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Introduction:

To help members understand the latest automotive technology so they can purchase vehicles that best suit their needs, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center (ARC) began testing and reviewing vehicles over a decade ago

For the 2023 edition, we include testing and ranking cars and light trucks with the latest technology, including having at least one advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) feature. In addition to vehicle evaluation, the guide covers a number of pertinent automotive topics in detail—for example, the latest advanced safety features, how to properly maintain your vehicle, and new vehicles coming to market in the next few years.

2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD A-Spec

Vehicle Type: SUV Gasoline
82
 overall score
Category Ranking: 23

Vehicle Price

Base Price: $57,100
Price as Tested: $58,625

Fuel Information

Fuel Type: Regular
Fuel Capacity (gal): 18.5
EPA City mpg19
EPA Highway mpg25
EPA Combined mpg21

Advanced Safety Features

  • Adaptive Cruise Control [S]
  • Advanced Headlights [S]
  • Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
  • Blind-Spot Warning [S]
  • Driver Monitoring [S]
  • Forward-Collision Warning [S]
  • Lane-Departure Warning [S]
  • Lane-Keeping Assistance [S]
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [S]
  • Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking [O]
  • [S] Standard, [O] Optional

Overall Observations

Acura’s midsize MDX crossover, now in its fourth generation, was completely redesigned for 2022. The stylish, sporty A-Spec version we tested featured special details, including blacked-out trim, 20- inch alloy wheels with a gray finish, and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) for better traction on slippery surfaces and more responsive performance on dry pavement. The MDX is available with 2 powertrain options: a naturally aspirated or turbocharged V6 engine mated to a 10-speed transmission. Despite its 290 hp, our nonturbo test vehicle felt underpowered and delivered disappointing fuel economy. Inside, attractive design and quality materials add to the cabin’s posh ambience. The roomy 3-row interior can accommodate up to 7 passengers, and passenger and cargo space is ample - although third-row seating is best suited to youngsters. High-tech goodies abound, including heated and ventilated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and Jewel Eye LED headlights with auto high beams. Accessing the 12-inch infotainment display’s many features via a console-mounted track-pad controller (versus using a touch screen) can feel frustrating, however. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and a long list of AcuraWatch safety features are standard, adding to the MDX’s overall solid value.

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Strengths and Weaknesses

Strong Points

  • • Stylish exterior and interior design
  • • Smooth powertrain
  • • Plenty of standard advanced safety features
  • • Good passenger and cargo space with the third-row seats folded

Weak Points

  • • Poor fuel economy from the V6 engine
  • • Slow acceleration
  • • Infotainment system has a cumbersome touch-pad interface

Vehicle Specifications

Model year tested: 2022
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/5
Curb weight (lbs): 4540.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 198.4 / 78.7 / 67.1
Wheelbase (in): 113.8
Number of air bags: 10
Warranty (months/miles): 48/50,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S
Front and rear tire size: 255/50 R20
Max towing capacity (lbs): 5,000
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Auto 10-speed
Drivetrain type: All wheel
Engine/motor: 3.5L V6 VTEC
Engine horsepower @ RPM: 290 @ 6,200

Test Data

Test Vehicle Scores

Advanced Safety Features:

9.70

Fuel Efficiency:

4.27

EPA Emissions Score:

5.00

Acceleration:

3.30

Braking:

6.03
Handling: 6.44
Quality and Drivability: 7.25

Ride Quality:

7.68

Interior Size:

5.45

Easy of Entry and Exit:

7.29

Visibility:

7.47

Interior Noise:

8.12

Cargo Capacity:

4.06
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