The Acura MDX is Honda’s luxury-brand three-row SUV, and with the recent launch of the 2022 model, the MDX now supports wireless CarPlay. The MDX is Acura’s first vehicle with wireless CarPlay, and I recently had a chance to check out the updated model and some of its new features.
The MDX starts at $47,200, but my test vehicle was equipped Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, Technology Package, and sporty A-Spec Package, which pushed the sticker price over $57,000. A high-end Advance Package with a few additional features would see the MDX top out at just over $60,000.
Acura Infotainment System
The Acura infotainment system remains fairly similar to the system I tested in the 2019 version of the RDX, Acura’s smaller two-row SUV, although the MDX comes with a slightly larger 12.3-inch main infotainment screen compared to the 10.2-inch screen in the RDX.
Aside from the size, however, the overall look and control systems are very similar, with the most notable aspect being the lack of a touchscreen. Acura is one of a few brands that has prioritized putting the main infotainment screen fairly high on the dashboard and set back rather far from the driver.
This keeps the screen closer to the driver’s line of sight and helps limit the amount of time the driver needs to take their eyes off the road when glancing at the screen. But it also means that it’s not feasible to operate the system by directly touching the screen.
True Touchpad Interface
Acura’s solution to the lack of a touchscreen is its True Touchpad Interface, a fairly small clickable touchpad on the center console, which is surrounded by a few extra control buttons. What sets the True Touchpad Interface apart from other infotainment touchpad controls is that it uses absolute positioning. Touching the lower right corner of the pad, for example, corresponds to the lower right corner of the screen, so you can activate elements of the infotainment system by a simple touch and press rather than having to swipe a cursor or highlight around the screen until it lands on the right spot.
Swipes are still used for some actions like switching between screen pages on the system, but on a given page, you can use the pad to simply touch the spot corresponding to the desired location on the screen. The touchpad has a slightly concave design, which also helps you locate where your finger is on the pad without needing to look at it, and a prominent palm rest on the console keeps your hand in just the right position.
The main infotainment screen on the MDX is a widescreen design, with two-thirds or so of it dedicated to the main system functionality. The remaining portion on the right functions as a separate display that can be configured to show your current audio information, a small map with navigation info, or a clock. A small strip next to the touchpad lets you swipe vertically to easily change among these views.
Additional buttons surrounding the touchpad include a home button, a back button, and a dedicated button for seeing and selecting among the available views for the secondary window rather than just swiping through them one by one. Another small rocker button near the trackpad makes it easy to skip forward or backward among audio tracks or radio presets, and there’s a volume knob also in easy reach.
There’s one significant downside to the True Touchpad Interface that I noted on the 2019 RDX, and it’s still present in the 2022 MDX. It’s not supported in CarPlay, with the touchpad instead requiring traditional swipes to move the cursor highlight around the CarPlay interface. This is almost certainly a limitation on Apple’s part, and it’s too bad it hasn’t been addressed yet, as it’s a bit of an inconvenience having to adjust your thinking about how the touchpad works as you swap back and forth between CarPlay and the native Acura system.
Wireless CarPlay
The 2022 MDX is the first Acura with wireless CarPlay, and as I’ve said a number of times before, it’s really a game-changing feature. On short car trips when I know where I’m going and not worried about getting traffic information, for example, I usually don’t find it worth digging my phone out of my pocket and plugging it in to get CarPlay up and running. Wireless CarPlay eliminates any bit of friction entirely, with CarPlay just automatically popping up each time you start up the car.
With the MDX’s widescreen display, CarPlay takes up the majority of the screen, with the right side available to display your preferred information from the native system: audio data, built-in navigation, or a clock.
The generous 12.3-inch main display offers plenty of room for a large CarPlay view with the supplemental info from the native system displayed alongside, and its position high on the dashboard indeed keeps everything very glanceable and very close to your line of sight while driving.
One welcome surprise I discovered with CarPlay in the MDX is that Apple Maps navigation is supported in the standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. I’ve noted in a couple of recent reviews like the Volkswagen Tiguan and ID.4 that Apple rolled out support for this feature back in iOS 13, but car manufacturers are only just starting to support it.
It’s not a full-featured Apple Maps view, but basic text prompts for upcoming turns are included, which can be handy if you want to have the main infotainment screen displaying a different app. These Apple Maps navigation prompts are presumably also available in the head-up display, but that’s an Advance Package feature that wasn’t included on my tester.
Phone Charging and Ports
In addition to wireless CarPlay, which is standard on all trims, the MDX also includes a standard wireless phone charging pad. It sits right on the center console, partially tucked under the palm rest for the infotainment system touchpad, and it fits even my iPhone 12 Pro Max with Apple’s leather case. Acura’s specs say the wireless pad offers up to 15 watts of charging power, but presumably this is limited to Apple’s standard 7.5-watt limit for iPhones as it’s not a MagSafe solution.
While the charging pad is convenient and a nice feature to have, I did find placement to be a bit finicky, and I frequently had to move my phone around on the pad a few times before it registered and began charging.
If you’re looking for wired connections, the MDX offers quite a few options, with the main one being a USB-A charge and data port located inside the center console compartment so you can keep your phone or other device tucked away while connected to the system. One USB-C port and one USB-A port are located right on the console in a pop-up housing, but these are charge-only ports for some reason.
For second-row passengers, there is a pair of USB-A charge-only ports on the rear of the center console. The top-end Advance Package adds a 120V outlet in the second row and a pair of USB-A charge-only ports for the third row, but my test vehicle did not come equipped with those features.
Primary climate controls remain thankfully separate from the infotainment system with a pair of easy-to-find rockers that can be moved up or down to adjust the temperature setpoints and a row of buttons to control other settings. Controls for the heated and ventilated front seats for both driver and passenger are located in a separate row below.
Wrap-up
The overall Acura infotainment hasn’t changed a lot in the last couple of years, and I still find it to be a bit of a mixed bag. I’m definitely a fan of widescreen displays like this one that can show CarPlay and native information side-by-side, and the 12.3-inch infotainment screen offers plenty of real estate. It does mean that CarPlay is more of a standard aspect ratio than a widescreen one that could show more expansive map views, for example, but overall CarPlay looks good on the screen.
I’m very glad to see the addition of wireless CarPlay and a wireless phone charger, both of which thankfully come standard and don’t require a higher-level or trim or package that includes thousands of dollars in extras you might not want or need.
Acura has had a few issues with its infotainment system in recent years, but the company has been pushing software updates to address them and hopefully things are pretty well ironed out at this point. I certainly didn’t have any issues with it during my time with the MDX.
I’m still not sold on the touchpad interface for the infotainment system, although I do give Acura credit for trying something a bit different with the True Touchpad Interface. I appreciate that manufacturers like Acura and Mazda are seeking what they feel is the safest positioning for the infotainment screen by placing it high and set back on the dashboard, but in my opinion, the loss of direct touchscreen manipulation more than offsets the benefits of screen positioning when it comes to distractions.
Perhaps the biggest shortcoming with the touchpad interface for iPhone owners is simply the fact that the absolute positioning feature doesn’t work in CarPlay, so your brain has to mentally switch gears depending on whether you’re controlling CarPlay or the Acura system. I imagine it becomes a bit more natural over time, but it was a definite hurdle for me, even having previously tested the feature out on the 2019 RDX.
Still, if that’s not a dealbreaker and you think it’s something you can get used to, I think Acura’s infotainment system is now pretty solid with good functionality and a clean look, as well as very good CarPlay integration.
Article Link: Review: 2022 Acura MDX Adds Wireless CarPlay to a Touchpad-Driven Infotainment System
FAQs
Does 2022 Acura MDX have wireless CarPlay? ›
In addition to wireless CarPlay, which is standard on all trims, the MDX also includes a standard wireless phone charging pad.
Does Acura MDX support wireless CarPlay? ›2022 Acura MDX Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto Integration and Amazon Alexa Auto Built-In.
How do I add CarPlay to my Acura MDX? ›- Make sure CarPlay and Siri are activated on your Apple iPhone.
- Pair your iPhone to your Acura with Bluetooth.
- When prompted about Apple CarPlay on your Acura infotainment screen, select Enable Apple CarPlay.
- Your Apple iPhone and Acura are now connected via Wireless Apple CarPlay.
Make sure that your stereo is in wireless or Bluetooth mode. Then on your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, and make sure that Wi-Fi is also turned on. Tap the CarPlay network, and check that Auto-Join is turned on. Then, go to Settings > General > CarPlay, and select your car.
Why can't I use Apple CarPlay wirelessly? ›If your iPhone isn't detected by CarPlay, make sure that CarPlay isn't restricted. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. If Content & Privacy Restrictions is on, tap Allowed Apps, and make sure that CarPlay is enabled. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay, tap your car, then tap Forget This Car.
Does wireless CarPlay work over Bluetooth? ›CONNECT WIRELESSLY
Pair/connect your phone to the infotainment system using Bluetooth®. 2. Follow the prompts on the screen and on your phone to start a wireless Apple CarPlay session. You will be asked to accept Terms of Use before using the feature.
- Hop into your Acura MDX with your iPhone.
- Go to your iPhone's settings.
- Find and press Bluetooth.
- Turn on Bluetooth, keeping Bluetooth view open until pairing is complete.
- Press Home (located in your center console or on your interactive display)
- Press Phone.
- Press Connect Phone.
If your Uconnect® system includes Apple CarPlay®( Disclosure3) support, you do not need to take any special steps to access CarPlay; simply connect your iPhone and your Uconnect system will do the rest.
How do I add CarPlay to my car without CarPlay? ›Simply connect your iPhone or Android to the INTELLIDASH+ via the USB port to enable CarPlay or Android Auto. It even charges your smartphone while you drive. This model is fully compatible with your smartphone's AI voice assistant — use it to make calls, play music, and more.
How to use CarPlay without USB? ›- Confirm that your phone is running on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or later.
- Confirm that Android Auto™ is installed on your phone (this built into Android 10.0 and later)
- Open Android Auto™ on your phone.
- Pair the phone with the car via Bluetooth.
Do you need wireless Apple CarPlay? ›
Many CarPlay setups require an iPhone to be plugged in directly to the in-dash system to connect, but wireless CarPlay alleviates the need for a Lightning cable, allowing an iPhone to connect to an in-car system wirelessly.
Can I upgrade my CarPlay to wireless? ›With a wireless CarPlay adapter, you no longer need to connect your iPhone to the infotainment system via a data cable to use the CarPlay function. The carplay wireless adapter can upgrade wired carplay to wireless, making it easier and more fun to use carplay.
Why does CarPlay require cable? ›Largely, that's because a simple Bluetooth connection isn't robust enough. While it may work for simple phone calls and music streaming, it doesn't support transfers of the amount of data that CarPlay requires. In a nutshell, wireless CarPlay requires both Bluetooth and in-vehicle Wi-Fi.
Is there a charge for Apple CarPlay? ›Only Answer. There is no additional cost for Apple CarPlay®. It comes standard when purchasing eligible vehicles.
Is it better to use Apple CarPlay or Bluetooth? ›Services such as Apple CarPlay are essential for staying connected on the move because it's illegal to use a phone while driving in most cases. While Bluetooth functionality can let you pick up calls on the move, CarPlay allows access to a lot more features, in a more convenient way.
What is the difference between Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay? ›Bluetooth is purely wireless. You get in your car, and you pair wirelessly. With Apple CarPlay, you can use either a wired or a Bluetooth connection. In any vehicle, you can plug your Lightning cable into your USB port.
How to play Apple Music with iPhone in your car without CarPlay? ›If your car has Bluetooth, you can pair your iPhone to your car. If your car has a USB port, you can use a Lightning cable to connect your iPhone to your vehicle. If you have an Android device and subscribe to Apple Music, connect your Android device to your car to play audio using Android Auto.
How do I transfer music from iPhone to car? ›On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay, choose your car, then drag the apps to the location you want. If you're not using CarPlay, you can activate Do Not Disturb while driving to filter out most notifications. You can still use Siri to control your music or podcasts.
Can Acura HandsFreeLink play music? ›Your audio system allows you to listen to music from your Bluetooth-compatible phone. This function is available when the phone is paired and connected to the vehicle's Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® (HFL) system. -528-7876.
Does 2022 Acura MDX technology have remote start? ›You can remote start a 2022 Acura MDX by pressing and holding the Engine Hold button on your key fob.
How do I mirror my iPhone to CarPlay? ›
Make sure that your stereo is in wireless or Bluetooth mode. Then on your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, and make sure that Wi-Fi is also turned on. Tap the CarPlay network, and check that Auto-Join is turned on. Then, go to Settings > General > CarPlay, and select your car.
How much does Uconnect cost? ›Uconnect Access costs $14.99 per month, or a single annual discounted payment of $149.99. After the first year, you are required to contact UConnect customer service to subscribe and pay for another year at the current standard annual price, unless you have previously cancelled.
Can you install Apple CarPlay yourself? ›Apple CarPlay can be easily installed in most vehicles that were manufactured in 2015 or later, or those with a touchscreen. But with a few modifications, it can also work in older cars. Your vehicle's original stereo can be replaced with an aftermarket model that is compatible with Apple CarPlay.
Can you connect to Apple CarPlay without plugging in? ›Wireless dongles may work, but your mileage will vary. There are a number of Android-based wireless adapters that claim to let users add wireless connectivity to their existing infotainment systems, whether CarPlay or Android Auto.
Can you connect your phone to your car without CarPlay? ›Even if your car's infotainment unit doesn't support it, you can use Google Assistant driving mode, which is similar to Android Auto, right on your phone's display. Combined with Bluetooth or a USB cable for audio, this setup offers nearly the same experience as having Android Auto on your head unit.
How much does it cost to add Apple CarPlay to an older car? ›Most CarPlay-compatible touchscreen dash units start around $250 but can reach up to $1,000, like Alpine's 11-inch screen(opens in a new tab). At least it's only a one-time cost. Displays that have CarPlay will likely come with other features that may add additional cost.
What is the magic box for cars? ›The Magic Box is designed to be a plug and play car accessory that connects to your vehicle through CarPlay USB connection. Once connected you will be able to access wireless connection to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto along with our streaming platform to download and enjoy favorite apps on-the-go.
Do I need to enable Apple CarPlay? ›You do not need Apple CarPlay or any other entertainment system in your car. Americans drove vehicles for more than a century without this convenience. But we do recommend CarPlay or the similar Android Auto system for most drivers.
Is Apple CarPlay an app? ›Unlike Android Auto, which is a CarPlay-like app, Android Automotive is built into the car from day one — replacing the need for any in-house software. But what does this mean if you have an iPhone? The good news is that CarPlay can still work if your car runs on Android Automotive OS.
Does 2022 have wireless CarPlay? ›Wireless CarPlay is seeing increasing adoption across car manufacturers, and one of the most recent to adopt the technology is Honda, which debuted it in the 2021 Accord and has now expanded it to the Civic for 2022.
Which Uconnect has wireless CarPlay? ›
Uconnect 5 is an Android-based system found in various Jeep, Chrysler, Fiat, RAM, and Dodge vehicles, including the 2023 Grand Cherokee we tested. Besides being built in Android, which makes updates and iteration much quicker, it also supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto.
What is included in the 2022 MDX technology package? ›2022 Acura MDX Technology Package
With this package, you also get the Acura/ESL STUDIO® 2 premium 12-speakers system. 2022 Acura MDX Technology Package also offers ambient lighting, which supports 27 color themes. You also get low-speed braking and rear and front collision detection capabilities with this trim.
All trims of the 2022 Acura TLX Wilmington, DE, feature smartphone syncing via Apple CarPlay ® and Android Auto ™ while premium trims feature a wireless charging pad, GPS-linked climate control, a navigation system and a 13-speaker sound system.
Why doesn t my CarPlay work wirelessly? ›Wireless CarPlay needs Bluetooth and in-vehicle Wi-Fi to work properly. But that's not all. Your car actually also needs to have a dual-band router built-in to allow for CarPlay. That's why many vehicles with both in-vehicle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity don't support the Apple infotainment system.
Can all iPhones do wireless CarPlay? ›CarPlay is compatible with all iPhones from the iPhone 5 onwards, so it works with all modern iPhones. CarPlay is not compatible with the iPad and iPod touch in part because cellular connectivity is required.
What is the best wireless CarPlay dashboard console? ›The best overall Apple CarPlay head unit
We like the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX as our best overall Apple CarPlay car stereo head unit because the double DIN head unit has the option for a wired or wireless Apple CarPlay connection, HDMI input and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming.
Yes, if you have a Uconnect® 5 system you can access Apple CarPlay®( Disclosure5) support or Android Auto( Disclosure6) compatibility wirelessly through Wireless Connectivity or Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, Uconnect 4 systems do not offer wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility.
Is Acura technology package worth it? ›So apart from Acura branding, the tech package isn't a good value at all. You are getting at least an year or two years of free fuel worth with that delta depending on how you drive.
Do you have to put premium in Acura MDX? ›So does Acura require premium gas? According to Acura, premium gas is only required for the Acura NSX. However, Acura does recommend premium gas for the MDX, RDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX, so you can get the most out of your vehicle on the Fletcher streets.
Does Acura MDX require premium? ›This line of thinking may have you wondering, “does Acura require premium gas?” According to Acura, premium gas is a must for the Acura NSX and Integra, and it is the recommended gas type for Acura RDX, MDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX.
Does the 2023 Acura TLX have wireless Apple CarPlay? ›
High-tech interior with a standard 10.2-inch HD center display with True Touchpad Interface™, Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility and available Qi-compatible wireless charging (TLX A-Spec and TLX with Advance Package)