Contenders

2022 Acura MDX

PROS New 10-speed transmission paired with dulcet V-6 • Sharply tailored sheetmetal • Strong on standard features

CONS Trackpad-controlled infotainment system • Joyless third row • Inconsistent road manners

The 2022 Acura MDX faced lots of pressure this year. The three-row SUV is the brand’s flagship and the sole Honda Motor Co. representative in this SUVOTY field, as no new Hondas were eligible. Add in that we’re on Honda’s home turf at its California Proving Center, and the MDX should come up aces, right?

On the tarmac, the MDX projects standout style. “Its new styling looks sharp, striking, and modern,” associate editor Alex Leanse said. “There’s enough complexity to grab your eye without going overboard; it’s a great look that’s distinctly Acura.”

Interior-wise, our judges split on the styling and control layout. Some called out the perforated leather seats as supportive, but judges had difficulty finding the heating and cooling controls on the center stack. Others hailed the smartphone charging pad under the wrist rest as a solid design, but at the expense of storage space for other items. There’s not much more we should say about the wonky trackpad controls. The concept that previewed this latest MDX featured a touchscreen, so Acura likely plans to switch to such an interface soon.

As a premium people mover, the MDX has a comfortable, well-appointed second row. “All power options (110V and 12V) in the middle row, two USB-A slots, plus climate controls, seat heaters, window shades, and vents,” noted technical director Frank Markus.

Although third-row access was hailed as the best across the board, the seating is a different story. “The buttons to fold the second row are perfect,” buyer’s guide director Zach Gale said. “Anyone can use and find them, and it works quickly. Bravo. Too bad you’d never want to spend time back there.” He echoed a sentiment most judges felt: The MDX needs more basic features such as USB ports and additional HVAC vents for occupants in the third row.

Although the 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 carries over from the previous generation, it’s mated to a new 10-speed transmission. The combination delivers thrust that sounds sweeter than the 7.5-second 0–60 time we clocked.

The steering came in for frequent comment from our judges, and they were split on ride quality. “Steering was too light for my driving and offered little to no on-/off-center feel and lacked torque build up through winding-road bends,” guest judge Gordon Dickie said. “On Honda’s 110 freeway [re-creation] at 50 mph, the MDX tended to pick up secondary motion and was a little harsh on expansion joints.” Detroit editor Alisa Priddle disagreed; she found the steering “light but responsive” and was impressed with the chassis and suspension.

Despite having no fancy dedicated off-road modes, Honda’s sandy and silty off-road loop was no challenge for the MDX. We turned traction control off and engaged Sport or Snow modes for more power/wheelspin, or we simply left the Acura in Normal driving mode and cruised through.

Some of the MDX’s driver assistance systems didn’t fare so well. “On dark black asphalt with bright white lines painted on either side, this lane centering system never picked up the lanes or actually started lane centering,” Markus said. “Not impressive on its home track.”

The MDX is not our 2022 SUV of the Year, but it does succeed with many key attributes popular among buyers of FWD-based three-row SUVs. “Chiefly, it looks great, its cabin feels nice, and it’s priced attractively,” senior editor Greg Fink said. Edward Loh

VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 3.5L direct-injected SOHC 24-valve 60-degree V-6, 10-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,560 lb (58/42%) WHEELBASE 113.8 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 198.4 x 78.7 x 67.1 in ON SALE Now

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

PROS Super Cruise hands-free highway driving assist

• Brakes feel natural • Button for one-pedal driving

CONS Lacks AWD • Top trim price deserves better materials

• Relegated to average status among new EVs

With the 2022 Bolt EUV, Chevrolet looked to address the shortcomings of the regular Bolt hatchback while also offering something in the increasingly hot electric SUV space. To increase development speed and cost savings, the Bolt EUV uses the now slightly upgraded but nevertheless aged electrical powertrain platform and batteries of its hatch sibling, all while every other new and forthcoming General Motors EV will take advantage of the state-of-the-art BEV3 architecture and Ultium battery system.

Although Chevy has tried to convince everyone the regular Bolt is an SUV, the new EUV actually is more of one. It looks the part, and it’s certainly more versatile. The EUV is 6.3 inches longer than the Bolt EV and rides on a wheelbase stretched by 2.9 inches. The result is an additional