How does the new 2022 Acura MDX stack up to its previous generations? We take it for a test drive and do a comparison check.
If you are looking for a great luxury crossover, your list should definitely include the Acura MDX. It holds the distinction of being the very first three-row unibody crossover. And with the launch of the latest fourth-generation 2022 Acura MDX (pictured above), there are now even more exciting options to choose from.
The latest MDX model has an impressive list of features and options. But if your budget doesn’t quite stretch far enough for the newest vehicle, fear not. Our MDX buyer’s guide will run through all of the vehicle’s generations, including the very first MDX in 2001, to the third generation that ran from 2014 to 2020, right up to the current generation’s 2022 edition.
The versatile MDX likely has a trim–and a price tag–for everyone. First, let’s go over the brand-new 2022 Acura MDX and my recent test drive. Then, we’ll compare it to the 2019 MDX model that I also reviewed, as well as dive into the luxury crossover vehicle’s updates, options, and progress over its four generations.
2022 Acura MDX Specs & Test Drive
The latest (fourth) generation of the MDX kicked off with the 2022 Acura MDX. There is no better way to experience the newest MDX than to spend a week in one.
Acura was nice enough to drop one off at my house with a full tank of gas for the purposes of this Vehicle History review.
It came in Super Handling All-wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and sporty A-Spec trim, with an initial MSRP of $57,000 and a final out-the-door MSRP (with options) of $58,625, including destination and handling.
2022 Acura MDX Trim Levels
Much like the outgoing third generation, the 2022 Acura MDX comes in familiar trim levels, including:
The Base trim gets you a ton of equipment, like a 12.3-inch central display with touchpad controller, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, 19-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, leatherette seating, heated front seats, the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety features, and a power liftgate.
Ramp up to the Tech package and you’ll add 20-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, navigation, rain-sensing wipers, upgraded perforated leather seating upholstery, multi-color interior ambient lighting, and more.
My A-Spec test car had much sportier exterior styling, simulated suede seat inserts, a cabin intercom system, flat-bottom steering wheel, metal sport pedals, a 16-speaker premium audio system, and ventilated front seats.
Finally, the Advance package adds even more, including a convenient hands-free liftgate, new surround-view camera system, a heated steering wheel, a heads-up display, upgraded premium front seats, and a remote start function.
2022 Acura MDX Price Ranges by Trim
The four trim levels for the 2022 Acura MDX range from just under $47,000 up to over $60,500 for the top-spec trim.
- Base MDX: Starts at $46,900
- Technology Package: $51,600-$53,600
- A-Spec Package: Starts at $57,100
- Advance Package: Starts at $60,650
2022 Acura MDX Powertrain Options
The news on the powertrain side isn’t dramatically different. It uses the same solid 3.5L V6 engine that you got in the third generation, and it still makes 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque.
However, 2022 models do come with a 10-speed automatic versus the nine-speed in the old model. You’ll get standard front-wheel-drive, but Acura’s SH-AWD system is naturally available as an option.
2022 Acura MDX Fuel Economy
The 2022 MDX gets an EPA-rated fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for FWD models. The AWD models are slightly lower at 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
The acclaimed SH-AWD system progressively distributes optimum torque not only between the front and rear axles but also between the left and right rear wheels.
This provides a more precise handling response across a wide variety of road conditions while still receiving EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
2022 Acura MDX Driving & Performance
While the engine is basically the same, the big news is the platform for 2022. The fourth-generation MDX rides on an all-new platform, and Acura claims that it’s “the most rigid SUV chassis we’ve ever had, and also the first to have double-wishbone suspension in the front.”
It works too! The MDX sticks in the corners. Acura enhanced rigidity at all four corners through the use of new cast aluminum damper housings in front and a new dual path load structure in the rear.
This is a brand-new platform, but we should expect to see it underpin other future models.
Out on the road, the first thing I noticed was the great mix of get-up-and-go, solid handling, and ride quality. Towing the line between performance and comfort is a luxury car maker’s greatest challenge. The MDX certainly isn’t slow.
In fact, Motor Trend testing had the new MDX hitting 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. That was considered pretty quick for a sport compact car or muscle car not too long ago.
Like most electric steering racks, it’s a bit too light, even in the sportier drive settings. That is likely preferred by most buyers, but enthusiasts like myself may not be huge fans.
The overall ride quality is only overshadowed by the amount of silence you’ll experience. My wife was a huge fan of just how quiet the MDX was out on the highway. While I prefer brash noises during my driving experience, she prefers to hear nothing at all.
The brakes, however, were impressive, pulling the three-row SUV down from speed with some significant force.
Beyond the light steering, the only other criticisms from a driving perspective was the start-stop system. From a stoplight, it tended to jerk the steering wheel a bit when restarting, which got annoying. I tend to turn those systems off anyway. Maybe I’m a bit too old-school, but unless it’s not noticeable (not the case in most systems), I’ll trade some fuel economy for not having to deal with the start-stop experience.
2022 Acura MDX Interior
The interior is really where you make your money as a luxury car manufacturer. It’s what the buyer spends the majority of their time looking at, so you may have “Jewel Eye” headlights, but someone else will see that most of the time.
The MDX continues the tradition of well-put-together Acura interiors. Some earlier generations of the MDX were criticized for having way too many buttons. Other more recent Hondas have been dinged for having too few buttons — I want a radio volume dial, please!
The MDX does a great job of towing the line between differing buyer’s wants with a mix of traditional buttons, plus access to vehicle functions via the infotainment system.
Out on the road, it’s hard to underscore how good the steering wheel is on the new MDX. With a great mix of materials and a flat bottom, it looks like it could be at home on the NSX.
Criticisms were minor. The A-Spec’s extra trim across the bottom of the door caught my wife’s leg on occasion. It’s unclear if the non-A-Spec version would suffer from the same issue.
The rear seat is much more usable than previous generation MDXs, which had a third row more suited for children.
2022 Acura MDX Dimensions & Capabilities
The overall dash-to-axle was increased by more than four inches compared to the outgoing third-generation, contributing to great proportions and a bit more space. Specifically, the wheelbase was increased by 2.8 inches and the overall length was up 2.2 inches. Dimensions for the 2022 MDX are:
- Length: 198.4 inches (up from 196.2 inches from the 2020 MDX)
- Height: 67.1 inches (slightly less than the 67.4 inches for the 2020)
- Width: 78.7 inches (up from 77.7 inches for the 2020)
- Cargo Space: all seats in place: 18.1 cu. ft. (up 15.0 cu. ft. from 2020)
- Ground Clearance: 7.3 inches (identical to 2020)
2022 Acura MDX Technology Features
The MDX has always been a tech powerhouse, and the 2022 model is no different. It is the first Acura to have Amazon Alexa built in, which is pretty cool. Just like your Alexa at home, MDX drivers or passengers don’t have to press the “talk” button on the steering wheel, but just say the “Alexa” wake word.
If you find yourself on a test drive, you can say “Alexa, tell me about the new 2022 Acura MDX,” and she’ll share some highlights of the new car with you. More practical applications include adding an address to the navigation system, searching for the closest coffee shop, or directly tuning to specific radio stations, all done via Alexa.
Acura claims that the MDX has AI-enhanced shortcuts where the system learns user preferences and behavior to create on-screen suggestions. I didn’t have enough time to experience that, or perhaps I did and didn’t notice.
The rest of the tech list is expansive. From the latest wireless phone charging to 27 lighting themes, there is a ton of tech inside the latest MDX.
Acura definitely hypes the Acura/ELS Studio 3D audio system, and for good reason. The Acura rep left me a thumb drive with some music on it to test the ELS system, and it is pretty amazing at all levels.
2022 Acura MDX Safety Ratings
The all-new 2022 Acura MDX has also earned the highest possible safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The MDX qualified as an IIHS Top Safety Pick by earning a top rating of “Good” in all crashworthiness tests, a “Superior” rating for the Collision Mitigation Braking System part of the standard AcuraWatch safety and driver-assistive technology, and standard “Good” rated headlights.
The MDX is the brand’s third model awarded the Institute’s top rating for their 2021 award program, joining the RDX and TLX, both recognized in the Top Safety Pick+ category in February 2021.
To earn the 2021 Top Safety Pick+ award, a vehicle must earn good crashworthiness ratings in all test modes, including the challenging passenger-side small overlap test. It also needs available front crash prevention (standard on MDX) that earns an advanced or superior rating in both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian testing and standard good- or acceptable- rated headlights.
2022 Acura MDX Exterior Color Options
The 2022 Acura MDX is available in eight different exterior colors.
2022 Acura MDX Interior Color Options
You’ll have a handful of interior color options as well.
- Ebony
- Espresso
- Graystone
- Parchment
- Red (A-Spec package only)
Acura MDX: A Brief History of its Three Previous Generations
Short for “multi-dimensional luxury,” the MDX is a seven-seat luxury SUV that was first launched in 2001 when it was one of the first SUVs to feature three-row seating. It was a replacement for the little-known body-on-frame Acura SLX, which was based on the Isuzu Trooper.
Honda has always been great with sharing platforms, and the first-generation MDX was no different. It was built on Honda’s Global mid-size platform that was shared with Acura’s like the TL and TSX as well as Hondas like the Accord and Odyssey.
Most MDX models feature a 3.5L V6 engine. The first generation came with a more dated 240 horsepower Single-Overhead-Cam (SOHC) version.
Of note for those looking to carry a lot of passengers, the first-generation MDX has a fold-out jump seat in the back that only seats two, whereas newer models feature a bit more room in the back.
Acura made some big updates for the second generation (2007 to 2013), which was previewed by the 2007 Acura MD-X Concept.
The new MDX was longer and wider, with an upgraded V6 with a significant bump up to 300 horsepower.
The old all-wheel-drive system was replaced by the new Super Handling All-wheel Drive, which is still available on Acura models today. See the SH-AWD in action in the video below.
A 2010 facelift saw updated front and rear design elements, as well as a new SportShift automatic transmission added to the lineup.
Fast forward to the 2014 model year and you find a sweet spot on the used market for the MDX.
The third-generation MDX (2014 to 2020) was slightly detuned to 290 horsepower, but was powered by a more efficient 3.5L engine.
Fuel efficiency was up to 18 city, 27 highway, and 21 mpg combined on AWD models. The newly-added FWD model was slightly more fuel-efficient, rated at 20 city, 28 highway, and 23 combined.
New changes came for 2017 with a much more attractive diamond pentagon front grille, LED exterior lighting, and a host of other updated features and options.
You’ll need to jump up to the 2019 model for the fun A-Spec performance and appearance package.
There’s a lot to love about the MDX. But before we get into the new fourth-generation 2022 MDX, here are some other great used MDX options to consider.
Best Pre-owned MDX Options
Sure, you get a lot with a new car, but here’s what you can get on the certified pre-owned and used market for the same amount, or even less!
The latest Acura MDX ranges from $46,900 to $60,650 for the 2022 model, but the top-spec 2019 comes in a bit cheaper than an entry-level 2022.
We will run through all of the great used options of the Acura MDX.
Acura MDX Trim Levels: First Gen (2001-2006)
2001 Acura MDX photo gallery
The first two model years of the MDX included the “Base” and “Touring” trim levels. All trim levels came with the same 260 horsepower engine and even the base model for 2001 was quite well equipped.
It featured standard leather seating and front seats that are heated and eight-way power-adjustable.
Also expect side front passenger airbags, automatic climate control, keyless entry, and a power moonroof.
Ramp up to the 2001 Touring and you’ll find standard stuff like a roof rack, a 200-watt Bose stereo with a six-disc CD changer, as well as an optional DVD navigation system.
While there were no major changes for 2002, Acura updated the trim levels for 2003. You could now get the Touring package with a Rear Entertainment System (RES), Navigation System (Navi), or RES with Navigation, which gets you both DVD and Navigation.
Trim packages have kept the same names for 2004, but the V6 was upped slightly to 265 horsepower, and there were some minor updates to the interior and exterior.
The 2005 model year saw standard XM Radio as well as standard hands-free Bluetooth connectivity for the Touring trim.
For its final model year of the first generation, 2006, the MDX only received minor trim updates to the Touring model.
Acura MDX Trim Levels: Second Gen (2007-2013)
2007 Acura MDX photo gallery
The all-new MDX was built around a suite of new packages and trim for 2007, including:
Powered by a new 3.7L V6 engine with 300 horsepower, the updated MDX was pretty impressive.
Highlights include a new standard tri-zone climate control, an eight-speaker 253-watt audio system with XM satellite radio, auxiliary inputs, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The new Sport package features a cool Active Damper System sport suspension, trim-specific wheels, and perforated leather trim.
The Tech package gets you a navigation system with voice recognition and real-time traffic, an upgraded surround audio system, a rearview camera, and cool solar-sensing climate control.
Naturally, the Entertainment package adds a DVD entertainment system, but that’s not all. You also got heated second-row seats, a remote power tailgate, and a 115-volt power outlet to bring along some video games on your trip.
After the all-new MDX arrived for 2007, there were no major changes for 2008 or 2009.
By 2010, the MDX got a few mid-generation updates including the latest Acura grille (unfortunately) to go along with its revised front and rear styling tweaks.
Inside it saw an updated cabin with loads of new tech. Trim levels were tweaked as well, still starting with the Base, which was now joined by:
Check out the Technology package and you’ll find standard equipment like upgraded leather trim, 10-speaker Panasonic/ELS surround-sound system, multi-angle rearview camera, hard-drive-based navigation system, and a GPS-based solar-sensing climate control system.
The top-spec Advance package adds even more with standard active sport suspension, perforated leather upholstery (ventilated in front), 19-inch wheels, and adaptive cruise control.
It also features safety systems like blind-spot detection and Acura’s latest Collision Mitigating Braking System. And opting for “Entertainment” still adds a rear DVD, heated rear seats, and a 115-volt plug.
After the big updates for 2010, there were no big changes for 2011, 2012, or 2013.
Acura MDX Trim Levels: Third Gen (2014-2020)
2014 Acura MDX photo gallery
For the 2014 model year, Acura offered a new larger platform, the very first front-drive model, and a host of new updates for the MDX’s third generation.
In addition to a new 3.5L V6 engine, the MDX also added a new eight-inch touch screen, push-start button, Acura’s “Jewel Eye” LED headlights, the AcuraLink system, rearview camera, and premium 432-watt audio system.
Trim levels for 2014 included:
There were no changes for 2015, but for 2016 Acura added an updated nine-speed automatic transmission, plus a new version of Acura’s SH-AWD system.
Trim levels, including the Base, could also be had with the new AcuraWatch suite of safety aids. This batch included:
- collision mitigation system
- forward collision warning
- lane departure warning
- adaptive cruise control
- lane-keeping assist
- road departure mitigation
- blind-spot warning
- rear cross-traffic alert
- Acura multi-view rear camera
On the used market, the 2017 represents the beginning of the sweet spot for pre-owned MDX models. Subjectively, the “Acura Beak” grille was very much maligned across our automotive journalism industry.
The new “diamond pentagon grille” marked a much-improved front-end design for the MDX, which was flanked by updated “Jewel Eye” LED lighting.
Beyond that, there was a new Sport Hybrid model that was more efficient, and more powerful, than the stock V6. You also got a handful of trim updates, plus the AcuraWatch suite of safety technologies is now standard on every trim.
For 2018, Acura went to a new dual-screen interface with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Trim levels for 2018 included a host of great options, including:
- Base
- Technology
- Technology and Entertainment
- Advance
- Advance with Entertainment
- Sport Hybrid with Technology
- Sport Hybrid with Advance
The 2019 model year was the first year of the cool A-Spec trim level. I got a chance to spend a week with a 2019 A-Spec, and it’s pretty great, especially in the Apex Blue Pearl paint color.
The A-Spec got you trim-specific 20-inch “Shark Grey” alloy wheels, larger-diameter exhaust tips, gloss black and dark chrome headlight trim, a roof spoiler, Alcantara seat inserts, a unique steering wheel, and more.
Finally, for 2020, Acura added the ultra limited-edition “PMC” edition. Built at Acura’s Ohio Performance Management Center, where the NSX supercar gets screwed together, the PMC trim is pretty impressive.
Aside from the painstakingly created Valencia Red paint, it features a host of unique bits, plus it comes standard with the A-Spec sport package and the Advanced tech option package.
What a way to end the third generation!
Is the Acura MDX Worth the Money?
The Acura MDX has a ton of available trim levels across each of its model years. Kelley Blue Book has rated each trim level and the “Fair Market Range,” which is laid out below.
It ranges from just over $3,000 for a base 2001 MDX, up to just over $52,000 for the 2020 PMC edition MDX. Of note, there was technically no 2021 MDX.
First Generation
- 2001 Acura MDX: $3,334-$5,522
- 2002 Acura MDX: $3,799-$5,694
- 2003 Acura MDX: $4,200-$6,267
- 2004 Acura MDX: $4,761-$6,543
- 2005 Acura MDX: $4,976-$7,424
- 2006 Acura MDX: $5,423-$7,848
Second Generation
- 2007 Acura MDX: $7,847-$9,772
- 2008 Acura MDX: $8,753-$10,684
- 2009 Acura MDX: $9,540-$11,405
- 2010 Acura MDX: $12,079-$14,184
- 2011 Acura MDX: $13,146-$15,253
- 2012 Acura MDX: $15,152-$17,341
- 2013 Acura MDX: $16,847-$19,072
Third Generation
- 2014 Acura MDX: $18,716-$21,013
- 2015 Acura MDX: $20,678-$23,053
- 2016 Acura MDX: $24,508-$27,171
- 2017 Acura MDX: $28,348-$35,320
- 2018 Acura MDX: $30,071-$40,694
- 2019 Acura MDX: $33,024-$45,849
- 2020 Acura MDX: $36,441-$52,301
How Long Will an Acura MDX Last?
Honda and Acura are known for overall reliability, and the ratings for the MDX echo that sentiment. A sampling of Repair Pal ratings across the last decade or so of MDX models shows that it ranks well in comparison to its peers in the segment.
The 2010 Acura MDX as well as the 2014 Acura MDX both received a Repair Pal Reliability Rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it second out of 14 for luxury midsize SUVs.
The estimated average annual repair cost will be around $571, which means it has “average” ownership costs. They noted that the “severity of repairs is low while frequency of those issues is average, so major issues are uncommon for the MDX.”
The 2017 MDX received a similar rating and has three recalls, one for a tailgate malfunction, one for reduced fuel pump performance, and one for reduced rear brake performance.
Always check for open recalls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website when purchasing a used vehicle.
Over at J.D. Power, the 2010 Acura MDX was rated as “Average” for quality and reliability with an overall rating of 77 out of 100.
Meanwhile, the 2014 MDX and 2017 MDX were also “Average,” ranking 75 out of 100 and 76 out of 100 respectively.
Acura MDX Known Issues & Problems
Overall, the Acura MDX actually has a pretty short list of known issues. Repair Pal lists nine total, with two issues receiving the most reports:
- Check Engine and D4 Lights Flashing: 322 reports
- Shudder or Vibration While Driving at Speeds Between 35 and 40 mph: 226 reports
Acura MDX Value & Depreciation
The MDX is a luxury SUV and can fetch a pretty high MSRP depending on model year and trim. But, the overall average price is just $28,817 across all model years.
This is actually pretty impressive value-for-money considering the exemplary list of features and options.
From a depreciation perspective, the 2017 MDX is estimated by Edmunds to depreciate $17,782 over five years. However, after the first year, the number drops dramatically.
Specifically, over five years, there was an estimated $6,699 for year one, $3,298 for year two, $2,903 for year three, $2,573 for year four, and finally $2,309 for year five.
So, finding a great Certified Pre-Owned option that has already hit its initial depreciation mark is a great move.
New MDX vs. Pre-owned: Pros & Cons
So, where should you invest your hard-earned money? The new 2022 MDX is pretty amazing, but with a starting price of almost $47,000, it’s not cheap. I’m a firm believer that every new generation continues to improve the breed. However, there is a trade-off between having the latest and greatest and paying a bit less for a close approximation newest model.
As noted, the sweet spot in the Acura MDX used lineup starts around 2017. With a price range of $28,348 to $35,320, it has a lot of tech, as well as the updated Acura grille.
Take a look at the Acura Certified program, which covers 2016 through 2021 models. You’ll get Powertrain Coverage of seven years or 100,000 miles, and Non-powertrain Coverage of two years or 100,000 miles. That makes an already reliable luxury SUV even better.
Photos: William Byrd; Acura
