MARKHAM: Acura has unveiled the all-new 2022 MDX, the most premium, performance-focused and technologically sophisticated SUV in Acura history.
There will not be a 2021 model. 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 in February of 2021 with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $56,4051.
“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.”
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. 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 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.
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. MDX’s double-wishbone front suspension is a core feature of Acura’s performance DNA.
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.
Improved Braking
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.
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. 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.
Driver-Focused Cabin
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. 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).
Interior Colours & Trim
MDX also will be available in six different interior colour schemes, depending on the package, including Ebony, Parchment, Greystone and Saddle Brown. . 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 Cockpit conveys information in a personalized fashion, with drivers able to choose between two distinct appearances – Advanced and Crafted. A fully configurable content selection is available for as navigation, trip computer, maintenance, tire pressure, SH-AWD® status and a G-meter. Also new – a 10.5-inch full-color Head-Up Display (HUD) that can show critical vehicle alerts, collision warnings etc.