This week I test drove the 2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD A-SPEC. The 4th-gen MDX really establishes itself as the most premium, performance-focused and technologically sophisticated SUV in Acura history. I was pleasantly surprised by how rigid and tough the new MDX feels and looks. Built on an all new light truck platform, Acura delivers on performance and power but still maintains a luxurious and sophisticated interior cabin. My test vehicle was loaded with value for a great MSRP.
Exterior
The exterior redesign looks bold with an athletic stance. This is a vehicle you want to take everywhere and you can. I really like the way the long hood flows into the front grill. The wider wheel base adds to the solid and tough looking exterior. The ground clearance is good enough for off road adventures and not too high for cornering or other daily driving maneuvers.
Interior
When you open the door you will see a sophisticated interior with advanced tech. Sports seats are very comfortable to drive for extended periods of time with options for beautiful Milano Leather. The interior is full of craftsmanship and refinement and the real aluminum accents add that extra bit of class.
The 12.3 inch HD display is front and center and Acura has loaded the MDX with tech and driver options plus a lot of data if you are the analytical type. The 2021 MDX has the first ever all digital instrument panel display which is impressive and adds a lot to the ambiance of the interior.
Acura made a really roomy cabin which they boast has room for 7 passengers with more cargo space and utility. One of the things passengers comment on and I really like is the Iconic Drive Lighting. Make sure to check it out if you take a test drive. It is more impressive at night.
Engine / Power-train
The 2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD A comes standard with a powerful but efficient 290 Horsepower 3.5 L V6 10 Speed Automatic. I like the power along with the 21 Combined MPG 19 City MPG 25 Highway MPG.
The A-Spec Package
The A-Spec package includes A-Spec® Sport Exterior Appearance Package
A-Spec® Sport Interior Appearance Package, Ventilated Front Seats
LED Fog Lights, and Stainless Steel Sport Pedals.
Safety
Acura has loaded this vehicle with safety features and Acurawatch is standard on all models and trims. The MDX is equipped with a suite of innovative safety and driver-assistive technologies that help enhance driver awareness, avoid collisions, and mitigate the severity of an impact. Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)Forward Collision Warning (FCW)Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS)Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
New for 2022: Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)Driver Attention Monitor Expanded Pedestrian Detection CapabilityTraffic Jam Assist (TJA)
Follow this link for more on the MDX and Safety:
https://www.acura.com/mdx/features
Conclusion
The 2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD A-SPEC offers a lot for the money. Considering the driver experience, interior and built in technology, it’s no wonder this is the best-selling 3-row luxury SUV of all time.
The starting MSRP for the MDX is $$47,200 and the version I tested MSRP is $58,625.
There are a ton of options and the official site for Acura MDX is a good place to see all the details.
