monitoring, massaging front seats, an electronically controlled suspension, and a remote self-parking feature. The 3.5T Advanced Plus trim is the only one that includes a third-row seat, but as we have said, it’s tiny and only useful for small children.

What does the future hold: Given that the 2021 Genesis GV80 is brand-new, we expect changes based on buyer preference. Given its sporty pretensions, we would like to see a V8 option, and frankly, we see no reason for the virtually useless third row. See 2022 Genesis GV80 models for sale near you

MDX vs. GV80: Strengths Comparison

Top: The 2022 Acura MDX’s dashboard is loaded with tech.
Bottom: 2021 Genesis GV80 dashboard has a little bit of Hyundai.

MDX Benefits: 6- or 7-passenger seating; excellent build quality; high-performance Type S variant.

GV80 Benefits: Cargo space; looks; standard rear-wheel drive; cargo space.

2022 Acura MDX vs. 2021 Genesis GV80: Which Is Better?

Top: The 2022 Acura MDX Modern is seen here driving in Steel Metallic. Bottom: The 2021 Genesis GV80 is seen here in Cardiff Green.

Rock-solid and with three rows of seats, the 2022 Acura MDX is well built, reliable, and fun to drive, with a whole suite of standard safety features and plenty of luxury upgrades. It’s a great choice for a three-row midsize SUV that’s fun to drive.

With standard rear-wheel drive, the 2021 Genesis GV80 has some sporting character, sharp looks, and an excellent 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine upgrade. With a tiny third row, it’s a great choice if you don’t need to carry more than five passengers, plus its head-turning looks will get you noticed. See 2022 Acura MDX models for sale or See 2022 Genesis GV80 models for sale