2022 Acura MDX Review
2022 Acura MDX A-Spec
Price as tested: $58,625
Specs: 3.5 Liter V6 290 HP / 267 TQ
MPG: 19 as observed
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Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi
Acura is turning the proverbial corner nowadays. It started with the stunningly redesigned TLX and it continues with this all-new MDX. This MDX is not just a 3 row crossover to placate the masses, this new MDX is Acura’s flagship vehicle! Yes, there is the NSX…but that is a halo- vehicle, it’s unobtanium. The MDX, rather, is obtainable and this new model shows the world that Acura is ready to take charge! So needless to say there is a lot riding on the success of this MDX and it also had to pull off these 3 objectives:
“1. Differentiate itself from 26 (!) competitors
2. Do not differentiate itself too much to alienate it’s existing clients
3. Combine style, performance, luxury, efficiency, practicality, ease of use and value into one package”
So did they succeed?
Let’s find out!
The Great
Just look at it! This is one of the best looking crossovers on the road today! Taking cues from the TLX, this MDX has an on-road presence that makes bystanders gawk!
Acura also dropped kicked the old clunky 9 speed automatic for an in-house 10 speed automatic and…wowzers! Fixing everything that was wrong with the old transmission in fell swoop! It’s silky and transparent around town but flick the superb feeling paddles or shove your foot down and it will snap off shifts with the best of them! Pair that with excellent throttle tuning (no lag!)…this MDX is in the top 3 of it’s class in around the town driving pleasure.
The Good
Welcome to the best interior ever fitted in an Acura. Heck, welcome to the top 3 best interiors ever fitted to a Japanese vehicle! The MDX wraps it’s occupants in a cocoon of richly beautiful leather, real metallic trim and soft touch panels galore. An ergonomic masterpiece as well with everything being a finger reach away from it’s expertly placed wrist pad.
Another revelation is the tried and true 3.5 liter V6. The J series is a seemingly analog N/A beast in a sea of forced induced units but it’s also a thing of beauty. Beautifully musical induction noise upon accelerating, buttery smooth power delivery and excellent economy to boot. It’s a real gem!
The Bad
While the infotainment system is sharply rendered with crisp graphics…it’s inputs are abhorrent. The touchpad interface is just not intuitive which in turn causes the driver’s eyes to be off the road for frightfully long time to adjust anything. Yes, it is Alexa equipped but screaming at Alexa to adjust anything is a stressful endeavor.
The only real issue on the driving front is the brakes. The first 40% of pedal travel does absolutely nothing. Causing a mild panic anytime you reach for the brakes. Once you reach the braking threshold the MDX does indeed stop but lacks any sense of confidence in doing so…
The Ugly
Considering this is an all new model (every product has teething issues)…take the following with a grain of salt:
The A/C just doesn’t work. At all. Max A/C, Lo, Auto…nothing….absolutely nothing will cool down the MDX.
Yes it’s summertime in Georgia but parking the MDX in my insulated garage, to driving the MDX to ensure there is actual load on the engine to spin the compressor, to finding a route to ensure it’s not in traffic…nothing worked.
Overall:
So did Acura succeed in those aforementioned goals? No.
They didn’t just succeed…they obliterated them! This new MDX heralds a new beginning for this brand and I cannot wait to see what the future is in store for Acura!
So if you’re in the market for a 3 row crossover…the MDX needs to be on your list.
