Acura’s 2022 MDX premium SUV (sport-utility vehicle), revamped and reinvented, is a revelation, and not simply because a) it starts at a relatively affordable $57,900, or b) because it is a significant, noteworthy departure from its cousin, the Honda Passport.
2022 MDX: fully digital.
Of course, let’s keep in mind that my test ride was the particularly fancy MDX Platinum Elite model. The price there is $68,900. If you’re feeling particularly flush, the top-of-line Type S is $79,000.
So quite the pricing range. And you can add options packages that run to nearly $6,000, which means for the buyer who really and truly wants all the bells and whistles, the out-the-door hit with taxes and such could climb to 100 Large.
But my goodness, what a lovely ride.
The exterior? Elegant, interesting and restrained. The long nose is a simple statement of strength without excess, decorated tastefully with LED headlights. The side body is marked by a gentle concave sculpting, with chrome accents at the lower edge.
The rear: the LED taillights are functional and well-executed, with the tailgate powered and opening to a generous cargo space with a third row of seating at the rear. Naturally, the very rear jump seats are tight for adults, but that’s to be expected. There are storage compartments all over.
2022 MDX: excellent seating.
On the subject of seats, the front buckets in particular are as well-made and supportive as any seating array in any rival SUV at this price, in this class. They have very good under-thigh support, and effective lateral support, without putting the driver and passenger a tight, uncomfortable squeeze. Simply excellent. Head and leg room is generous.
And the details of the cabin design stand out. The materials look and feel expensive – as they should – but here in the 21st century, what is central to any design is how the digital pieces look and operate. Honda has had a mixed track record with the digital bits lately, but not here.
Indeed, the cockpit is all-digital. But the piece you see and interact with first is the horizontal screen that sits on the dashboard, at the pinnacle of the centre stack. It’s a bit on the smallish side by Tesla or Volvo standards, but it’s big enough to display, in its crisp colours and sharp lettering, virtual tabs for such things as the navigation system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Alexa, Bluetooth audio, and your “smart” shortcuts. On the side in a separate display map, but shared with the total screen, you get details displayed regarding the Sirius channel playing and such.
2022 MDX Surround-view Camera System
The digital instrument cluster is equally well done. And for everyone, there is wifi hot spot. Save your data, just invite all on board to use the wifi.
If there is a slightly disappointing piece of this story, it’s the powertrain. The 3.5-litre direct-injection V-6 is fine, and at 290 horsepower/267 lb-ft of torque, it is strong enough, and also asks for premium fuel. The 10-speed gearbox gives you plenty of ratios to take advantage of the power, but the whole thing is unremarkable. There is a turbocharged 3.0-litre V-6 available in the raciest MDX, but I have yet to test it.
As for the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), this is a seamless bit of tech that puts power where it should be, and also helps to make torque adjustments to the proper wheel/s to make cornering more precise and less frightening at higher speeds, in aggressive manoeuvres. I was thoroughly entertained as I wheeled about. And the ride comfort is excellent.
2022 MDX: three rows and lots of cargo space.
Honda’s premium brand has struggled for decades to carve out a proper place for its flagship SUV. This 2022 MDX is a study in perseverance, an example of “try, try again and you will succeed.”
