DecodedCars2022 Acura MDX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, Type S 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 290–355 hp
- Transmission
- 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 198.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,506–4,736 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 17% below the 2022 small SUV average of 26.5 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Many owner complaints181 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 15 for similar models — most often about the power train.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 Acura MDX is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 198 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,506 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 17% worse than the 2022 small SUV average of 26.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 181 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2022
- New body dimensions: 2.3 in longer, wheelbase +2.8 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- No hybrid version any more
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG down from 27 to 22
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 MDX →
Trims, performance & features
Engine290 hp3.5L 6-cyl
Engine355 hp3.0L turbo 6-cyl
Transmission10-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows
Trims
TECHADVA-SPECType S
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: East Liberty, Ohio
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2022 MDX configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 198.4 in | 78.7 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,506 lb | 60/40 |
| Type S 4dr SUV AWD | 198.4 in | 78.7 in | 66.9 in | 113.8 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,736 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDX FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S10) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -17% | $3,750 | 411 |
| MDX AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -14% | $3,900 | 423 |
| MDX AWD Type-S | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 19 | +1% | $4,350 | 474 |
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $6,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.5 MPG2022 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Acura MDX SUV AWD | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Not rated | – |
| 2022 Acura MDX SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.1% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2022 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Acura MDX (this car) | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2022 Land Rover Range Rover | 23 MPG | Not rated | 17 |
| 2022 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2022 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Volvo XC90 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2022 Audi Q7 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · May 21, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V332000 · 98,892 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
- Risk
- Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Electrical System › Software · Jan 23, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V031000 · 294,612 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
- Risk
- An engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EL1 and AL0.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Feb 1, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V064000 · 750,114 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- Risk
- An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Not every 2022 Acura MDX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
181Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
60,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Acura MDX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 88 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 21 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 19 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Acura MDX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MDX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2025 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 112 |
| 2024 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 43 |
| 2023 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 48 |
| 2020 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 231 |
| 2019 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 198 |
| 2018 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 170 |
| 2017 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | Not rated | 9 | 268 |
| 2016 MDX | 23 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 7 | 377 |
| 2015 MDX | 23 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 8 | 67 |
| 2014 MDX | 23 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 8 | 128 |
| 2013 MDX | 18 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 24 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →