2022 Acura MDX Debuts as New Brand Flagship
Fourth-generation MDX undergoes its most
radical design transformation yet with a bold new exterior and sophisticated
interior design
All-new, ultra-rigid platform applies an
MDX-first double-wishbone front suspension
MDX debuts several new technologies including
Precision Cockpit all-digital instrument display, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
More space for people and gear, MDX improves
passenger space in all three rows and adds innovative removable second row-middle
seat
MDX
Type S, powered by Acura’s new 3.0-litre V6 Turbo engine and fourth-generation Super
Handling All-Wheel Drive™, set to arrive late Summer 2021
markham, on.
DEC. 8, 2020—Acura today unveiled the all-new 2022 MDX, the most
premium, performance-focused and technologically sophisticated SUV in Acura
history.
Occupying
its new position as the brand flagship, the next-generation Acura MDX marks a
quantum leap forward with a bold exterior design coupled with a sophisticated
and elegant new interior featuring the most high-tech and advanced cockpit in
the brand’s 35-year history.
Fully
developed around Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance brand DNA, and built on
an all-new platform designed for new levels of performance, the 2022 MDX will arrive at dealers February
of 2021 with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $56,405[1].
“This
new fourth generation MDX really builds on all of the values that have made MDX
a perennial favorite with customers over the past 20 years,” said Tom Nguyen,
MDX global development leader. By injecting higher levels of craftsmanship,
performance and technology, the 2022 MDX is truly a vehicle befitting of its
flagship position.”
"We
are very excited about building on the legacy of MDX here in Canada,” said
Emile Korkor, AVP Acura Canada. ”This next generation will affirm our
commitment to elevating the driving and ownership experience for Acura
enthusiasts and our loyal customers."
VIDEO
- https://www.acura.ca/en/future-vehicles-mdx
2022 MDX Pricing (MSRP)
|
Trim
Level
|
3.5L V6 + 10AT
Super Handling All-Wheel
Drive™
|
MDX
|
$56,405
|
MDX w/ Technology Package
|
$60,405
|
MDX A-Spec
|
$63,405
|
MDX w/ Platinum Elite Package
|
$67,405
|
What’s New?
-
All-new Platform,
Body and Chassis
-
Double
Wishbone Front Suspension, Multi-link Rear Suspension
-
Enhanced 3.5-liter
V6 powertrain (290 horsepower, 267 lb.-ft. of torque)
-
10-Speed
Automatic Transmission (standard)
-
4th
Generation Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)
-
19 x 8.5-inch
wheels (+1-inch diameter, +0.5-inch width) (standard)
-
Panoramic
Sunroof (standard)
-
Removable
second row middle seat (standard)
-
Integrated
Dynamic System (Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual) (standard)
-
Available
16-Speaker, 710 watt ELS STUDIO 3D® premium audio system
-
10.3-inch
Precision Cockpit™ all-digital instrument display (standard)
-
12.3-inch
ultra-wide HD center display (standard)
-
True Touchpad
Interface (standard)
-
Wireless
Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ (standard)
-
Qi-compatible
Wireless Charging and USB-C Charging (standard)
-
Amazon Alexa
Built-In (standard)
-
Available
CabinTalk®
-
Traffic Jam
Assist (TJA) (standard)
-
Available Low
Speed Brake Control
-
Next
Generation Passenger Front Airbag (standard)
Elevated Exterior Design
As
the most emotionally styled MDX ever, the fourth-generation model features a
bold and upright face, intricately sculpted grille and hood, and a wide,
aggressive stance. These cues are shared with the Acura Precision Concept that
redefined Acura design when it was first unveiled in 2016. Dimensionally, the
new MDX sits on a 7cm longer wheelbase, with a stance that’s 3.5cm wider in the
front and rear. Additionally, the new MDX sits 0.8cm lower than its
predecessor.
Perhaps
the most significant dimensional change is the dash-to-axle ratio, which has
been extended by 15cm. This lengthens the hood line significantly, giving MDX a
premium “cab rearward” proportion, and emphasizing the power under its long and
sharply creased hood. The bold and sporting new look is accentuated by a
multi-faceted Diamond Pentagon grille and new four-element JewelEye® LED
headlights with an embedded Chicane™ daytime running light. Three-dimensional
sculpting under the headlights serve to visually widen the front, blending to
the fog light housing at the bottom.
The
wide stance and larger-diameter wheels are pushed to the edge of the bodywork,
providing visual cues of the dynamic handling potential of MDX’s new body and
chassis architecture with front double-wishbone suspension and high-capacity,
variable-ratio steering. The three-dimensional surface details were inspired by
the wind-shaped rocks in Arizona’s Antelope Canyon, and can be seen in the
pronounced shoulder line that defines the upper portion of the vehicle, and the
sculpting along the lower portion of the doors.
The
MDX’s windows are framed by a chrome strip (gloss black on the A-Spec package)
that begins in front of the mirrors on the front fender, running under the
outside mirrors and ultimately circling the side windows. In the rear, the
wide-set taillights have their Chicane™ design set in an eye-catching
light-blade, and serve to define and enhance the width and stability of the
pronounced rear fenders.
All-New Body and Chassis
The
all-new light truck platform underpinning the 2022 MDX targets the driving
dynamics of a sport sedan. Designed from the outset in pursuit of Type S levels
of performance, MDX sports its first-ever double-wishbone front suspension,
combined with an all-new multilink rear suspension for incredibly precise road
holding while maintaining the smooth ride that is a key MDX highlight.
The
new platform also features improved body rigidity, paying dividends in ride
comfort and handling in combination with improved collision safety. Quick,
precise steering and more powerful brakes give the driver the ability to take
full advantage of the new platform, in driving scenarios ranging from daily
commutes to twisting roads.
MDX’s
double wishbone front suspension is a core feature of Acura’s performance DNA.
The suspension delivers a larger tire contact patch through corners, helping to
increase grip, while improving ride quality with greater vertical freedom of
movement. The new rear suspension also improves stability and response, and
together they give MDX a world-class combination of ride comfort and agility.
The
new platform includes multiple enhancements in rigidity. In front, the damper
connects to a new cast aluminum housing that is 45-percent stiffer overall for
better noise isolation, with a new rigid-mounted subframe contributing to a
7-percent increase in lateral torsion for better handling. Replacing the
previous floating-type subframe, the new front subframe translates steering
inputs to the tires with greater speed and fidelity. The rear body uses a new
dual-balanced load path for the rear damper mounting points, contributing to a
41-percent improvement in stiffness for better noise isolation, and 80-percent
torsion improvement that benefits handling.
Steering
The
2022 MDX uses new belt-driven Electric Power Steering (EPS) with a high-output
electric motor for increased steering assist, essential for the quicker
steering ratio afforded by the new variable gear ratio steering system. The new
EPS system's variable gear ratio system is designed and tuned to provide the
most essential characteristics, such as instantaneous response with a smooth,
natural and precise steering feel. The variable ratio gives the new MDX agile
low-speed maneuverability, such as in city streets or parking, but with the high-speed
stability and predictability required for highway travel.
Improved Braking Performance
For
2022, MDX features enhanced braking capability, with larger and thicker front
brake rotors, and a new electric brake booster. With front rotors that are 2mm
thicker and 30mm larger in diameter, the new brakes can better withstand
repeated hard stops without reduced performance (fade) thanks to a nearly
18-percent increase in heat capacity. The new electric brake booster allows the
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) to react 230 milliseconds faster,
reducing stopping distance from 48 km/h by 3.6m.
Wheels and Tires
New
wheel and tire packages give the 2022 MDX a stronger stance for a powerful
presence, while increasing contact patch stiffness by 15-percent in lateral
loads for improved handling performance. Standard 19-inch (+1 in.) wheels with wider
255 (+10mm) series tires take full advantage of the steering and suspension
updates to the new platform. Available 20-inch wheels use special in-wheel
resonators to reduce road noise when driving over uneven surfaces at highway
speeds. A new tire developed exclusively for MDX features a revised rubber
compound, construction and tread pattern to reduce rolling resistance by
17-percent.
Exterior Colours and Trim
The 2022 Acura MDX will be available in 8
colour finishes, including two new offerings Phantom Violet Pearl first offered
on the 2021 TLX and an all-new Liquid Carbon Metallic. Apex Blue Pearl and
Performance Red Pearl return as exclusive colors offered on the MDX A-Spec. Gloss black
accents front to rear, darkened headlight and taillight treatment and Shark-Gray wheels add a distinct
sport appearance to the MDX A-Spec.
Driver-Focused Cabin with Room for 7
Passengers
Befitting
its flagship status, the 2022 Acura MDX delivers the most premium and
sophisticated cabin Acura has ever designed. The clean, horizontal design theme
imparts a strong structural feel, softened with the use of high-grade authentic
materials such as open-pore wood, brushed aluminum and soft-touch Milano
leather. A hand-wrapped instrument panel with available top-stitching provides
a premium touch beyond anything offered in MDX to date.
First-class
front seat comfort is enabled via next-generation Acura sport seats featuring
12-way adjustment, three-way seat heating and three-position memory – all
standard. MDX A-Spec adds ventilated front seats while the Platinum Elite
Package gains additional power-adjusting side bolsters and thigh extensions for
16-way adjustment.
In
the second-row, 2022 MDX features a first-in-class removable center seat
providing owners three discrete seating options; a traditional bench for
3-across seating and 7-passenger total capacity (middle seat up), a captain’s
chair style wide center armrest with additional drink holders (middle seat
down), or wide pass-through for access to the third row (middle seat removed),
particularly useful when child seats are installed in the outboard second-row
seats.
A
hallmark of the MDX since its introduction in 2001, the third row is further
improved on the 2022 MDX with an additional 1cm of headroom, 6cm of legroom and
a seating position that’s 5cm higher from the floor compared to the outgoing
model. With the new standard panoramic moonroof on all MDX trims, the third row
has a light and spacious feeling. In MDX Platinum Elite trim, rear seat
occupants have their own USB charging ports on the left and right side of the
cabin.
Behind
the third row, cargo space has been increased 1.5 cu.-ft. to 16.3 cu.-ft.
total; cargo space can expand up to 71.4 cu.-ft. with both second and third
rows folded. The fourth-generation MDX also features expanded under-floor
storage behind the third row, with 1.8 cu.-ft. available under the cargo floor.
The floor panel drops into the cargo well to expand the MDX’s rear cargo area behind
the third row to 18.1 cubic feet, and is reversible, with a carpeted side and
an easy-to-clean hard side for dirty or wet items.
Interior Colours & Trim
MDX also will be available in six different
interior colour schemes, depending on package, including Ebony, Parchment,
Greystone and Saddle Brown. A-Spec models will be available exclusively in
either Ebony or Red leather with black Ultrasuede® inserts. MDX with Technology
Package and above feature seats wrapped in a rich, soft-touch Milano leather
seating surfaces with contrast stitching while Platinum Elite Package models
add contrast piping for all three rows.
All New: Precision Cockpit™ Digital Instrumentation
The
2022 Acura MDX features the new, all-digital Acura Precision Cockpit™, which
replaces physical gauges with a customizable 12.3-inch driver’s meter. The new
Precision Cockpit conveys information to the driver in personalized fashion,
with drivers able to choose between two distinct appearances - Advanced and
Crafted. In addition to different displays for the main gauges, a fully
configurable content selection is available to the right of the display for
functions such as navigation, trip computer, AcuraWatch™, maintenance, tire
pressure, SH-AWD® status and a G-meter. Also new for 2022, MDX Platinum Elite
Package benefits from a 10.5-inch full color Head-Up Display (HUD) that can
show critical vehicle alerts, collision warnings, navigation instructions,
vehicle speed, and incoming calls and texts.
Improved True Touchpad Interface
The
2022 MDX also benefits from the latest generation of Acura’s intuitive and
driver-focused True Touchpad Interface™ (TTI), featuring Acura’s largest-ever
center display. At an ultra-wide 12.3-inches, the full-HD display works
seamlessly with the Acura-exclusive touchpad with “absolute positioning” and a
new, more powerful CPU for improved performance. The TTI in MDX features
intuitive controls, including physical Power, Volume and Seek controls
positioned within easy reach to the immediate right of the touchpad, along with
more accurate swipe zones and handwriting recognition, and other performance enhancements.
Integrated Dynamics System
The
MDX’s Integrated Dynamics System offers Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport and
Individual settings. The control knob on the center of the dash enables drivers
to quickly switch modes on the go, with each mode offering unique settings for
engine and transmission performance including Idle Stop, steering settings, and
SH-AWD® responsiveness when so equipped. The new Individual mode enables
drivers to tailor their driving experience by customizing settings according to
their personal preferences. With the Technology Package, the Integrated Dynamics
System also includes Acura’s IconicDrive™ interior lighting system, which
illuminates the MDX cabin in 27 different selectable LED lighting schemes.
Three are automatically aligned to the Comfort, Normal and Sport driving modes,
with 24 additional user-selectable illuminations themed for iconic roads and
race circuits around the world, such as Route 66 and Suzuka.
Award Winning Audio
The
2022 MDX will be offered with three different audio experiences. The MDX is
equipped with a 9-speaker, 7-channel system with 450 watts standard. The MDX
Technology Package gets an ELS Studio® system with 12 speakers, including an
additional center speaker on the dash plus two new ceiling-mounted speakers,
running 550 watts through 12 channels. On A-Spec and Platinum Elite Packages,
the ELS STUDIO 3D® premium audio system features additional speakers in the
third row plus two more ceiling-mounted speakers for a total of 16, for a total
of 710 watts through 16 channels. Both ELS STUDIO® systems were tuned and
perfected by eight-time Grammy® award-winning music producer and sound
engineer, Elliot Scheiner, for whom the ELS system was named.
Connectivity & Charging
A
pop-up socket in the center console contains USB-C and USB-A charging ports in
front of a convenient pocket for smartphones. Alternatively, with the addition
of standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration along with
standard wireless charging through a Qi-compatible 15-watt charger located
adjacent the TTI’s palm rest, connecting and charging your phone is made even
easier. The 2022 MDX also features Alexa Built-In standard, integrating with
the owner’s Alexa digital assistant, to offer voice-activated music, weather,
internet and entertainment searches, smart home control, shopping, calling and
navigation.
New
convenience features include standard CabinControl®, which enables passengers
to control music, audio settings, rear climate controls, navigation and even
the panoramic moonroof’s sunshade position using a downloadable smartphone app.
With A-Spec and Platinum Elite Packages, MDX features CabinTalk®, which
amplifies the voices of front-seat passengers so they can be better heard in
the second and third rows.
The
2022 MDX also features the latest generation of AcuraLink™, with in-vehicle
4GLTE Wi-Fi, over-the-air software update capability and a wide array of available
cloud-based services, including emergency roadside assistance, remote
locking/unlocking and engine start, stolen vehicle tracking, remote
diagnostics, geofencing, speed tracking and Acura concierge services.
Advanced Powertrain
The
2022 Acura MDX debuts with an advanced 3.5-litre direct-injected i-VTEC™
V6 engine rated at 290 peak horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. peak torque (both SAE
net). It incorporates a range of advanced friction-reducing technologies that
help boost fuel efficiency and power output, and features a crossflow magnesium
intake manifold, special "tumble" type intake ports, piston-crown
shapes and an 11.5:1 compression ratio. The i-VTEC™ (intelligent
Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) for the intake valves is
combined with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) to widen the power band and
maximize fuel efficiency. The 2022 MDX applies Active Shutter Grille technology
for the first time to improve the engine’s thermo-efficiency.
For
the first time, the 3.5-litre V6 in MDX is paired with Acura’s 10-speed
automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and standard paddle shifters.
The transmission offers a wider gear ratio range, more discrete gears,
four-gear direct downshifts and lower first gear compared to the previous
9-speed automatic transmission.
The
2022 MDX with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ is rated at 12.3L/100km city/9.4
highway/10.8 combined.
Torque Vectoring SH-AWD®
The
rear-biased Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system for MDX uses Acura’s
industry-leading torque-vectoring all-wheel drive technology, and is standard
equipment on all models. Now in its fourth generation, SH-AWD® has 40 percent more
rear torque capacity and 30 percent quicker front-to-rear torque transfer than
the third-generation system in the previous MDX. The Acura SH-AWD® system can transfer
up to 70-percent of engine torque to the rear axle during normal driving
conditions, while continuously apportioning up to 100 percent of that rear-axle
torque between either the left or right rear wheels. The rear axle is
continuously overdriven by 2.9-percent, which amplifies the yaw moment effect
of left-to-right torque transfer, giving MDX even sharper and more accurate
turn-in, with improved traceability when cornering.
Advanced Safety and Driver-Assistive
Technologies
All
2022 MDX trims will come standard with an expanded suite of AcuraWatch™
advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. For 2022, AcuraWatch™ includes
updated Road Departure Mitigation plus new technologies, such as Traffic Jam
Assist (TJA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Pedestrian Detection and a new Driver
Attention Monitor. Working in conjunction with Adaptive Cruise Control with Low
Speed Follow, Traffic Jam Assist helps reduce driver stress in highly congested
traffic situations by helping keep the vehicle in its lane and at a set
interval behind a vehicle detected ahead. In addition, MDX will feature a new
front and rear automatic braking system called Low Speed Braking Control. Included
in the Technology Package, the new system uses the sonar-based parking sensors
to sense solid objects at low speeds, such as in parking situations, and warn
the driver or apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate a collision.
Next Generation Passenger Front Airbag
Like
the just-launched 2021 TLX, the new MDX features Acura’s award-winning
next-generation passenger front airbag technology. This new proprietary airbag
uses a three-chamber design that functions much like a baseball catcher’s mitt,
designed to more effectively cradle and protect the front seat occupant’s head
to help mitigate potential injury, especially in angled frontal collisions.
The
2022 MDX also features the latest generation of Acura’s Advanced Compatibility
Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, with enhanced occupant and pedestrian
collision protection capabilities. The new body structure improves overlap with
smaller and lower-riding vehicles for improved collision compatibility, and
features better absorption and distribution of crash loads around the passenger
cabin. Side impact performance, assessed using the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety’s side impact protocol, is further improved with a 34-percent
reduction in cabin intrusion thanks to a redesigned ultra-high-strength side
door ring and center roof pillar.
The
frontal area of the new MDX has been specifically designed with pedestrian
safety in mind, with a deformable hood, hinge and upper fender combining with
new lower and upper leg protection in the front fascia. Inside, MDX features
new LATCH points for lower anchors and upper tethers, both redesigned to be
more easily accessible.
Safety Targets
The
2022 MDX targets a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and incorporates anticipated future
testing requirements, including oblique frontal collisions, pedestrian safety,
and forward warning and automatic emergency braking tests. In addition, the new
MDX targets a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety (IIHS), including the highest available rating of GOOD in all collision
tests and SUPERIOR for frontal crash prevention, with new headlights designed
to achieve a GOOD rating in the rigorous IIHS headlight standard.
Next to Arrive: High Performance MDX Type S
Arriving
at dealerships in late summer 2021, the MDX Type S joins the lineup as the
brand’s first application of the Type S high performance nameplate to an SUV.
MDX Type S will deliver an even stronger performance styling statement, with an
open diamond mesh grille, quad exhaust outlets and gloss black trim replacing
the standard chrome.
Under
the hood will be Acura’s all-new 3.0-litre turbocharged DOHC V6 engine,
producing an estimated 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, coupled with
Acura’s SH-AWD®. Maximizing grip, the new MDX Type S will feature standard
21-inch wheels with 275-series tires, and additional braking power coming from 4-piston
Brembo front brakes.
Inside,
Type S drivers will find even higher levels of refinement, with available
9-mode massaging front seats accented with curvilinear stitching, and colours
and trim unique to Type S. A new available “Signature Edition” ELS STUDIO 3D®
premium audio system will be the most advanced and powerful audio system ever
offered in an Acura vehicle, with more than 1,000 watts of power, 22 discrete
channels and 25 speakers.
More
details on the highest-performing ever SUV from Acura will be released closer
to its on-sale date in the summer of 2021.
Design, Development and Manufacturing
The
2022 Acura MDX joins its three predecessors in being designed, engineered and
developed in North America. Styling was led by the Acura Design Studio in
Torrance, Calif., while full platform development was led by engineers in the
company’s development center in Raymond, Ohio. The all-new MDX will continue to
be built exclusively at the company’s auto plant in East Liberty, Ohio, while
both the 3.5-liter V6 and 3.0-liter VTEC® Turbo will be produced at the
company’s Anna, Ohio, engine plant, which also manufactures the NSX supercar’s
twin-turbocharged hybrid V6 power unit. Acura’s 10-speed automatic transmission
is built exclusively at the company’s Tallapoosa, Ga., transmission plant.
2022 MDX Key Specs and Dimensions
|
2020 MDX
|
2022 MDX
|
Engine
|
3.5-litre V6
|
3.5-litre V6
|
Transmission
|
9-speed AT
|
10-speed AT
|
Super
Handling All-Wheel Drive™
|
Third Generation
|
Fourth Generation
|
Peak
Horsepower (SAE Net)
|
290
|
290
|
Peak Torque
(SAE Net)
|
267
|
267
|
Front
Suspension
|
MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
|
Double Wishbone Front Suspension
|
Rear
Suspension
|
Multi-Link Rear Suspension
|
Multi-Link Rear Suspension
|
Steering
|
Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
|
Belt-driven electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
with variable ratio
|
Braking
|
Hydraulic Assist
|
Electric Booster
|
Wheelbase (mm)
|
2820
|
2890 (+70)
|
Length (mm)
|
4984
|
5039.1 (+55.1)
|
Width (mm)
|
1975
|
1999.9(+24.9)
|
Height (mm)
|
1713
|
1724 (+11)
|
Track (mm)
|
F: 1684
R: 1684
|
F: 1719 (+35)
R: 1720 (+36)
|
EPA
Passenger Volume (L)
|
3758
|
3939 (+181)
|
Standard
Cargo Volume behind third/second/first rows
(L)
|
419.1 / 1087 / 1937
|
461.6 / 1107.2 / 2021.8
(+42.5 / +20.2 / +84.8)
|
Max Cargo
Volume behind third/second/first rows (L)
|
447 / 1230 / 2575
|
512.5 / 1367.7 / 2690.1
(+65.5 / +137.7 / +115.1)
|
About Acura
Canada
Acura is
the luxury-performance division of Honda Canada Inc. and is a leading
automotive luxury nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance, an
original approach to technology and design that creates a new driving
experience. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models – the TLX
performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the 5-passenger RDX luxury
crossover SUV, and the Acura MDX seven-passenger luxury SUV. Acura launched its
next-generation, electrified NSX supercar as a new and pinnacle expression of
Acura Precision Crafted Performance. Acura celebrated its 30th anniversary in
Canada in February 2017 and has grown to include over 50 locations in its
dealer network across the country. For more information, please visit www.acura.ca.
[1] MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) excluding tax,
license, registration, $2,075 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may
vary.