OpenRoad Driver Volume 17 Issue 1 Nov. 2021 | Page 62

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2022 Acura MDX A-Spec

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There ’ s good money to be made in the luxury 3-row unibody crossover space , and no one knows this better than Acura who created this segment twenty years ago . Serving as a leading option in its segment , the brand-new MDX undergoes a radical change to showcase Acura ’ s revised luxury-performance value proposition .
As expected from a complete redesign , the 2022 MDX gets big updates to its size and styling . The flagship SUV now sits 0.8 cm lower and 3.5 cm wider than the outgoing model , while the wheelbase is lengthened 7 cm for improved ride quality and increased cabin space . These larger dimensions are then emphasized with an elongated grille , wider headlights , and strong body lines to give the MDX a refined but muscular stance .
The interior is both dynamic and comfortable thanks to highquality materials and modern electronics . Supple leather seating surfaces and double-pane windows work with the vehicle ’ s adaptive dampers to minimize outside road noise and vibrations , while the widescreen infotainment system and simplified centre stack bring a cleaner look without impacting usability . The second-row seats feature a removable middle seat , and third-row passengers get more headroom and legroom .
Advanced driver assistance systems come standard on the Acura MDX . The suite ’ s radar cruise control and lane-keeping systems are easy to control through physical controls on the steering wheel , and the system can even help minimize driving effort in stop-and-go traffic situations . Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included to keep drivers connected on the road .
Beneath the surface lies Acura ’ s all-new light truck platform that evokes the driving dynamics of a sports car . The new chassis delivers better handling abilities with improved ride comfort and collision safety , thanks to a new double-wishbone front suspension setup and increased body rigidity . A 3.5-litre , 290-horsepower V6 engine powers the standard MDX , though a new Type-S variant with a 355-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-litre engine is also available .
The Acura MDX finds the sweet spot balancing luxury , athleticism , and value that others have yet to discover . Given the amount of responsibility the MDX needs to accomplish as the brand ’ s new flagship model , we ’ re glad Acura moves the bar yet again on what makes the MDX an excellent choice .