--- title: "Not an NSX SUV, but 2022 Acura MDX gets sporty overhaul" url: "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2020/10/not-an-nsx-suv-but-2022-acura-mdx-gets-sporty-overhaul/" publisher: "Pickup Truck + SUV Talk" content_signal: "search=yes, ai-input=yes, ai-train=no" author: "Jill Ciminillo" published: "2020-10-19T20:28:39+00:00" modified: "2026-08-19T15:39:26+00:00" image: "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/MDX-Prototype_8.jpg" --- # Not an NSX SUV, but 2022 Acura MDX gets sporty overhaul By Jill Ciminillo Published: 2020-10-19T20:28:39+00:00 Updated: 2026-08-19T15:39:26+00:00 ![Featured image]() We had heard rumors that [an NSX-type SUV]() might be in the works. And while we still have no confirmations on that front, we do know a popular Acura SUV is getting an infusion of sport. The Acura MDX Prototype previews the fourth generation, which will get a suspension engineered for performance. In the grand scale of things, you’ll notice the exterior gets a more chiseled look, wheelbase increases by 3 inches and the interior goes more upscale. Outside of the obvious big changes, here are a few things to know about the next-gen MDX. ### **Precision Cockpit goes digital** We’ve already seen Acura’s Precision Cockpit in MDX’s little brother, [the RDX](). The intuitive and attractive design includes the True Touchpad Interface, which gives you a touchpad to use with the infotainment screen rather than a touch screen. MDX gets that and more. ![2022 Acura MDX]() Acura MDX Prototype Precision Cockpit (Image courtesy of Acura) First, it’ll add a new CPU for better performance with the infotainment system. Second, it will get a full 12.3-inch display atop the center stack – this is in contrast to the 10.2-inch already on the RDX. The biggest change is going to be the replacement of the physical behind-the-wheel gauges with a customizable 12.3-inch driver’s meter. ### **Includes Type S levels of performance** With an eye toward sportiness, even the base MDX will get an injection of performance – prepping for a Type S variant that will make its appearance in the summer of 2021. For the first time, the midsize SUV will get a double wishbone front suspension. Plus, the next-gen MDX will also get four-piston Brembo brakes and the Intelligent Dynamics System, which provides a wider range of preset and customized driving modes via an NSX-inspired drive mode dial. This will control ride, handling, steering, suspension and powertrain characteristics. Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive will be available in all MDX models, but standard on the Type S. ![2022 Acura MDX]() Acura MDX Prototype (Image courtesy of Acura) ### **It’ll have two engines** The base engine will be the 3.5-liter V-6, which is presumably the same engine in the current MDX. This engine delivers 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The second engine, which will be exclusive to the Type S model, will be a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 that produces an estimated 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. ### **Available early 2021** In its press release, Acura never specifically stated the model year for the upcoming MDX, but when we popped on over [to the consumer site](), it very obviously calls this a 2022 model. We’ll see the non-Type-S model in early 2021, which we presume means Q1 or January through March. Then we’ll see the Type S, follow quickly in the summer of 2021. ![2022 Acura MDX]() Acura MDX Prototype (Image courtesy of Acura) ### **The bottom line on the 2022 Acura MDX** We’re huge fans of the current RDX, while we thought the MDX was just fine. We imagine the crispening of the design and the sport-tuned refinements will push this midsize SUV well beyond fine. So, stay tuned as we hopefully get the chance to drive the all-new MDX soon. **Related posts:** > [2019 Acura RDX’s Performance-Focused Redesign is Spot-On]() > [Acura Releases Pricing For MDX PMC Edition, Starts At $63,745]() > [Wild rumors suggest Honda is working on a new SUV with NSX-inspired styling]() ## Related vehicle coverage - [2022 Acura MDX]() ## Structured page information ~~~json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Article", "@id": "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2020/10/not-an-nsx-suv-but-2022-acura-mdx-gets-sporty-overhaul/#article", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2020/10/not-an-nsx-suv-but-2022-acura-mdx-gets-sporty-overhaul/" }, "author": { "name": "Jill Ciminillo", "@id": "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/#/schema/person/17a307b2bd8654a0efc57d38f2e79df8" }, "headline": "Not an NSX SUV, but 2022 Acura MDX gets sporty overhaul", "datePublished": "2020-10-19T20:28:39+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-08-19T15:39:26+00:00", 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Chicago-based automotive writer, influencer, TikTok Creator, YouTube personality and podcast host, with her articles and videos appearing in outlets throughout the U.S. Additionally, she co-hosts a weekly radio show on car stuff via Talk Zone. Previously, Jill has been the automotive editor for the Chicago Sun-Times News Group as well as Sinclair Broadcast Group. She is also a past president for the Midwest Automotive Media Association and has the distinction of being the first female president for that organization. Jill is also currently a juror for the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) and Women's World Car of the Year (WWCOTY).", "sameAs": [ "https://www.instagram.com/jillciminillo/", "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillciminillo/", "https://x.com/https://twitter.com/jillciminillo", "https://www.youtube.com/jillciminillo" ], "url": "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/author/jillc/" } ] } ] ~~~