2022 Acura MDX vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

2022 Acura MDX
2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Subaru Ascent
2022 Subaru Ascent
$32,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Subaru Ascent
$32,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$48,000

MSRP

$32,795

Listings

649

Listings

991

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great handling

  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Cramped third row

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Great safety ratings

  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Cramped third row

  • Uninspired styling

  • Performs better with lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance turned off

2022 Acura MDX Reviews Summary

Skipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature.

2022 Subaru Ascent Reviews Summary

Subaru owners are a loyal bunch, and for good reason. The automaker’s cars and SUVs enjoy reputations for durability, safety, and getting you where you need to go regardless of weather and road conditions. But there is only one Subaru made to carry more than five people, and it’s the Ascent midsize three-row SUV. This year, Subaru makes one change to the 2022 Ascent lineup, adding a new Onyx Edition with blacked-out exterior trim and water-resistant upholstery.
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 290 hp V6

Engine

2.4L 260 hp H4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

8

Horsepower

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

Horsepower

260 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG City

19

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

26

MPG Highway

27
2022 Acura MDX
2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Subaru Ascent
2022 Subaru Ascent
$32,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Subaru Ascent
$32,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$48,000
$32,795
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.6

5.0

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great handling

  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Cramped third row

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Great safety ratings

  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Cramped third row

  • Uninspired styling

  • Performs better with lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance turned off

Summary
Skipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature.
Subaru owners are a loyal bunch, and for good reason. The automaker’s cars and SUVs enjoy reputations for durability, safety, and getting you where you need to go regardless of weather and road conditions. But there is only one Subaru made to carry more than five people, and it’s the Ascent midsize three-row SUV. This year, Subaru makes one change to the 2022 Ascent lineup, adding a new Onyx Edition with blacked-out exterior trim and water-resistant upholstery.
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.5L 290 hp V6
2.4L 260 hp H4
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
7
8
Horsepower
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
19
21
MPG Highway
26
27
Look and feel

2022 Acura MDX

8/10

2022 Subaru Ascent

8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Acura MDX as 8 out of 10 and the 2022 Subaru Ascent as 6 out of 10 for look and feel. The MDX, a pioneer in the luxury crossover SUV category, stands out with its refined proportions, longer wheelbase, wider body, and larger wheels, all contributing to its sportier and more assertive appearance. It boasts a high level of craftsmanship evident in its exterior design and interior quality, featuring a mix of authentic materials and high-quality plastics, and a user-friendly yet sophisticated control layout. Conversely, the Subaru Ascent offers the sporty Onyx Edition with blacked-out exterior trim and unique interior features. Despite its practical appeal, the Ascent's overall look and feel might not resonate as strongly with those seeking the refined elegance and modern design that the MDX offers.
Picture of 2022 Acura MDX
Picture of 2022 Acura MDX
Performance

2022 Acura MDX

8/10

2022 Subaru Ascent

8/10
Both vehicles score an 8 out of 10 in performance from CarGurus. The 2022 MDX features a single engine option—a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6—paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Its Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) enhances cornering feel and control, benefiting from torque vectoring. The suspension upgrades and increased overall stiffness contribute to a solid and confident ride. The Ascent is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Its CVT and all-wheel-drive system provide brisk acceleration and commendable towing capacity, along with a notable off-road capability thanks to the standard X-Mode traction control system. Despite its agility and competent handling, the Ascent's performance can feel less refined compared to the MDX's more dynamic driving experience.
Form and function

2022 Acura MDX

8/10

2022 Subaru Ascent

6/10
In terms of form and function, the 2022 Acura MDX and the 2022 Subaru Ascent cater to families and adventurers alike, albeit in slightly different ways. The MDX combines luxury with practicality, offering a versatile space that can comfortably seat up to seven passengers. Its cargo capacity ranges from 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row to 95 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down, offering ample room for luggage, sports equipment, or shopping hauls. The MDX's innovative features, like the "Grab ‘N Go" tailgate and Iconic Drive Lighting, further enhance its functionality and ambiance, making it a top contender for those who seek both sophistication and utility. The Ascent, on the other hand, emphasizes practicality and readiness for all weather conditions. It can accommodate up to eight passengers, making it slightly more capacious in terms of seating than the MDX. The cargo space in the Ascent is also commendable, with 17.8 cubic feet available behind the third row and up to 86.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, slightly less than the MDX but still generous. The Ascent's wide rear doors and available panoramic sunroof add to its appeal, providing easy access and an airy cabin feel.
Technology

2022 Acura MDX

8/10

2022 Subaru Ascent

7/10
Technology scores are 8 for the MDX and 7 for the Ascent according to CarGurus. The MDX impresses with its advanced infotainment system, premium audio offerings, and comprehensive suite of connectivity features. The Subaru Ascent provides a solid tech package for its price, but it lacks the refinement and advanced options available in the MDX.
Safety

2022 Acura MDX

8/10

2022 Subaru Ascent

9/10
Safety ratings from CarGurus are 8 for the MDX and 9 for the Ascent. While both SUVs are designed with safety in mind, the Ascent's top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, coupled with its standard EyeSight driver-assistance technology, give it a slight edge over the MDX. However, the MDX's advanced safety structure and comprehensive suite of safety features are also noteworthy.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Acura MDX is 8 out of 10, while the 2022 Subaru Ascent scores 7.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Acura MDX is the recommended choice for consumers seeking a luxury family SUV.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Acura MDX is 8 out of 10, while the 2022 Subaru Ascent scores 7.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Acura MDX is the recommended choice for consumers seeking a luxury family SUV.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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