Acura has revealed the all-new MDX, the fourth generation of the company’s flagship three-row SUV following a thinly-veiled preview back in October. Compared to the outgoing model, the 2022 Acura MDX is 1.4 inches wider and features a 2.8-inches longer wheelbase but the most significant dimensional change is the dash-to-axle ratio, which has been extended by nearly 6 inches. This has given the new 2022 Acura MDX its “cab rearward” proportions and made the bonnet line significantly longer. The wheels are also bigger and have been pushed to the edges of the bodywork, giving the new MDX a very dynamic appearance.
For the first time in the history of the
model, the MDX now sports a front double-wishbone suspension, combined with a
multilink rear end, showcasing Acura’s determination to offer a more precise
and engaging handling character, as well as an improved ride quality and
comfort levels. At the front, the new cast aluminum housing of the dampers is
45 percent stiffer for better noise isolation while the new front subframe is
rigid-mounted, instead of the outgoing model’s floating-type subframe, for
better handling. In addition, the rear body uses a new dual-balanced load path
for the damper mounting points, contributing to a 41 percent increase in
stiffness for better noise isolation and 80 percent torsion improvement which
further improves the handling.
Open the door and you will be treated to
the “most premium and sophisticated cabin Acura has ever designed”.
High-quality materials like open-pore wood, brushed aluminum, and soft-touch
Milano leather are all present and there’s the option to even have the
instrument panel wrapped in leather. Acura will offer six different color
schemes, including Ebony, Parchment, Graystone, and Espresso. A-Spec models
will be offered exclusively in either Ebony or red leather with black
Ultrasuede inserts. The 2022 MDX features the all-new ‘Acura Precision Cockpit’
digital instrument cluster, featuring a 12.3-inch display and a fully
configurable content selection. A 10.5-inch full-color head-up display is also
present.
Acura’s latest-generation infotainment
system benefits from a more powerful CPU and a 12.3-inch Full-HD display.
Acura’s touchpad interface remains, featuring “absolute positioning”, with more
accurate swipe zones and handwriting recognition, as well as more intuitive
controls. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, along with
wireless charging and built-in Amazon Alexa. Acura will offer three different
audio systems with the new MDX; the base MDX will feature a 9-speaker,
7-channel system with 350 watts, and the MDX Technology Package gets an ELS
Studio system with 12 speakers, 12-channel system with 550 watts. On A-Spec and
Advance Packages, the audio system will be an ELS Studio 3D premium, with a
total of 16 speakers, 16 channels, and 710 watts.
With every seat in its upward position,
the new MDX offers room for up to seven passengers. The new 2022 Acura MDX also
features a first-in-class multifunction removable center seat in the second
row, transforming from a traditional 3-seat bench to a dual captain’s chair
setup with a wide armrest in the middle or a wide passthrough for easier access
to the third row. Acura claims that the third row in the new MDX is now
roomier, offering an additional 0.4 inches of headroom and an extra 2.4 inches
of legroom, as well as a seating position that’s 2 inches higher from the floor
compared to the outgoing model. Add to that the standard panoramic sunroof
across the range and even passengers in the third row will enjoy a light and
spacious feeling.
Customers will be offered initially just
one engine option; Acura’s 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 unit paired to a 10-speed
automatic transmission with paddle shifters, producing 290 HP and 267 lb-ft of
torque. Front-wheel drive will be standard, with Acura’s Torque Vectoring
SH-AWD system being an option. The rear-biased Super Handling All-Wheel Drive
system enters its fourth generation, featuring 40 percent more rear torque
capacity and 30 percent quicker front-to-rear torque transfer than the system
in the previous MDX. All in all, Acura’s SH-AWD system can transfer up to 70
percent of the torque to the rear axle while distributing up to 100 percent of
that rear torque between either the left or right wheel. The result is even
sharper handling and a more accurate turn-in, offering improved traceability
when cornering as well.
Those wishing to take full advantage of
Acura’s trick AWD system should wait until the summer of 2021 when the company
is going to launch the range-topping MDX Type S. This will be powered by the
brand’s all-new turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing an estimated 355 HP
and 354 lb-ft of torque. The sportiest member of the new MDX family will ride
on 21-inch wheels shod in 275-series tires and will feature larger brakes with
four-piston Brembo front calipers. The Acura MDX Type S will also sport an
open-diamond front grille, quad exhaust tips, and lots of gloss black trim that
will replace the standard chrome.
The first examples of the 2022 Acura MDX
will arrive at dealers across the US on February 2, with prices starting at US$ 46,900 for the entry-level FWD MDX and from US$ 48,900 for the MDX with SH-AWD.
