2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a standout in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a spacious interior that belied its compact exterior dimensions. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The exterior design was modern and sporty, highlighted by standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels. Inside, the MDX boasted a refined cabin with authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard design emphasized cabin width, and the unique gear selection controls added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was both comfortable and functional, with a range of colour options for both the exterior and interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX offered subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. The RDX featured updated grille surrounds, bumper styling, and new wheel designs. The limited-production PMC Edition stood out with its exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and Orchid white interior. The RDX's interior was stylish, with a sporty driving position and a prominent IDS driving mode knob. While the control layout required some acclimation, the RDX provided a comfortable and supportive driving experience. The back seat, however, was less comfortable for adults, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor. The RDX offered a generous cargo space and a standard power liftgate, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) as standard in Canada. The SH-AWD system offered torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and a revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and handling. The MDX's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The 10-speed transmission worked seamlessly with the engine, offering five drive modes for a customizable driving experience. During testing, the MDX impressed with its performance, feeling closer to the benchmark Audi Q7 and outperforming competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The engine's quick spool-up contributed to the RDX's enjoyable driving character. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, though the new sound-deadening measures made the paddles less engaging. The RDX's SH-AWD system provided excellent torque-vectoring capabilities, enhancing its performance on winding roads. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX's cabin was quieter than before, thanks to sound-insulation measures. While the RDX offered enjoyable driving dynamics, it didn't qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, making it less thrilling than some German competitors.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a versatile three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and an innovative second row with a removable centre section. The second row could slide and recline, providing flexibility for passengers. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX's seating capacity and USB connections in all rows were appreciated. The MDX offered flexible cargo capacity, with up to 2,690 litres of space when the second and third rows were folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and hands-free access. The MDX's interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes to choose from.

The 2022 Acura RDX, as a compact SUV, provided ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. The RDX's interior emphasized a sporty driving position, though the control layout required some getting used to. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation and a heated steering wheel. The back seat, however, lacked support for adults, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor. The RDX offered 835 litres of cargo space, with hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor. The power liftgate with hands-free operation added convenience.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The MDX featured a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a configurable digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa was built-in, allowing for home-to-car functionality. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The MDX offered a head-up display, a surround-view camera, and a WiFi hotspot. The CabinTalk feature acted as an interior public address system for rear passengers.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. While the TTI required acclimation, the RDX offered Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The RDX came with three premium sound systems, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers. The RDX also included a head-up display and AcuraLink connected services with a WiFi hotspot.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. The MDX featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and a low-speed braking control system was included. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, offering collision mitigation emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The 2022 Acura RDX also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to structural upgrades for side-impact safety. The RDX featured a rear seatbelt reminder system and the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assist systems. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems were mostly accurate, though not as refined as some competitors. The NHTSA gave the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.