2022 Acura MDX A-Spec Review

After a long, relaxing (well, maybe not) year off, the 2022 Acura MDX A-Spec returns with promises of the most premium, performance-minded SUV in Acura history. It’s the fourth-generation version of this SUV, which returns as the flagship of the brand. Napleton News had a chance to put it through its paces. Here’s what we think.

2022 Acura MDX A-Spec – What exactly is it?

The new Acura MDX is many things, but here are some highlights.

• Boldest MDX yet with a radical redesign, a confident exterior and highline interior trim.
• The MDX’s first double-wishbone suspension is mounted with an all-new ultra-rigid platform for improved handling.
• New Technologies include a precision cockpit all-digital instrument display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as well as Amazon Alexa built-in.
• There’s more space for people and their things. The MDX improves passenger space over three rows, and adds a multi-function second row with removable middle seat.
• The MDX lineup will include Acura’s new 3.0-liter Turbo V6 and fourth-generation Super Handling all-wheel drive.

2022 Acura MDX A-Spec Engine / motivation?

The new 2022 Acura MDX A-Spec gets its motivation from a 3.5-liter direct-injected iVTEC V6 making 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. A trick crossflow magnesium intake manifold is part of the new arrangement. Among other features is Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) that shuts down cylinders to save fuel when extra power is not needed. New for 2022, the Acura MDX includes the use of an Active Shutter Grille, which opens and closes depending on the needs of the engine. Lower grille curtains will close to cause the wind to slipstream around the sides of the vehicle for aerodynamic efficiency. If extra cooling is needed, they reopen to cool things down underneath.

The 3.5-liter V6 engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with sequential sport shift and standard paddle shift levers. The MDX is available in FWD mode with EPA fuel ratings of 19 city/26 highway/22 combined. Order the MDX with Super Handling All-wheel drive, and those figures drop just slightly to 19 city/25 highway/21 combined mpg.

Super Handling All-wheel drive

A rear-biased system, the SH-AWD equipped powertrain is a worthwhile option on MDX and MDX with Technology Package vehicles. The system now has 40-percent more rear torque capacity and 30 percent quicker front-to-rear torque transfer than the previous version. During normal drive conditions, SH-AWD can transfer up to 70-percent of engine torque to the rear axle. The rear axle is continuously over-driven by 2.9-percent to amplify the yaw movement effect. As a result, it essentially delivers a torque-vectoring effect for sharper and more accurate turn-in.

Outside looks on the new Acura MDX

Designed with the performance levels of the upcoming Type S in mind, the MDX targets the feel of a sport sedan. It replaces the previously used MacPherson struts with a new double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear kit. A new wider stance separates it from the also-rans in the segment. The result is precise road handling, thanks to a rigid chassis.

The new Acura MDX A-Spec exterior includes a pentagon grille proudly displaying the Acura logo in the center. Chrome striping keeps things blingy down low on the rockers as well as around the cabin greenhouse. To our eyes, it’s an understated look that doesn’t shout out, “look at me!” Still, it manages to catch a lot of eyeballs wherever it goes. Since ours was the A-Spec model, the chrome pieces are replaced with gloss black trim, including gloss black alloy wheels.

Driver-focused Interior on the 2022 MDX A-Spec

The interior of the new Acura MDX is like few that have come before it. Filled with premium touches and stylistic sophistication, the MDX interior features materials like high-quality leather, open-pore wood and brushed aluminum.

We found the front seat accommodations extremely comfortable with 12-position adjustment throughout, not to mention the A-Spec’s front ventilation feature. The dashboard gauge binnacle includes a 12.3-inch TFT screen which changes according to the drive mode settings. The center console also includes a 12.3-inch screen. It is the centerpiece of the ELS Studio audio system with 12 speakers. It produces 550 watts of power through 12 channels for a very discreet audio system. The MDX includes 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row that grows to 71.4 cubic feet when both the second and third rows are folded forward.

Behind the wheel of the new 2022 Acura MDX A-Spec

This is the perfect road tripper. The Acura MDX offers the right blend of performance and features that will make most drivers never want to leave the interior.

Performance from the 3.5-liter V6 is impressive in most situations, dropping a gear when acceleration is needed to pass frequent tractor-trailers or the all-turnpike choking lally-gaggers that make a yearly pilgrimage to South Florida.

Power from the V6 comes on with authority, and the gearbox does not hunt for the correct cog when you stand on the accelerator. The interior keeps most extraneous noise at bay. The steering is well-weighted giving the driver a sense of security that instills confidence that this vehicle can handle whatever you throw at it.

If there is one issue we have with the new Acura MDX, it’s with the touchpad controller on the center console. It’s no better or worse than any of its competition. It’s just that we don’t like taking our eyes off the road ahead of us, to change a radio station or hang up a phone call.

Those quibbles aside, the new 2022 Acura MDX A-Spec is a move in the right direction for a brand that seemed to struggle under its own weight. We can’t wait to try the Type S next!