2022 Acura MDX vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Acura MDX was a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a spacious interior that belied its compact exterior. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to a sportier, modern design. Inside, the MDX boasted a layered dashboard, authentic materials, and a unique gear selection system, creating a luxurious and functional cabin environment. The MDX was available in a variety of exterior colors and interior themes, emphasizing its high level of craftsmanship and quality.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 inherited styling elements from other Genesis models but maintained a unique appearance with its quad LED headlights, shield-shaped grille, and sloping roofline. The Sport Prestige model added character with unique styling features, including 21-inch wheels and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70's elliptical theme was inspired by an airplane wing, with minimalistic design elements and a rotary gear selector. The interior offered a range of color options and luxurious materials, although base models featured leatherette seats. The GV70's design combined SUV bulk with athletic elements, creating a rugged yet sleek appearance.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, available on higher trims, enhanced cornering feel and control with torque vectoring capabilities. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup for improved handling, and the vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly enhanced. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences. During test drives, the MDX impressed with its solid ride feel and smooth transmission, standing out among competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbo-four with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. However, the GV70's chassis felt heavy, and its steering lacked precision for spirited driving. The vehicle was more comfortable on highways, but its firm ride and lack of solidity detracted from its luxury feel.

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 center section. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX's seating capacity and USB connections in all rows were appreciated. The MDX provided between 16.3 and 18.1 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 95 cubic feet with seats folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Grab ‘N Go" and Hands-Free Access. Interior lighting was customizable with 27 themes, enhancing the cabin's ambiance.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment, with adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with rear seats in place, expanding to 56.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The GV70's daring interior design compromised storage space, but it included a covered storage cubby with USB ports. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions. However, some controls were buried in touchscreen menus, and the posture assist activated unexpectedly.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification, delivering exceptional sound quality. The MDX came with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a configurable digital instrument panel. Standard tech included Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered a head-up display and surround-view camera system. The MDX's software could be updated over the air, and the CabinTalk feature allowed communication with rear passengers.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's tile-based layout and glass rotary controller were user-friendly. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 featured a digital-key function, a fingerprint scanner for starting the car, and a radar-based rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services included remote camera activation and other features, free for three years.

The 2022 Acura MDX had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but previous models received high marks. The MDX featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and a low-speed braking control system enhanced safety in city driving. The AcuraWatch suite included collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came standard with lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot assist, and more. The GV70 featured eight airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. The system performed well on highways but struggled with curves.