2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD A-Spec: A Closer Look
More improvements arrive for Acura’s flagship MDX.
VEHICLE FRONT
The Acura MDX has been redesigned for 2022. They now offer an improved all-wheel-drive system, new transmission with more gears, redone suspension, and some altered body styling. We had two vehicles, one with a bright blue paint job, and this sharp-looking red one that gets more attention on the street.
Text and photos by Chad Haire
PRICE SHEET
The base price of an MDX is $46,900. This is an upgraded A-SPEC version with a $58,625 tab. But as can be seen, just about everything is standard, with no options except $500 for the fancy paint shades. These are put together in the USA by American workers, for those who care about these things.
ENGINE
Under the hood is a proven 3.5 liter V-6 rated at 290 horsepower. It is hooked to a slick 10-speed transmission and all-wheel drive unit for superior traction. Acceleration is strong. The fuel economy is claimed to be 21/25 mpg. Our best was 23 on highway trips. A high output 3.0 turbo engine is listed in the Acura catalog, making a hefty 355 horsepower, but there are few to be found on the dealers’ lot at the moment. The estimated price for this upgrade is said to be about $65K.
SHIFTER
We are pleased to find the transmission is shifted with a push-button unit. It is far superior to the old-fashioned stick, as it takes up little space, and can be easily operated without taking the driver's eyes off the road.
PADDLES
For those who want to pick gears manually, there are paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
INFO CONTROLS
The large 12.3-inch info screen is commanded by a finger touchpad. This is a love it or hate it system that takes some getting used to. Practice will make perfect.
GAUGES
The gauge cluster is well designed and easy to read. Drive modes used are shown on this panel: NORMAL, SPORT, SNOW, and COMFORT.
TIRES
The A-SPEC is issued with larger 20-inch alloy wheels with P255/50 R20 all-season tires. A spare tire is located outside, under the body structure.
HEADLIGHTS
The "jewel eye" headlights have a lot of bulbs in there. The beam is very bright on both the low and high settings.
POV
With a powerful motor and 10 transmission gears, this vehicle has brisk acceleration and moves this 4,500-pound rig out in a hurry. It is a good combination of performance and luxury.
OFF ROAD
SUVs are intended to go off the pavement if needed, and we did. With raised ground clearance and all-wheel-drive traction, the MDX can do just that with no problem.
