Ministry of Interior Affairs: 2022 Acura MDX A-Spec

Article content

What’s the hallmark of the next-generation 2022 Acura MDX? Somehow, Acura managed to make it larger and more spacious in every dimension while also improving its performance.

Article content

For more detail on the performance side of things, check out our first drive review . Here at the Ministry of Interior Affairs, we’ll focus on digging into the MDX’s interior in excruciating detail. On the MDX, the verdict is largely positive – that is, in every way but one.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Ministry of Interior Affairs: 2022 Acura MDX A-Spec Back to video

With 55 mm more overall length than the previous generation, a 70 mm longer wheelbase, 25 mm more in width and 11 mm in height, the new MDX has grown in almost every dimension. Behind the third row, you’ll find 461 litres of cargo space, with 1,107 litres available behind the second row and 2,021 litres behind the first. The cargo area also includes a 12-volt plug and a covered storage space under the loading floor, made possible by mounting the donut spare tire externally behind the rear bumper. Although the tire on our jogging stroller gets a little bit of a squeeze, the hatch will close around it. Both rows of seats are manual dropping in this A-Spec model, but the action is smooth and relatively easy, and the seats lie nicely flat when both rows are retracted.

Toggle full screen mode Previous Gallery Image

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

Next Gallery Image Toggle gallery captions

View All 7 Photos

1 of 7

All 7 Photos for Gallery

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 

Function Not Available

Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.

You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.

OK

Article content

The third row is a little bit roomier overall than in the previous generation, but it’s still a pretty tight space with little in the way of frills. There are no LATCH connectors back here, although there are three complete positions in the second row that can be used simultaneously if you can find car seats narrow enough to fit three-wide, which would be more convenient for most families anyway. While the third row does have 6 cm more leg room and 1 cm more head room than the previous generation, my 5-foot-7 frame and short legs find the space a little constricting. There’s one cupholder on each side with no other storage space, and USB charging ports are not offered in the A-Spec grade, although they can be found in the MDX’s top trim. The seats are 5 cm higher off the floor, which helps with comfort a fair bit for those smaller passengers who do fit. The best part about this space is how easy it is to access, thanks to the simple push-button retraction on the second-row seats. Still, the MDX is still best considered a two-plus-one row SUV with the third row better suited to occasional use.

Article content

It’s in the second row where the MDX’s improvements are most significant. Despite all the black interior finishes, this space is much brighter thanks to the large panoramic sunroof, and the outboard seats are heated on most grades. Leg room is still a little bit tight, especially if you need to negotiate with passengers in the third row. There are two USB-A charging ports here, as well as a 12-volt outlet.

The middle position is interesting as it can be positioned upright as a seat, folded down to create a center console for the two outboard positions, or removed entirely to create a space between the seats, although doing so does leave some ugly floor hooks behind. It’s very thoughtful to make this removable, but it feels as though this could be taken a step further: a clip-in centre console with tons of extra storage space would be a clever dealer accessory.

Toggle full screen mode Previous Gallery Image

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

Next Gallery Image Toggle gallery captions

View All 11 Photos

1 of 11

All 11 Photos for Gallery

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 
8. 
9. 
10. 
11. 

Function Not Available

Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.

You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.

OK

Article content

The driver-oriented nature of the new MDX is obvious with details such as the A-Spec grade’s set of classic sport pedals and thoughtful ergonomics that place everything within easy reach of the driver. But there’s one thing that’s not especially intuitive and that I feel is the biggest potential deal-breaker in this vehicle: it uses a touchpad-driven infotainment system as opposed to a touchscreen or dial-and-button based setup. The volume dial and forward and back buttons are separate and are easy to access and use while driving, so that helps. Plus, the MDX offers Alexa Auto that can tie your car’s infotainment with your home Echo system. But accomplishing much else takes a lot of focus while driving, and I would argue it’s to the point of distraction.

Article content

It’s also sort of a shame to see the Honda push-button gear selector here, which looks the same in this Acura as it does when applied in, say, a Honda Pilot or Odyssey. Whether or not you enjoy its functionality, my sense is that premium buyers expect a more premium tactile experience than this provides.

FOR IN-DEPTH EV NEWS & ANALYSIS TUNE IN TO OUR PLUGGED-IN PODCAST

Other than those points, the front row of the MDX is equipped as one would expect for its segment and price. There’s a wireless charging pad tucked under the wrist rest for the touchpad, plus one USB-C and two USB-A ports, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and on this A-Spec grade, a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System. The digital instrument cluster is standard with clear graphics, and it ties in with the interior lighting to change colour as the driver switches between the MDX’s drive modes. Ambient lighting can come off cheesy at times, but in this car it fits.

If you think you can get past the touchpad, the 2022 Acura MDX is definitely worth consideration. It presents enough of an improvement in performance, interior space, and value for money to make it a great fit for those seeking out a driver-oriented three-row SUV from a premium brand.