2022 Acura MDX vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Acura MDX was a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a compact exterior with a surprisingly spacious interior. This new generation was built on a dedicated platform, distinct from its previous shared platform with the Honda Pilot. The vehicle's proportions were adjusted, featuring a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. Acura's Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to a sportier, modern exterior design. Inside, the MDX boasted a modernized cabin with authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard's layered design emphasized cabin width, while the unique gear selection and infotainment controls added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was available in various themes, offering a luxurious feel.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, diverging from the rest of the brand's lineup. It featured the brand's two-line lighting signature, creating an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. The GV70's design included unique elements like a sculpted hood and dark chrome finishes, emphasizing its sporty intent. The Sport grades boasted a cross-hatched matrix pattern and 21-inch alloy wheels. Genesis offered a wide range of exterior and interior colour combinations, allowing for creative customization. Inside, the GV70's cabin featured elliptical-themed inserts, with premium grades offering genuine carbon fibre finishes. The interior surfaces were of high quality, with quilted leather seats and door panels in premium grades. Despite some plastic elements, the GV70's interior was largely impressive, offering a luxurious and sporty feel.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) as standard in Canada. The SH-AWD system offered torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised rear multi-link suspension, improving ride quality and handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The 10-speed automatic transmission worked seamlessly with the engine, offering smooth performance. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their preferences.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the test unit featuring a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 as a competitor to mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Audi SQ5. The GV70's all-wheel-drive system prioritized the rear axle, with up to 50% of torque transferred to the front when needed. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing performance. The GV70 offered multiple drive modes, including Sport+ for aggressive performance. The electronically controlled suspension system used a forward camera to adapt to road conditions, providing a balance between comfort and feedback. The GV70's tight turning radius was a bonus in urban environments.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a versatile three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable centre section. The second row could slide and recline, providing balanced legroom for passengers. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX's seating capacity was appreciated for family use. The vehicle offered ample cargo space, with up to 2,690 litres available with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and hands-free access. The MDX's interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes to choose from, enhancing the cabin's ambiance.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized the driver with its interior design and ergonomics. The centre console separated the driver from the front passenger, with intuitive controls within easy reach. The GV70 featured a dial-based gear selector and a raised dial for infotainment control. The climate controls were configured under a single pane, providing haptic feedback for inputs. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats available on higher trims. The rear space was enhanced by a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades. The GV70 offered 819 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,610 litres with the seats folded. The tonneau cover could be stowed under the rear load floor when not in use.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System on higher trims, offering 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification for an immersive audio experience. The MDX came with a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a configurable digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa integration allowed for home-to-car functionality, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The MDX offered a head-up display on the Platinum Elite grade and a surround-view camera system. A WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates were also included.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its technology offerings, including a 14.5-inch high-definition infotainment screen with split-screen functionality. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster with Hyundai's Blind View Monitor system. The GV70 introduced a fingerprint recognition system for keyless start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top grades. The GV70 included two USB ports for the front and rear rows.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. The vehicle featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, with features like low-speed braking control and collision mitigation throttle control. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, including collision mitigation emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 included ten standard safety features, such as blind spot collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. A new rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system offered lane centring and automatic lane changing functions. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available, but the GV70's onboard systems were of high quality.