-TITAN Posted January 2, 2021 Posted January 2, 2021 Overview Acura is on a tear updating its small lineup of cars and SUVs. Among them is the three-row MDX, whose recent overhaul brings lots of goodies. This SUV takes its handsome styling cues from the compact RDX SUV and TLX sedan, and the cabin boasts luxury materials and features worthy of the Acura's premium badge. The base powertrain for this front-driver consists of a 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 and a 10-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive is available. But select the performance-oriented Type S model and you'll get a turbocharged 355-hp 3.0-liter V-6 and standard all-wheel drive. What's New for 2022? Acura redesigned the MDX for 2022, skipping the 2021 model year. The new SUV shares its styling and technology with the recently revamped RDX and TLX models and will reach dealerships in February 2021. As driving enthusiasts, we're most intrigued by the Type S for its performance aspirations, but Acura says that model won't go on sale until the summer of 2021. For buyers looking for a nicely equipped luxury crossover without the sporty flair, we'd recommend the Technology trim, which has niceties such as leather upholstery with contrast stitching, adjustable interior ambient lighting, an ELS Studio stereo system with 12 speakers, and low-speed front and rear automated emergency braking. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The new MDX uses the same 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 as the outgoing model, but the engine is now mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission instead of a nine-speed. Front-wheel drive remains standard with all-wheel drive available as an option. The outgoing 2020 MDX also offered a hybrid powertrain, but we haven't heard if that will carry over to the new generation. The sporty Type S model is powered by a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The base 2022 MDX boasts EPA fuel-economy ratings of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Opting for all-wheel drive reduces the highway rating by 1 mpg. When we get a chance to test the new MDX, we'll put it through our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route and update this story with results. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The MDX's cabin has a far more premium look and feel than 2020 model's interior. French-stitched leather covers the dashboard in high-end trims, and open-pore wood mingles with metal and piano-black accents. Acura also outfitted the MDX with plenty of creature comforts, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. The available sport seats offer 16-way power adjustability as well as massage. Acura claims that passenger and cargo space have both increased, too. Infotainment and Connectivity The 2022 MDX features a large 12.3-inch infotainment display with a center-console-mounted touchpad controller. A 12.3-inch digital reconfigurable gauge display is also standard, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, in-dash navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. An ELS Studio stereo system is included on the Technology trim while the A-Spec and Advanced models get a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D setup. 1
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