Some people might think a dream vehicle would combine the performance of a sports car with the capability of a pickup truck and the features of a luxury vehicle. And it would be great to get all of this in the packaging of a crossover SUV. The 2022 Acura MDX offers the handling, towing, and luxury to meet some of these needs. Here’s a look at the redesigned 2022 MDX.

The redesign of the 2022 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX is now in its fourth generation and is sporting a new redesign, following a year off the market. Car and Driver likes that the MDX has “significantly sharper handling and more technology.” Its athletic handling comes despite its increased size and is unusual for a large, seven-seat SUV. The MDX is about two inches longer and two inches wider with a wheelbase 2.8 inches longer. Its curb weight has also increased by 200 to 300 pounds.

The new, stiffer platform is able to handle the size, and the suspension has been switched from a strut front suspension to a control-arm front suspension. The multilink rear suspension has been updated as well. Models that have the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system also have a torque-vectoring rear differential to further improve handling.

The interior features standard sport seats and what Car and Driver describes as a “smaller diameter, thicker-rimmed steering wheel.” There are 16 cubic feet of cargo space, which is an increase of one cubic foot over the previous design. While there’s a lot to like about the 2022 MDX, it does have a snug third row, and its fuel efficiency is “mediocre,” according to Car and Driver. The price has also been “upgraded” for 2022, starting at $47,925, which is $2,400 more than for the 2020 MDX.

The powertrain in the 2022 Acura MDX 

The 2022 Acura MDX still has a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. This gives the MDX enough power to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available.

The MDX now has a 10-speed automatic transmission. Previously it had a nine-speed one. The gears shift smoothly, but Car and Driver would have liked faster responses from the steering wheel paddles. The MDX is able to accelerate from zero to 60 MPH in just over 6 seconds.

A new engine is expected for the upcoming Type S MDX model. It will be a 355-hp twin-turbo V6 engine. The Type S will also have larger brakes, wheels, and tires. The 2020 MDX had a hybrid powertrain option, but that isn’t available for the 2022 model, at least so far.

Luxury in the 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX’s interior “has a far more premium look and feel” when compared to the 2020 model year’s interior, says Car and Driver. However, it isn’t as “posh” as some competitors. The MDX has available dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. Higher trims offer French-stitched leather on the dashboard along with open-pore wood, metal, and piano-black accents. The front seats have available 16-way power adjustability plus massage.

There is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The touchpad interface has received some updates, but Car and Driver still would have preferred a touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, and the MDX also comes standard with built-in navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Higher trims get audio system upgrades.

The 2022 MDX will also come with a number of standard advanced safety features, including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

An SUV with performance and luxury

The 2022 Acura MDX should do the trick for buyers who need an SUV with great performance and a luxurious interior. It’s just the vehicle for transporting a big group in comfort and giving the driver a great driving experience.