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2022 Acura MDX Shows Off Its TLX-Inspired Styling

Photo credit: KGP Photography - Car and Driver
Photo credit: KGP Photography - Car and Driver

From Car and Driver

  • The Acura MDX crossover will be redesigned for 2022, and here is a good look at it.

  • The new model adopts Acura's design language as seen on the smaller RDX crossover and TLX sedan.

  • Expect to see the new three-row luxury SUV debut before the end of the year.

After overhauling the RDX compact crossover and the TLX sedan, Acura is now turning its attention to the three-row MDX SUV. This popular crossover will get a redesign for 2022, and these spy photos show its more chiseled look that falls in line with the brand's other recent makeovers.

Photo credit: KGP Photography - Car and Driver
Photo credit: KGP Photography - Car and Driver

Technically, this isn't the first time we've seen the new 2022 Acura MDX, as a strange infotainment-system quirk meant that a savvy forum poster found a rendering of the TLX and MDX more than a year ago, well before their official debuts. But these spy photos are further proof that the new MDX looks exactly how you'd think an SUV version of the new TLX would look. It has similarly shaped headlights, Acura's newest grille design with a huge "A" logo in the center, and angular taillights.

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Beyond its looks, we expect the MDX to share at least one of its powertrains with the TLX, as the 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 found in the sedan's Type S performance variant is a sure bet for the SUV. So is Acura's SH-AWD system, along with a 10-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid drivetrain is also possible as a follow-up to the current MDX's Sport Hybrid model, as is a performance-oriented Type S model to provide an answer to the M and AMG SUVs of the world.

Photo credit: KGP Photography - Car and Driver
Photo credit: KGP Photography - Car and Driver

The new MDX looks to be somewhat larger than the current model, which should give it more interior space. Three rows of seats will be standard, as has been the case with every generation of the MDX. We anticipate that the interior will take a step forward in terms of upscale materials and modern design as Acura attempts to shed its pseudo-luxury image in favor of a truly premium vibe.

Even still, the new MDX will likely retain its price advantage over equivalent German competitors such as the Audi Q7 and BMW X5 when it arrives later this year. We think it will start under $50,000, which will put it in the hunt with other three-row luxury crossovers such as the Genesis GV80, Lexus RX L, and Infiniti QX60.

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