2022 Acura MDX: Cost Up, Fuel Economy Down
Acura took the covers off the next generation of its MDX SUV in October, but it added an asterisk: That model was a “prototype.” As such things usually go with Honda and its Acura luxury division, the MDX Prototype was pretty close to the production three-row SUV unveiled today. The automaker also released pricing as well as details that make the 2022 MDX both more and less appealing than its predecessor. Additional standard safety features go in the more column, while lower EPA-estimated mileage lands in the less column.
When the 2022 MDX goes on sale early next year, it’ll start at $47,925 in base front-wheel-drive trim, which is just above model-year 2020’s $45,525 starting price. All-wheel-drive versions start at $49,925 compared with last year’s $47,525 (all prices here include destination).
Related: Next-Gen Acura MDX to Focus on Luxury and Performance, Adds Type S Model
What do you get for the extra cost? A lot. The 2022 Acura MDX rides a new platform with aggressive fresh styling, upgraded interior materials and some additional safety and tech features. Honda’s luxury brand calls it “the most premium and performance-focused MDX in Acura history.” Check out our coverage here.
Along with showing off the production MDX and revealing pricing, Acura also released more details about the regular version’s equipment, as well as the Type S model that’ll join the lineup after the regular MDX goes on sale.
Safety Features
Newly standard safety features join the MDX equipment list, including Traffic Jam Assist, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian detection and a new driver attention monitor. (Traffic Jam Assist, which enables lane-centering steering down to a stop, was previously offered only on the RLX sedan.) These are beyond the already standard AcuraWatch suite of active safety and driver assistance features, which includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
New optional safety features include a front and rear automatic braking system called Low Speed Braking Control, which is included in the Technology Package. It uses sonar-based parking sensors to sense solid objects at low speeds and then warns the driver or apply the brakes.
Type S
Also new is the MDX Type S, which gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 good for an estimated 355 horsepower and 354 pounds-feet of torque; Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system is standard.
Other Type S goodies include standard 21-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, a more premium interior and a more powerful audio system. No word yet on Type S pricing. The prototype’s Liquid Carbon Metallic paint will also be available.
Gas Mileage
The regular version of the 2022 MDX uses a version of last year’s 290-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, which pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission for 2022 instead of the previous nine-speed.
Acura estimates that the 2022 MDX in front-drive trim will get an EPA-estimated rating of 19/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined, which is not good news: Those numbers are slightly lower than the current gen’s 20/27/23 mpg EPA ratings. Also puzzling is the future of the MDX Hybrid, with no word yet on its return.
Release Date
The 2022 Acura MDX goes on sale Feb. 2, 2021; the MDX Type S will follow in the late summer.
Related Video:
More From Cars.com:
- 2020 Acura MDX Review: Transmission Tweaks Put It in Our Good Graces
- Which 3-Row SUVs Offer Captain’s Chairs?
- Looking for an Acura MDX? Find One Here
- Find Your Next Car
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
