Winter Review: 2022 Acura MDX A-Spec

Several key attributes stood out after an extended wintertime road test in the 2022 Acura MDX A-Spec, especially after driving my winter tire-equipped tester through some of the heaviest snow of the season, along with plenty of seat time while travelling after dark on Northern Ontario’s highways and on the badly-crumbling backroads surrounding much of Sudbury Ontario.

These observations can help perspective shoppers understand what to expect from their MDX in several real-world conditions they’re unlikely to face on a typical dealership test-drive, and I hope you can use them to help make a more informed purchase decision.

Below, it’s my key observations from about 1,400 kilometres of winter, backroads, and after-dark testing.

I want to start with the powertrain. The MDX is not turbocharged and not a hybrid, meaning it’s neither the most responsive nor fuel-efficient machine you’ll find for the money. Turbocharged competitors offer more low-end torque, and hybrid-powered models offer the same, alongside a lighter fuel bill. Still, for the enthusiast driver, there’s something special in the way the MDX’s proven 3.5 litre VTEC V6 engine delivers its 290 horsepower. Specifically, that relates to a pleasing naturally-aspirated growl that steps up as the revs climb and the VTEC system gets things breathing — and second, the surging, swelling, and rising action shape and sensation to the engine’s rev-happy power curve.

Some competitors are more efficient and offer more effortless throttle response more of the time. Still, there’s some performance fun dialled into the powertrain of this machine, and if you’re a driving enthusiast who appreciates the sound and feel of an all-motor V6 that does its best work when it’s spinning fast, you’ll like the setup here.

The AWD system is similarly effective at engaging the driver. For 2022, the MDX runs the latest version of Acura’s Super Handling AWD (SH-AWD) system, complete with revised parts and software that triple the torque available to the rear axle at 100 km/h, bump rear-axle launch torque by 40 per cent, and improve the last-generation system’s already-snappy response time by another 30 per cent.

Check out the video feature to see the SH-AWD system working on snow and ice in slow-motion. The footage reveals a rear axle that’s participating in driving this luxury SUV from the first inch of movement on snow and ice, with no front-wheel slippage required to engage rear-axle traction. This does away with torque steer and squatting; off the line, it’s just point and shoot even when traction’s limited.

acura, autos, cars, luxury, acura mdx, winter review: 2022 acura mdx a-spec

2022 Acura MDX A-Spec Photo by Justin Pritchard

From the driver’s seat, that’s added confidence and a more precise reaction to your throttle inputs. Your commands go directly to the road more obediently, and that’s a machine that’s easier for its driver to connect and work in sync with. On all but the most challenging surfaces, a prod on the throttle is met with an immediate leap forward as the MDX dives into winter driving conditions with all four wheels, all the time.

The SH-AWD system also features an over-driven rear axle which enables active torque vectoring to shrink the RDX at the driver’s fingertips with surprisingly athletic steering and handling balance during sporty driving. With the ability to spin a single rear wheel faster than the average speed of the two front wheels, active torque vectoring works in sync with the MDX’s snarling engine in spirited driving to make the drive come alive. It’s another way the MDX helps connect readily with the enthusiast driver.

Still, when driving in deep snow or icy conditions with full care and caution, the SH-AWD picks up on your vibe and works things for sure-footed grip, confident handling, and minimized driver workload as you just focus on the road ahead. The AWD system is as lively or cautious as your right foot tells it to be, and drive modes can be selected for further fine-tuning to your particular tastes.

On badly beaten backroads, washboard surfaces, and rough camp roads, the MDX sacrifices some ride comfort for the sportier driving dynamics.

2022 Acura MDX A-Spec Photo by Justin Pritchard

On one hand, the suspension manages to keep noise and harshness down appreciably on most surfaces, there’s a finely-tuned layer of softness around the edges of the damper’s travel that helps smooth out the drive, and noise levels are mitigated nicely until road surfaces begin to degrade badly.

It’s not the often-smashy, delicate feel common among the sportiest 3-row machines on the road, and while firm and sometimes busy, the suspension rarely crashes into bumps. Still, the MDX’s ride will prove sportier and more abrupt than some shoppers will like. If you’re a driver who can deal with a little added roughness on backroad surfaces in exchange for some surprisingly spirited handling elsewhere, you’ll be just fine with the compromise.

Elsewhere, after a half-meter snowfall and a trip deep into the woods for the deepest snow I could find, a few other observations came to light.

Even with the powertrain struggling to maintain momentum as the MDX plowed and clawed its way through heavy, bumper-deep snow, composure was appreciable, as were noise levels. Any vehicle on this side of about 400 horsepower will struggle to maintain speed in conditions like these, though the MDX maintains refinement in the process. The AWD system and handling perform consistently, quick steering helps drivers make fast adjustments to the vehicle’s line while cornering in deep powder, and the traction control system generally understands the need for extreme wheelspin to maintain momentum. Still, even with the system fully disabled to prevent the MDX getting bogged down by heavy snow, drivers will feel the traction control system limiting (not preventing) wheelspin.

2022 Acura MDX A-Spec Photo by Justin Pritchard

In the deepest snow, it’s hardly a powder-chucking power-slider. Still, the MDX will smoothly find its way through snow deep enough to make even this seasoned northern driver second-guess continuing his drive. Best advice? If you’re worried about getting bogged down in deep snow, engage SPORT mode, disengage the traction control (one click, just above your left knee), keep your foot way into the throttle, and let the machine do the work. While it does, you’ll be comfortable and confident, seated high above the action.

Headlight performance is also notable. That’s a common trend, and something I’ve been reporting on consistently in the latest Acura models lately. The signature LED headlamps on my tester are made from clusters of precisely arranged LED lenses, and the result from the driver’s seat is generous clean white light ahead, and into roadside treelines and culverts. Add in precise beam cut-off, a wide-screen spread of forward illumination, excellent reach to reflective signage up the road, and you’ve got a lighting system that’s easy to find confidence in. If the MDX will be your first brand-new vehicle in quite some time, I think you’ll be really impressed with the performance of its lighting system.

In summary: though some shoppers will wish for stronger low-RPM throttle response and a more comfortable ride in some situations, I think the MDX A-Spec will readily connect with those after a confidence-inspiring crossover experience that’s got a highly pleasing powertrain, and a surprisingly athletic feel dialled into the drive. It’s a refreshingly spirited take on a favourite.

Keyword: Winter Review: 2022 Acura MDX A-Spec

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

OTHER CAR NEWS