Flash Drive

2022 Acura MDX

November 6, 2022 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD Type S ADV

The 2022 Acura MDX Type S is a very handsome, athletic 3-row SUV that’s loaded with luxury and high tech features.

Engine: 3.0-liter V-6, 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft torque

Transmission: 10-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive

EPA Rating: 17-mpg city, 21-mpg highway, 19-mpg combined

Base Price: $72,050

As Tested: $73,595

Performance:

Pleasant city and highway ride

Strong engine with twin scroll turbocharger

Smooth, refined 10-speed automatic transmission

The Acura MDX is great on all types of roads. The rear lift gate can be opened with a foot motion.

Quick rev-matching downshifts

Quick upshifts

Good feeling variable ratio electric power steering

Sharp 21-inch alloy wheels

Excellent Brembo brakes

Excellent torque vectoring all-wheel drive

Dynamic air suspension

Adjustable parking height

Self-sealing tires

Modes: lift, snow, comfort, normal, sport, sport plus

Comfort, luxury, space, and features are excellent for the first two rows, but the third row is snub.

Comfort:

Stretch-out driver and front passenger legroom

High quality interior materials

Leather seats

Massaging front seats

Power side bolsters

Excellent ELS premium sound system

Smooth touchpad with nice wrist rest

Heated and cooled front seats (3 temps)

Thick, contoured, heated steering wheel

Lots of excellent auxiliary controls

Thin adult can fit in rear middle position

The 2022 MDX Advance package includes an excellent panoramic roof.

Snug third row

Utility:

Automatic load leveling

Medium size locking glovebox

Phone charging pad

Excellent head up display

Foot motion rear hatch

Big, deep front door bins

Great panoramic roof

Excellent wide info screen

Flat cargo deck

Large rear doors

The heated steering wheel is loaded with features and the cockpit is driver-oriented including a great head up display.

WOW Factors:

Powerful engine, smooth transmission

Excellent handling

Sharp looking, handsome styling

Sharp 21-inch wheels, big brakes

Self-sealing tires so no spare needed

Very good driver assistance technology

Active exhaust sound in Sport mode

Extra storage under cargo deck

Whines:

Thirsty gas appetite

The 2022 Acura MDX styling is sharp and refined instead of the clunky and overly truck-like style of many competitors.

Hard plastic on seatbacks

Small rear door bins

Snug third row

Bottom Line:

The 2022 Acura MDX Type S is the fourth generation of the highly popular full-size SUV and it’s a great combination of performance, comfort, and style. The Type S puts the “sport” in SUV and the Advance package loads the MDX with luxury and high tech features that result in an SUV that’s fun to drive and a pleasure to be in.