2022 Acura MDX vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2022 Acura MDX had a design that offered a balanced combination of luxury and sportiness. It maintained its pioneering stance in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category by presenting a compact exterior that belied its spacious interior. This generation diverged from its shared platform with the Honda Pilot, adopting a dedicated structure specifically for the MDX. The new dimensions included a longer wheelbase, increased length, wider body, and wider track, which collectively contributed to a sportier and more assertive exterior. The extended dash-to-axle distance, increased by over four inches, enhanced the vehicle's elegance. Standard Jewel Eye LED headlights added to its modern appeal.

The interior was also an exercise in luxury and functionality. The layered dashboard extended the perceived spaciousness, while the authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather enhanced the premium feel. The center console featured quirky but effective controls, including a fighter-jet-like gear selector and a 12.3-inch landscape-oriented infotainment screen that wasn't a touchscreen, prioritizing safety. The seats were designed for maximum comfort, featuring wide adjustability and an ergonomically satisfying layout. Color options included eight exterior and six interior themes, allowing for extensive customization.

By contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid shared much of its appearance with its gasoline-powered counterpart, set apart primarily by "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. The exterior featured redesigned LED fog lights and a unique rear bumper. The interior of the CR-V Hybrid also offered unique trim and instrumentation to show battery-charge status and power regeneration. While it featured comprehensive standard equipment like heated leather seats and a range of connectivity options, the design didn't diverge significantly from what was already seen in the previous model year.

Special mention was made of the Touring trim, which featured food-hued fake wood and a notable Ivory leather interior with a two-tone contrast. Though the CR-V Hybrid retained certain luxury elements, it lacked some of the more advanced design touches found in the MDX.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured a single engine option at its launch—a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The new 10-speed automatic transmission sent power to the front wheels in base and Tech trims, or all four wheels with the optional Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system was notable for its torque vectoring capabilities, directing up to 100% of available torque to either side during cornering, significantly enhancing the vehicle’s stability and control.

The suspension also saw significant upgrades, with a double-wishbone setup at the front and a revised multi-link system at the rear, improving both sporty handling and ride comfort. Stiffer overall body construction contributed to a quiet, rattle-free ride. Five drive modes—Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual—allowed for personalized driving experiences, covering all bases from performance to everyday comfort.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid paired a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric assist motor, producing a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. Unlike conventional setups, Honda's two-motor hybrid technology replaced the standard transmission. This setup offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selected based on conditions, plus driver-selectable modes like Econ, Sport, and EV for added flexibility.

Despite a slight weight increase due to battery and electric motors, the CR-V Hybrid's performance remained commendable with quick off-the-line acceleration and a stable, predictable handling profile. However, fuel economy fell short of expectations, delivering 33.7 mpg against an EPA rating of 38 mpg combined, highlighting some discrepancies in real-world performance metrics.

Accommodating up to seven passengers, the Acura MDX excelled as a versatile family hauler. Its innovative second-row seat with a removable center section allowed for easy access to the spacious but somewhat cramped third row. The second row offered sliding seats to balance legroom between passengers, with increased comfort levels through a 12-degree recline.

Cargo space versatility was another highlight, with between 16.3 and 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 48.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. At its maximum, the MDX boasted an impressive 95 cubic feet of cargo space.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid, although a five-seater, excelled at maximizing interior space for its category. The front seats provided hours of comfort with 12-way power adjustments and heating. Rear seat legroom was generous, much like the Acura Accord, with ample leg support and a comfortable backrest angle. However, cargo capacity was compromised due to the battery pack, offering 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 68.7 cubic feet, both less than the standard gasoline model.

Acura focused heavily on advanced technology for the MDX. The ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System stood out, offering 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. A 12.3-inch infotainment screen and the Acura Precision Cockpit 12.3-inch HD digital instrument panel were standard across all trims, delivering a holistic and customizable interface. Other tech features included built-in Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display, and advanced driver assistance systems available in higher trims.

In comparison, the Honda CR-V Hybrid lagged slightly behind with a 7-inch touchscreen that didn't match the segment's standards in size or responsiveness. The infotainment system included wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but missed a tuning knob, which impacted user experience. While the Touring trim added a nine-speaker audio system and wireless smartphone charging, its tech features did not reach the Acura's comprehensive scope.

Honda Sensing made the CR-V Hybrid a safer option, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.

The 2022 Acura MDX aimed higher, although official ratings were not yet available. The vehicle incorporated intelligent safety structures with a high percentage of high-strength steel and a range of safety tech from AcuraWatch, such as collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, along with newer features like improved pedestrian protection and low-speed braking control.