After taking a year off, the Acura MDX has returned for 2022 stronger, roomier, and sharper looking. How does it fare against the luxurious and powerful 2022 BMW X7? Let’s compare them.
2022 Acura MDX
2022 Acura MDX Starting Price: $47,200 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Roomy interior; available all-wheel drive; wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; higher-performance Type S variant; resale value.
Below Average: Tire noise; touchpad controls.
Consensus: A complete overhaul for 2022 gives the Acura MDX a slightly roomier and more elegant interior and a more robust chassis. Build quality is excellent as expected, although there’s some tire noise, and the touchpad can be frustrating to use while driving.
2022 BMW X7
2022 BMW X7 Starting Price: $74,900 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Strong engine options; posh interior; smooth ride; standard AWD.
Below Average: Expensive; inefficient; tight cargo space with all seats up; third row is a little snug.
Consensus: Handsome and awash with top-notch interior materials, the 2022 BMW X7 is an impressive entry among 3-row luxury SUVs. It’s great to drive with either engine choice, but as expected, prices start high and only add up with options.
MDX vs. X7: Understated or Extravagant
Acura MDX
The 3-row MDX has been a strong seller for Acura. But the model took 2021 off, but the MDX is back and all new for 2022 after a full redesign that gave it a slightly longer and wider body, more sophisticated suspension, and exciting new features. The MDX continues to pack a 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 that provides smooth power, which is sent to either the front or all four wheels.
Coming soon is the Type S, powered by a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, Brembo brakes, and torque vectoring.
We like the angular exterior look of the 2022 MDX, which is complemented by a flexible interior with an optional removable center seat in the second row. The cabin is full of high-quality materials, with Acura’s impeccable build quality. We like the dash and its impressive infotainment screen, although the touchpad is a bit of a challenge to use while driving.
Standard features are generous and include a 9-speaker audio system, USB charging ports, tri-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and two 12.3-inch screens.
Every 2022 MDX also comes with the AcuraWatch suite of safety systems including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot monitor. Given Acura’s reputation for reliability, resale values are expected to be strong.
BMW X7
Beautiful inside and out, the 2022 BMW X7 is not as much a 3-row SUV as it is a luxury statement. The interior is configurable with either captain’s chairs or a bench seat in the second row, and the interior is opulent and cosseting, made with top-notch materials. There are three rows, but the third is snug for full-size adults. Cargo space is relatively low compared to some competitors, expanding to 90 cubic feet with all seats folded.
Despite its size, the X7 is impressive to drive. Base power is provided by a 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder in the xDrive40i, with an even more beastly 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 in the M50i. An 8-speed automatic shifts quickly and smoothly, and every X7 is all-wheel drive. The ride is smooth and compliant, and the M50i is downright quick. An optional Dynamic Handling package makes the X7 even more sporty.
With a starting price in the mid $70K region, it’s no surprise that the 2022 BMW X7 is well equipped. Standard features include an air suspension, panoramic moonroof, 4-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and ambient interior lighting.
Infotainment comes via a 12.3-inch screen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, navigation, SiriusXM, and HD Radio. Along with that are two USB ports and wireless charging, as well as a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Standard safety features include automatic high beams, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.
Similarities
All-wheel drive; three rows of seating; fuel economy; sporty driving manners; higher-performance models available.
2022 Acura MDX Advantages
Significantly less expensive; sterling reputation for reliability; 10-speed automatic; cargo space.
2022 BMW X7 Advantages
More powerful engines; luxurious interior; brand cachet.
Which One is Right for Me?
Sportiness, comfort, and excellent build quality remain hallmarks of the 2022 Acura MDX. Its style and sub-$50,000 starting price only add to its appeal.
The 2022 BMW X7 starts a full $27,000 higher than the MDX, but it has one of the most luxurious and opulent cabins in the segment, a choice of powerful engines, and the kind of driving manners and style on which BMW has built its reputation.
Ready to buy an Acura MDX or BMW X7? Shop for one on sale now near you.
2022 Acura MDX | 2022 BMW X7 | |
Popular Powertrains | ||
Engine | 3.5-liter V6 | 3.0-liter turbo I6 |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 335 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm | 330 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Transmission | 10-spd automatic | 8-spd automatic |
Fuel Economy | 22 mpg (19 city/26 hwy) | 21 mpg (19 city/24 hwy) |
Also Available | 3.0-liter turbo V6; AWD | 4.4-liter turbo V8 |
Specs | ||
Basic warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5 stars | n/a |
Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Wheelbase | 113.8 inches | 122.2 inches |
Overall Length | 198.4 inches | 203.3 inches |
Width | 78.7 inches | 78.7 inches |
Height | 67.1 inches | 71.1 inches |
Turning Diameter | 40.5 feet | 42.8 feet |
Headroom, Front | 38.5 inches | 41.9 inches |
Headroom, Rear | 38.1 inches | 41.9 inches |
Legroom, Front | 41.6 inches | 39.8 inches |
Legroom, Rear | 38.5 inches | 37.6 inches |
Shoulder Room, Front | 61.9 inches | 60.0 inches |
Shoulder Room, Rear | 60.3 inches | 58.1 inches |
EPA Passenger Volume | 139.1 cubic feet | n/a |
EPA Cargo Volume | 95.0 cubic feet | 90.4 cubic feet |
Keyword: 2022 Acura MDX vs. 2022 BMW X7 Comparison