The 4th generation Acura MDX has made its debut in the U.S. as the brand’s new flagship model. It is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships in February 2021, with prices starting at $46,900. Below is a list of trim-wise prices excluding the Type S variant, which is expected to go on sale in late summer 2021.
| 2022 MDX U.S. pricing (MSRP) | ||
| Trim | 3.5L V6 with 10 AT (FWD) | 3.5L V6 with 10 AT (AWD) |
| MDX | $46,900 | $48,900 |
| MDX with Technology Package | $51,600 | $53,600 |
| MDX A-Spec | – | $57,100 |
| MDX with Advance Package | – | $60,650 |
The new MDX is built on a new platform which according to Acura, offers improved rigidity. The MacPherson strut at the front has been let go for a double wishbone setup for the first time.
At the front, the damper connects to a new cast aluminum housing that is 45% stiffer overall for better noise isolation, with a new rigid-mounted subframe contributing to a 7% increase in lateral torsion for better handling. The rear body uses a new dual-balanced load path for the rear damper mounting points, contributing to a 41% improvement in stiffness for better noise isolation, and 80% torsion improvement that benefits handling.
The rear suspension remains to be a multi-link setup.
Naturally, the new MDX has grown in dimensions. It measures 198.4-inches/5,039 mm in length (+2.2), 78.7-inches/1,999 mm in width (+1) and 67.1-inches/1,704 mm in height (+0.6). It boasts a wheelbase of 113.8-inches/2,890 mm, which is an increase of 2.8-inches. The tracks are wider by 1.4-inches.
As for the styling, the new TLX‘s influence is fairly evident, which is expected. The front fascia features four-pod JewelEye LED headlights with integrated Chicane running lights; the latter is mimicked on the taillights as well. As standard, the car rides on 19-inch wheels wrapped in wider 255 mm tires, while there’s an option to go for 20-inch ones.
As for braking, the front rotors are 2 mm thicker and 30 mm larger in diameter; the new brakes are claimed to better withstand repeated hard stops without reduced performance (fade) thanks to a nearly 18% increase in heat capacity. Also, the new electric brake booster allows the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) to react 230 milliseconds faster, reducing the stopping distance from 30 mph (48 km/h) by 12 feet.
The Type-S model will feature standard 21-inch wheels with 275-series tires, and larger brakes with 4-piston Brembo front calipers.
Two new paint finishes join the palette: Phantom Violet Pearl, first offered on the 2021 TLX, and Liquid Carbon Metallic. Apex Blue Pearl returns as an exclusive color offered on the MDX A-Spec. Gloss black accents front to rear, darkened headlight and taillight treatment and Shark-Gray wheels add a sporty touch to the MDX A-Spec.
The new TLX has heavily influenced the new MDX’s cabin too, obviously. There are different materials, depending on the trim or package. The A-Spec models, for example, will be available exclusively in either Ebony or Red leather upholstery with black Ultrasuede inserts.
Features list includes a 12.3-inch driver display, a 10.5-inch full-color Head-Up Display, a 12.3-inch full-HD touchscreen with touchpad interface, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, USB-C & USB-A charging ports, 4G LTE wi-fi connectivity, wireless smartphone charger, ambient lighting with 27 selectable LED lighting schemes, panoramic moonroof and so on.
As standard, the MDX is equipped with a 9-speaker audio system. However, the Technology Package gets you a 12-speaker ELS Studio system, while the A-Spec and Advance Packages get you a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium audio system. The Type-S model will get an option of 9-mode massaging front seats and a 25-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium audio system.
As for safety and driver assistance, the 2022 MDX comes standard with an updated AcuraWatch suite, which includes Pedestrian Detection, Driver Attention Monitor, Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Adaptive Cruise Control and so on. In addition, the MDX will feature a new front and rear automatic braking system called Low Speed Braking Control — part of the Technology Package.
The passenger front airbag technology which made its debut in the new TLX, is present in the new MDX too.
Moving on to the business end of the story then, the 2022 MDX continues with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, pumping out the same 216 kW (294 metric hp) and 362 Nm (267 lb-ft) of torque. However, this time, the engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox that drives the front wheels as standard in the base models. The A-Spec and Advance Package get the 4th gen, rear-biased SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) as standard. The system can transfer up to 70% of torque to the rear axle during normal driving conditions.
The 3.0L turbocharged V6 in the Type-S model pumps out 265 kW (360 metric hp) and 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque, also paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The SH-AWD comes standard.
Recommended for you
Leave a Reply
Note: Comments that are unrelated to the post above get automatically filtered into the trash bin.
