2022 Acura MDX Prototype Revealed

Acura has revealed the prototype for the upcoming 2022 MDX. Arguable the most important vehicle in their line up it accounts for a 3rd of their sales and is Acura's best selling model of all time. Not only that, the MDX is the best selling luxury 3 row crossover of all time. Basically this 4th generation MDX has a lot to live up to when it hits dealers in 2021. Think the expectations placed on the children of Lebron James for their athletic careers. No pressure 

Acura’s wonderful SH-AWD is of course available though the base configuration is FWD. Power will come from a 3.5L V6 with what I assume will be around the current 3.5L V6’s 290 hp but the new Type-S model will get a twin turbo 3.0L V6 from the upcoming TLX Type-S. Acura says they may increase the power over the current 355 hp in the TLX. Both engines run through a 10-speed auto, ditching the current 9-speed and its troubled history with the brand. in my time behind the wheel of the older model the shifts weren’t the smoothest but the new 10 speed which is found in my Odyssey has not made itself apparent in a good way. The suspension has been heavily revised as well and includes the MDX’s first double wishbone setup upfront to, according to Acura, better improve performance and ride comfort.

Outside, the new MDX reminds me a ton of the Mazda CX-9, just more angular. Seriously, put them side by side. They could be cousins. Well, expect for the backside which very much looks like it could be the rear end on the next Honda Pilot. Inside the MDX aims to move up-market with more premium materials, ambient lighting, a digital gauge cluster, and available massaging seats. Plus there is a new 25 speaker 1000 watt ELS 3D sound system. Hopefully these changes will help the MDX feel less like a nice Honda and more like a true luxury vehicle. 

Acura has finally moved away from the, in my opinion, cumbersome duel screen infotainment setup with its navigation system that feels at least a decade old. Instead Acura will move to the new touchpad interface seen in the new RDX and TLX.

A lot of details have yet to be revealed hence no "5 Things to Know" this time but I will share more info once it becomes available. I've always been a fan of the current MDX.  It was good to drive and reasonable refined, but always seemed a little mainstream.  The technology always felt 2 steps behind as well.  The new model seems to be addressing most of the shortcomings but we will have to wait and see. Acura says it will go on sale in early 2021 with the Type-S coming later. Expect pricing to edge higher with the move up-market.  

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[Images courtesy of Acura]