The MDX is trendy and complex.

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The Acura MDX has been round for greater than 20 years, making it one of many model’s top-selling automobiles. Nowadays, Acura’s largest SUV faces some severely stiff competitors, however because of a brand new platform, improved expertise and sleeker design, this fourth-generation 2022 MDX is extra compelling than ever earlier than.

The brand new MDX is larger than its predecessor in almost each dimension. The wheelbase is 2.8 inches longer, general size has been elevated by 2.2 inches and the MDX is 0.6 inch taller. Nonetheless, the SUV’s proportions are nice, with an extended hood ending in Acura’s modern Jewel Eye LED headlights. Compact foglights additionally use LED bulbs and the grille has a diamond-burst sample that appears such as you’re accelerating to warp pace on the Millennium Falcon. There is a tasteful quantity of chrome trim, and the one issues I do not like are the faux vents up entrance. All in, the MDX is a good-looking and tidy bundle.

Below its pores and skin, the 2022 MDX has a brand new double-wishbone entrance suspension setup with a multilink rear design — similar to what Acura debuted on the 2021 TLX. The MDX rides on a brand new mild truck platform that is stiffer and lighter than earlier than, and my loaded Advance tester has the newest model of Acura’s Tremendous Dealing with All-Wheel Drive Tech with a torque-vectoring rear differential. SH-AWD can ship as a lot as 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear axle after which shift 100% to the left or proper as wanted. All of this makes the MDX sharper and extra composed whereas driving on winding roads.

The fastened dampers do not fairly match the remainder of the subtle suspension, nonetheless. Driving in Sport mode on my favourite canyon street, the MDX is like two automobiles without delay. On the one hand, I’ve an SUV that is completely satisfied to dive into corners, the three.5-liter V6 engine’s 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque offering ample thrust for exiting turns. However, the dampers make for a floaty trip, tossing my head round over undulations and inflicting me to slip round on the leather-based seats.

In contrast to the totally loaded TLX Advance, the MDX Advance does not have adaptive dampers. Switching between the Snow, Consolation, Regular and Sport driving modes solely varies the SH-AWD torque distribution. It is a pity — the 10-speed automated transmission is properly tuned for sporty driving and the AWD tech is likely one of the greatest within the enterprise. I suppose the actually enthusiastic drivers must look forward to the upcoming MDX Sort S.

The three.5-liter V6 gives 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque.

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That stated, for each day driving, the MDX is comfortable and quiet, and there are a complete bunch of ordinary driving aids. Adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking are fitted to each MDX, and my Advance tester has extras like visitors signal recognition, pedestrian detection and Acura’s Visitors Jam Help, which mixes adaptive cruise management and lane-keeping tech.

Stepping inside, the MDX’s obtainable cabin tech features a 12.3-inch Digital Gauge Cluster, 12.3-inch central display screen, a head-up show, normal wi-fi charging and loads of USB-A, USB-C, 12-volt and AC shops to maintain all of your gadgets filled with juice. The 2022 MDX additionally has a model of Honda’s Cabin Discuss voice amplification system, so you do not have to yell to inform little ones within the third row to knock it off.

Acura’s tech recreation is robust, however the infotainment interface continues to be a little bit of a bugaboo. The MDX has the identical True Contact Interface because the RDX and TLX, with one-to-one mapping between the touchpad and display screen. If you wish to entry satellite tv for pc radio within the prime right-hand nook of the display screen, you faucet the highest right-hand nook of the touchpad. That is crucial information to have earlier than you begin, lest you suppose it is a common contact pad after which yell in frustration when actually nothing works. (Ask me how I do know.)

The cabin is comfortable, however the touchpad tech remains to be difficult.

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The infotainment icons are pretty giant so you will have a greater probability of getting your touchpad placement proper, however it’s nonetheless troublesome to pick one thing positioned close to the center of the display screen. The trickiest bit is studying the way to swipe to a second or third web page; it is extra of a flick than a swipe. Be ready to spend a while with the proprietor’s handbook and put together your self for some preliminary irritation, however as I’ve found with our long-term TLX sedan, this tech will get simpler to make use of over time.

Each Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are normal, however when you begin utilizing these smartphone-mirroring applied sciences, the touchpad’s absolute positioning does not work. Right here, it really works like a typical swipe pad, so when you plan to modify between Acura’s native system and Apple/Android tech, be ready for a number of hiccups. The truth that the touchpad does not work the identical manner for each software is fairly irritating.

The cabin’s design is nice, with some cool aluminum accents and obtainable open-pore wooden. The seats are extremely comfy and the ambient lighting appears cool. There are 27 completely different lighting schemes impressed by all types of locations, just like the Vegas Strip, Suzuka race monitor, Pacific Coast Freeway and extra.

Second-row passengers have numerous room.

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There’s loads of legroom within the second row, and the 29 inches of third-row legroom is sufficient for teenagers, however could be powerful for adults. The center a part of the second row could be flipped down for cup holders and storage, or you’ll be able to take away the entire thing, however the outcome is not the identical as having separate captain’s chairs, as there is not an armrest in sight. Nonetheless, in my prime Advance trim, these outboard second-row seats are heated. The entire inside feels extra open and ethereal because of a typical panoramic moonroof.

Cargo area will get a lift this yr with 18.1 cubic ft behind the third row, 48.4 cubes behind the second and 95 cubes when each rows are folded. That is greater than the Genesis GV80 has and far more than the BMW X5.

One cool new obtainable function on the MDX is a Stroll Away Shut tailgate. There’s nothing worse than having your fingers full and having to barter urgent a button to shut the liftgate. The MDX solves this with an inside button you’ll be able to press earlier than you collect up all of your groceries. Then simply stroll away and the door robotically closes and all doorways lock after 30 seconds.

For those who plan on hauling cargo by way of a trailer, the all-wheel-drive MDX can tow as much as 5,000 kilos. Entrance-wheel-drive fashions can solely deal with 3,500 kilos.

The brand new MDX makes a stronger assertion than ever earlier than.

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The 2022 MDX begins at $48,245 together with $1,045 for vacation spot. A $4,700 Expertise Bundle provides a complete bunch of niceties, like perforated leather-based seats, ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers, an ELS premium audio system, navigation and parking sensors. Each the A-Spec ($3,500) and Advance ($7,050) packages require the addition of the Expertise improve, and whereas the previous goes for a sportier look, the latter is a little more targeted on luxurious. A completely loaded MDX Advance is available in simply shy of $62,000.

As for rivals, the Genesis GV80 is arguably the hardest competitor, with its nice design, wonderful inside and funky applied sciences like a 3D-effect digital gauge cluster. The Lincoln Aviator is one other good choice, and naturally, there’s all the time the standard trio of German choices: the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

The MDX is cheaper than these rivals, however it’s by no means cheaper. Simply as it has been for the previous 20 years, Acura’s three-row SUV stays a compelling various to the section stalwarts.