Acura unveiled its 2022 MDX this week, and it looks pretty darn sexy for a three-row SUV – inside and out. This is a next-gen vehicle, and it takes the styling cues pioneered by the RDX to the next level.
We recently got a sneak peek at this all-new vehicle when Acura showed off its MDX Prototype back in October. Now we get full details, including a starting price of $46,900, which is $2,400 more than the outgoing model.
Here are the key things to know about the 2022 MDX.
MDX skips the 2021 model year
While I think we all wish we could skip 2020, the Acura MDX decided to skip 2021 instead. So, there will be no 2021 model and the 2022 model will arrive in dealers starting in February of 2021.
There will be a high-performance model
While we don’t have too much information about the Type S variant, since it isn’t slated to hit dealers until summer of 2021. We do have a couple of snippets to share. First and foremost, it’ll come equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 that will deliver 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.
It’ll also come standard with Acura’s Super Handling-AWD as well as a number of up-level amenities, including massaging front seats, heated front seats and a new ELS Studio 3D premium surround sound audio system.
‘Standard’ seems to be the buzzword
There are a whole host of features included on the 2022 MDX, which are dubbed standard. And a lot of them are pretty swank features most automakers charge extra for. Things that make the list include a panoramic moonroof, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and traffic jam assist.
MDX gets a big screen, too
One standard item not mentioned above: the 12.3-inch ultra-wide, high-def infotainment screen. This is paired with a 12.3-inch behind-the-wheel digital cluster.
Along with the new big screen, Acura has upgraded the True Touchpad Interface with a more powerful CPU and physical (hallelujah!) power, volume and seek controls.
A-Spec red interior is en fuego
The 2022 MDX will have six (6!) different interior color schemes available, depending on trim or package. While Ebony, Parchment, Graystone and Espresso are lovely and all, I’m looking at the photos of the red leather (no special name, it’s just Red – whomp whomp), and that is sexy as hell. Especially with those black suede inserts.
It has a magic middle seat
The MDX seats seven, but if you don’t need to haul six, passengers the multi-function second-row middle seat is removable. As the press release points out, this is particularly helpful when car seats are installed in both outboard seats, as the opening will create easy access to the third row.
My questions: How heavy is that seat, and will it be easy to maneuver out of the vehicle?
The removable middle seat in the 2022 Acura MDX. (Image courtesy of Acura)The bottom line on the 2022 MDX
In addition to all the cool new standard features and sub-$50k price tag, Acura is also targeting top-tier safety ratings for the 2022 MDX from NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. While it hit the mark with NHTSA for 2020, it has some work to do for IIHS – it didn’t even rate a Top Safety Pick. So, stay tuned, on that front.
Now, there are some vehicles I like because they’re pretty, even if they drive badly. Then there are some vehicles I like because they handle beautifully, even if they look like crap. Thankfully, the MDX has always been the best of all worlds: looks good, drives good. I can’t imagine that changes for 2022.
So, if you’re looking for a three-row SUV and you don’t need to buy before the end of the year, you might hold off a couple months until the 2022 MDX hits dealers.
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