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2022 Acura RDX First Drive | RDX redux gives us what we want

LOS ANGELES — AcuraÂ’s most recent totally new models — the TLX and MDX — thwacked us upside the head with authority to let us know that Acura as a luxury and performance brand is well and truly back in great form. The redesigned RDX tried to do the same back in 2019, and while it was an above-average overhaul effort, it didnÂ’t move us as strongly as the TLX and MDX have since. Now, the 2022 Acura RDX is here, and itÂ’s packing a bunch of improvements to try and both enhance the driving experience and ensure that it isnÂ’t playing second fiddle to other Acura products in tech or luxury. The one omission, and itÂ’s a big one, is the continued lack of a Type S variant. Both the TLX and MDX offer a high-performance Type S version with turbocharged V6 engines, and the RDX continues to go without such a model in 2022. ItÂ’s a shame, because the RDXÂ’s smaller size means it could serve as a quality platform for a performance crossover to compete against others like the BMW X3 M40i, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and Audi SQ5. ThatÂ’s not to say that Acura has neglected the driving experience for 2022. The one performance improvement comes in the form of re-tuned adaptive dampers on the Advance trim that are both stiffer in Sport mode and softer in Comfort mode. Plus, the cabin is much quieter than it was before thanks to additional sound deadening material and an enhanced Active Sound Control system. Acura says the standard car offers a 20% NVH improvement, while the Advance Package cars have even more sound deadening to deliver a 30% improvement over the 2021 model. YouÂ’ll be able to tell the updated RDX apart from the pre-refresh version by looking at the new grille pattern and thinner chrome grille surround. Look further downward, and youÂ’ll notice larger side intakes and a new fog light design. ItÂ’s harder to tell that anything is new from the back, but look closely, and youÂ’ll see a redone lower bumper and rectangular exhaust outlets on every model but the A-Spec — that hangs on to its round dual exhaust tips. A couple of new wheel designs round out the exterior updates, while the interior sees a new bronze-like finish for the aluminum trim in lower trims. Perhaps one of the most vital changes Acura made to the RDX this year is done on the equipment side, as it fixes one of the gripes weÂ’ve had with Acuras over the past couple years. You can finally equip the Advance Package onto A-Spec trim cars.

2022 Acura MDX First Drive Review | Sportier and more luxurious than ever

The 2022 Acura MDX is Acura’s latest, completely redesigned model in whatÂ’s shaping up to be a rekindling of the Japanese luxury brand. Acura smacked us across the face (in a good way) with the luxurious and sporty TLX last year, and now itÂ’s trying to do the same with its three-row family crossover. 2020 saw the MDX become AcuraÂ’s best-selling model of all time, surpassing 1 million total sales. Granted, itÂ’s been around since the turn of the century, but thereÂ’s no underselling how important the MDX is to Acura. Enthusiasts like ourselves are far more intrigued by the performance cars, but the MDX is where Acura is printing its money. However, its cash cow status hasnÂ’t restrained Acura from transforming the new MDX into a crossover thatÂ’s likeable to both enthusiasts and the public at large. ThatÂ’s the Acura we remember and love. The 2022 MDX rewrites its story with a new “light truck” platform that's exclusive to Acura Â… for the time being. When we asked what this platformÂ’s future might be, an Acura spokesperson told us that “this platform will underpin other models in our company portfolio, but weÂ’re not speaking to that at this time.” Most likely, Acura is referring to the next-generation Pilot (along with the Passport and Ridgeline), considering that every previous MDX has been related to Honda's three-row crossover. For now, however, this new platform facilitates the MDXÂ’s longer dash-to-axle ratio (4 inches greater than before), which gives it proportions similar to rear-drive-based competition from Europe and elsewhere. It also results in greater cabin space, better handling and new technologies, but we need to address the design first. 2022 Acura MDX Advance View 23 Photos The transformation is substantial, as the 2022 MDX is both wider and longer than its predecessor. Where there was slop and slouch before, there is none today. Its upright face, mesmerizing grille, big wheels and sharp lighting elements make the MDX stand out in the crossover crowd. This redesign takes the MDX from being one of the least fetching options in the segment to standing tall as one of the most stylish. Big styling wins havenÂ’t always been easy for Acura to come by over the last 10-plus years, but chalk this one up as another feather in the cap following the dashing new TLX. The new MDX platform contributed to these good looks, but it also brings a splash of utility.

2021 Acura TLX Long-Term Update | Drive mode selector is a surprise delight

You may have seen last week my column espousing the sensory benefits of physical switchgear in cars. They can add a bit of fun and character in the smallest ways. As it turns out, our long-term Acura TLX has a great example of this idea: the drive mode selector. In most cars, drive modes are typically chosen via a nondescript button tucked away in the center console. Sometimes the selector is buried in an infotainment menu. But in the TLX, it’s a huge, gleaming knob placed front and center in the main control stack. It would be impossible to miss. ItÂ’s actually even more prominent than the buttons for shifting. 2021 Acura TLX A-Spec View 51 Photos With the size and placement, itÂ’s a nice dial to grasp, and works with smooth action and a solid stop in either direction for flipping through modes. But what really brings it together is the speed at which modes are selected, and the sound the infotainment system makes upon choosing one. In some cars it can take a long time for the system to acknowledge your selection and engage it, but the Acura activates it nearly as soon as youÂ’ve let the dial snap back to center. And it confirms your choice with sort of whoosh-y electronic clink through the speakers. ItÂ’s the kind of quick reaction and sound design you get from high-quality video game menus. All of these aspects make the TLX nicer to use and feel more premium. It doesnÂ’t feel like a hassle to change drive modes since it takes very little time and works well. ThatÂ’s especially welcome if you like driving it in the sport mode, since the car defaults to the normal mode on start-up. It also makes the car feel like it has fast-acting software befitting a premium car. It may seem like a small thing, but small things matter when cars have become so good. And I appreciate that Acura took its time with this seemingly little component. Related Video: