Model year 2022 marks the arrival of an all-new fourth-generation 2022 Acura MDX, as well as a fresh update to the third-generation 2022 Acura RDX. The Acura MDX is one of the best-selling luxury crossovers of all time, and the Acura RDX is responsible for drawing the highest number of new-to-Acura shoppers into dealer showrooms. Both models are among the most commonly sought by Canadian shoppers in 2022. Here, we’ll answer the internet’s most popular search questions on the 2022 Acura MDX and 2022 Acura RDX, along with some commonly-requested comparisons between the two.
Question 1: 2022 Acura MDX versus 2022 Acura RDX: What are the key differences?
The 2022 Acura MDX is the larger of two luxury crossover models from Acura; specifically, a mid-sized 3-row model. The 2022 Acura RDX is the smaller of the two Acura SUV models, a compact two-row model.
The larger 3-row MDX starts at $57,900, with trim grades including Tech, Platinum Elite, A-Spec, Type S, and Type S Ultra adding plenty of selection.
MDX Engine choices include a 3.5-litre VTEC V6 making 290 horsepower, or Acura’s new 3L turbocharged V6 with 355 horsepower, available on higher-performing Type S and Type S Ultra models which start from $79,000.
Across the board, look for a 10-speed automatic transmission and a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
Key competitors include machines like the BMW X5, Volvo XC90, and Cadillac XT6. If you’re after something in this pricing universe that’s more off-road capable, you can consider machines like the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Land Rover Defender 110.
The smaller Acura RDX starts at $46,900, with Tech, A-Spec, and Platinum Elite A-Spec models on offer, with the latter capping the model range at $59,100. All RDX models run a two-litre turbo four-cylinder engine making 272 horsepower, and a 10-speed automatic. The RDX’s towing capacity is 1,500 lbs., and competitors worth considering include the Porsche Macan, Genesis GV70, and BMW X3.
Another commonality between the pair? Both the 2022 Acura MDX and 2022 Acura RDX run Acura’s latest fourth-generation Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system as standard equipment.
2022 Acura RDX A-Spec Photo by Justin Pritchard
Question 2: What is Acura SH-AWD?
SH-AWD refers to Acura’s exclusive all-wheel drive system, which originated in the early 2000s and has now evolved across four generations into the fastest, smartest, and most capable version of this torque-vectoring AWD system yet.
The key trick up the SH-AWD system’s sleeve is its ability to overdrive a single rear wheel by 2.7 per cent, allowing it to rotate faster than the average speed of the front two wheels. In turn, this allows for enhanced agility, a handling feel that’s lighter on its feet, and a sportier and more responsive drive in cornering situations.
Question 3: What is Acura A-Spec?
Both the 2022 Acura MDX and 2022 Acura RDX are offered with the A-Spec sport appearance package.
Acura A-spec models come with a sportier design and additional visual firepower. In the 2022 Acura RDX, the A-Spec package adds a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a unique gunmetal trim colour on the front grille and fog-lamp surrounds, a more aggressive fascia, gloss black exterior trim and tailpipes, unique 20-inch rims, and unique badging.
Inside, the RDX A-Spec features darker trim elements, contrast stitching, suede door inserts, and more.
The A-Spec is the RDX most commonly selected by shoppers under 45.
On the 2022 Acura MDX, the A-Spec package adds similar visual upgrades and an exclusive colour palette. The MDX A-Spec is available as its own trim grade, while the RDX A-Spec can be had on its own, or with the Platinum Elite package.
2022 Acura MDX A-Spec Photo by Justin Pritchard
Question 4: Where are Acura crossovers made?
Alongside the Honda CR-V, both the 2022 Acura RDX and 2022 Acura MDX are built in Acura’s East Liberty, Ohio plant. The site began production in 1989, and currently employs about 2,800 employees.
Question 5: What’s the difference between the Base vs Technology Package?
In the 2022 Acura RDX, the $3,300 step into a Tech Package-equipped model adds feature touches like parking sensors, a customizable interior ambient lighting system, additional sound reduction measures, voice-commanded navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and unique colours and wheels.
In the 2022 Acura MDX, the $4,000 step up into a Tech Package-equipped model adds features like interior ambient lighting, a motorized tailgate, soft-touch Milano leather interior, a 550-watt 12-speaker ELS stereo system upgrade, and a parking sensor system.
2022 Acura RDX A-Spec Photo by Justin Pritchard
Question 6: Is premium gas required?
No. Both the 2022 Acura MDX and 2022 Acura RDX will run just fine on 87-octane gasoline.
Question 7: How’s the fuel economy?
Combined fuel economy for the 2022 Acura MDX with the 3.5 litre V6 engine is rated at 11.2 L/100 km.
The high-performing MDX Type S models with the turbocharged V6 deliver a combine fuel economy rating of 12.4 L/100 km.
With its sole 2-litre turbo engine, the 2022 Acura RDX averages around 10.1 L/100 km.
Assuming a fuel cost of $1.75 per litre and 25,000 kilometres driven annually, the average driver of an MDX might use about $4,900 per year in fuel, while MDX Type S drivers can expect to cough up $5,425 annually to fill their tank. Go with the RDX, and you’re looking at a gas bill of about $4,420 per year.
Your results and annual fuel costs will vary, so use these figures for a rough comparison only.
2022 Acura MDX A-Spec Photo by Justin Pritchard
Question 8: Which Acura crossovers have a head-up display (HUD)?
Both the 2022 Acura RDX and 2022 Acura MDX offer an available HUD, included as part of the top-line Platinum Elite package available on each model.
Question 9: Heated steering wheel? Remote start?
In Canada, both the 2022 Acura MDX and 2022 Acura RDX feature remote start and a heated steering wheel as standard equipment.
Question 10: What is the Acura RDX Red Interior?
We’ll let the visuals do the talking. Here’s that popular red leather interior in action, in the 2022 RDX A-Spec Platinum Elite.
2022 Acura RDX A-Spec Photo by Justin Pritchard
Keyword: Your Questions Answered: 2022 Acura RDX and MDX