We get to spend a week with the Acura MDX Type S, and of course, we’re excited. In fact, we kicked things off with a three-hour road trip to get to know this elegant beast. While we still have a lot to learn and more driving to do, the 2022 Acura MDX has only one disappointing feature. 

The 2022 Acura MDX could have a better infotainment setup 

We still have more to learn about the 2022 Acura MDX, but so far, we only have one drawback to report. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen isn’t a touchscreen. This wasn’t a fun surprise as we’ve already struggled with this in every Mazda SUV. 

A touchpad near the center console controls the system. It’s easy to learn and can be handled without much hassle. However, it’s a little distracting to flip through different menus to see your navigation and audio settings. 

Instead of quickly tapping the screen to answer a call or pause a podcast, you must use the control pad to swipe over to the right menu. It adds a little extra time to each process. 

However, the head-up display and digital gauge cluster are easy to customize in seconds. Also, the graphics and crisp and vibrant. It’s an attractive system that works very quickly. The voice recognition system is excellent as well. 

What do we like about the 2022 MDX Type S? 

During our three-hour trip from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Asheville, we grew pretty fond of the way the 2022 Acura MDX Type S performs. From crowded highways, mountain climbs, and twisting country roads, this luxury SUV is very athletic and engaging. 

The turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine cranks out 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. According to Edmunds, it’s much livelier than the standard engine. 

We’ve already taken advantage of the sport-tuned adaptive air suspension. It adjusts to enhance handling, ride comfort, and height. It absorbs and dampens impacts extremely well without feeling too stiff or floaty. 

You can sense a connection to the road through the tires for more confidence around bends. The MDX feels confident and well-planted with almost no body roll. The seats are well bolstered to hold you in place. 

Even with the larger 21-inch wheels, the Acura MDX provides a smooth ride. The Brembo brakes are solid and predictable. We can’t wait to test each driving mode, but we probably won’t have any winter weather for the Snow Mode. 

Is the 2022 MDX comfortable? 

Yes, the 2022 Acura MDX Type S is extremely comfortable, in the front row, at least. We will report back on the second and third rows. 

The front seats are large and well-padded for long drives. There are tons of adjustment controls for the perfect driving and riding position. You can adjust the lumbar support, side bolstering, and thigh support length. 

The seats are heated and ventilated, but the ventilation is somewhat lacking. Plus, the front seats have massagers. They are noticeably stronger than the massage seats in the Infiniti QX60. However, the interior is louder than expected at highway speeds. 

We will hit the road with more to learn about the Acura MDX. Stay tuned for more discoveries about what’s good and bad with this luxury three-row SUV.