2022 Acura MDX A-Spec SH AWD: The Brand’s Sporty Flagship Crossover

 

Highlight: The three-row crossover is available with a hybrid powertrain.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $58,145 (Base Model: $47,945)

Seating Capacity: 7

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; road departure mitigation; traffic jam assist; traffic sign recognition; pedestrian detection; a driver attention monitor; a radar activated cruise control system; a forward collision warning system; electronic blind spots for exterior mirrors; rear cross traffic monitor in rearview camera; rear camera washer; traction control; a tire pressure monitoring system; a tire repair kit (front wheel drive); hill start assist; and a spare tire (all wheel drive)

Standard Equipment (Base): 19-inch wheels; front wheel drive; a 10-speed automatic transmission; a panoramic moonroof; removable middle seat; a touchpad interface with signing recognition; a tri zone automatic climate control system; Alexa; leather like seats; power front seats with lumbar support; heated front seats; three position driver’s seat with memory; a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; hidden cargo storage; automatic rearview mirror; an in-car Wi-Fi system

Standard Equipment (A-Spec): 20-inch wheels; all wheel drive; black accents with wheels and grille; low speed braking control; a cabin talk control feature; an ELS 16-speaker audio system; sport seats with perforated Milan leather; ventilated front seats; leather wrapped flat bottom sports steering wheel; an ebony headliner; metal footrests and pedals; sports appearance package;  geometric pattern bushed aluminum trim and 5,000 lbs

Options: None

Other Trim Levels:

Technology package

Advance package

Type S

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an ELS 9-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder engine/290-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Towing: 3,500 lbs

Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/26-hwy

What’s New:  For the 2021 model year, Acura introduced its fourth-generation MDX, which is both wider and longer than the previous vehicle.

Why: 

New styling, new design

A cockpit like instrument gauge design

Vibrant red interior package in test vehicle

Second and third row seats fold flat for additional cargo

Interchangeable second row seats- captain chairs or bench seats

An engaging driving experience with a variety of driving modes

AWD

An available heads up display system (HUD)

A new 12.3-nch infotainment screen

An upgraded ELS 16 speaker, 710-watt audio system

Wireless charging for smartphones

A host of semi-autonomous driving features

 

But: 

Alexa didn’t work for us

Cramped third road seats

360-degree camera is only available on higher end trim

Hand writing recognition – needs to be perfected

Verdict:  The Acura MDX, with its wider and longer stance, is literally in a lane by itself. The three-row premium crossover offers one of the most engaging driving experience in its class. For the 2021 model year, the vehicle is available in a front wheel drive, an all-wheel drive and a hybrid configuration. In fact, besides Lexus’ RX-L, the Acura is the only midsize premium vehicle offering both a third row and a hybrid configuration. Ironically, Mazda’s CX-9 is the only other vehicle in the segment that comes close to offering a more performance-oriented driving experiene, but it signature Skyactive 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbo comes up short, when compared to other 6-cylinder vehicles in this segment.

Moreover, Acura’s redesigned MDX is available in a variety of trims. Our test vehicle was outfitted with the model’s sports-oriented A-Spec trim. This trim offered an interior and exterior package that amplified the look of the vehicle, with such features as 20-inch colored wheels to a flat bottom steering wheel to sports-like racing pedals.

Furthermore, the vehicle’s airplane like instrument gauge design, flexible second and third-row seating arrangements, as well as a host of standard high-tech safety driving features, makes the all-new MDX a standout in the segment.

Lastly, a S-type trim is expected to join the line up soon. This trim will push the horsepower from 290-horsepower to 355-horsepower. For now, the MDX seems to be a great alternative to many of the three row crossovers that lacks excitement. 

Hybrid Competition: Buick Enclave; Cadillac XT6; Infiniti QX60; Lexus RX-L; Jeep Grand Cherokee L; Lincoln Aviator and Mazda CX-9