The 2022 Acura MDX will make its debut on December 8th and will serve as a direct rival to the Cadillac XT5 and the Cadillac XT6.
The Japanese automaker provided a sneak preview of the next-generation MDX with the prototype version that it showed off back in October. While the prototype did feature some pre-production details, it still gave us a very good idea of what to expect when the cover comes off the real version this month. The automaker also released a new teaser image of the crossover this week, showing off its diamond-shaped grille and LED headlights.
A 3.5L V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission will serve as the base powertrain in the 2022 Acura MDX. A sporty MDX Type S model will also launch in the summer of 2021, which will feature a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. These Type S models will also come standard with the automaker’s torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system as standard.
MDX Prototype
Inside, the crossover will feature a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display and available features like 16-way front seats with nine-mode massage functionality and a power moonroof. The MDX prototype also had a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, two-tone leather upholstery and ambient lighting.
The Acura MDX actually paved the way for three-row crossovers like the Cadillac XT6, as it was the first unibody three-row crossover ever when it first launched in 2001. The crossover was also named the 2001 North American Truck of the Year and 2001 Motor Trend SUV of the Year, receiving praise for its superior ride quality and driving performance compared to its body-on-frame rivals. Today, three-row crossovers are among the most popular vehicles on sale, serving as spacious family vehicles that are more efficient and easy to maneuver than something like a GMC Yukon.
We’ll know how the 2022 Acura MDX stacks up to General Motors-built rivals like the Cadillac XT5 and Cadillac XT6 following its live-streamed debut on December 8th.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more GM-related Acura news, Cadillac news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
The big differences, a twin turbo… 355hp/354tq and still better LEDs
It’s a very crowded segment of 3 row mid size cross over/ SUV premium /luxury models . Some I won’t even consider don’t even look at ….. my choice is the new genesis gv 80
I’m sure the interior will be nice and the exterior a snooze fest as usual
Too bad as I just don’t see GM updating the drivetrain of the xt5/6 because of their electric push.
The XT6 should had the 3.0t from the get go but I doubt it would impact sales much. I believe the next XT6 will be rwd anyway.