2022 Honda and Acura SUVs and Crossovers: Models, Changes, Prices

Honda is definitely one of the most popular Japanese carmakers with a long history. Its vehicles are durable and reliable. The company is always there to keep pace with modern features and trends. In the most recent history, the attention is on the crossover and SUV classes. Of course, Honda is one of the leaders in all segments.

Unfortunately, there is a vacant spot in the full-size tier. On the other hand, it is not as popular as mid-size SUVs or compact crossovers. Other companies are also reconsidering options in the big rigs world. Meanwhile, Honda is preparing updates for the upcoming season. The flagship Pilot model is about to debut with the PHEV system, while the premium Acura MDX is getting a highly anticipated Type S version. CR-V continues its domination in the compact class, where it is one of the rare models with a gas mileage rating over 40 mpg. The smallest vehicles are Honda HR-V and Acura RDX. The comeback of the Element is still open.

2022 Honda Pilot

Let’s start the review with the model where we will probably see the most changes. The 2022 Honda Pilot is a mid-size SUV. The current edition debuted in 2015 and back then, it was a blast. However, other companies reacted and now the vehicle is ready for the redesign. The new look will make the 2022 Pilot different from the two-row Passport. Two SUVs shared a lot of things in common and only true fans could spot differences. The redesign is a bit late since we spotted test mules on streets back in 2019. A larger portion of changes was expected on the 2020 model, and then the 2021 YM was spoiled with the COVID-19 outburst.

The main drivetrain for the 2022 Honda Pilot stays a 3.5-liter V6 with 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. However, the SUV is now available only with a nine-speed transmission. Honda dropped a six-pace gearbox. Rear-wheel drive is standard and you can upgrade the ride with an AWD. Nevertheless, it is not the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which is coming as the optional upgrades. The redesign will make the Pilot lighter and more efficient.

The prototype of the PHEV model has been spied. But, the company is not unveiling any plans. A hybrid powertrain will be more expensive. It all depends on the level of boost it brings. Still, the new 2022 Honda Pilot, after the redesign, is going to cost very close to $35,000. Top trim levels are Elite and Touring.

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2023 Honda Pilot phev

2022 Honda CR-V

Next year will be the right time for the new redesign. The 2022 Honda CR-V might even bring the new generation of the popular crossover. This is the best seller in this list, with annual sales of over 400 units, before the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down everything. The new version is going to update the look and technology, which will be enough for the CR-V to keep pace with Toyota Rav4 and Ford Escape.

Under the bonnet of the 2022 Honda CR-V lays a 1.5-liter turbo engine with 190 ponies and 180 lb-ft of torque. If the gas mileage is one of the most important things about the ride, then the crossover becomes a favorite with 35 mpg estimated consumption after the redesign. Front-wheel drive can be replaced with AWD and the upgrade will cost you some mileage. On the other hand, the CR-V Hybrid is taking the mpg rating to another dimension, the one above 40 miles per gallon.

The price of the crossover should stay put. The redesign will introduce a lot of novelties, but the MSRP is not going to exceed $26,000 for the base version. EX is the mid-range option, and you can pack it with the leather upholstery with EX-L package. Touring brings some of the high-end options in the automotive industry and the price tag close to $35,000.

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2022 Acura MDX and MDZ Type S

Honda’s premium brand, Acura, is producing a very popular mid-size SUV. Again, the level of expected changes is making us talk about the 2022 Acura MDX before other units. It is more expensive than the Pilot, and these two will share the same platform. But, the MDX is coming with premium options and technology, to make the ride more comfortable.

Fans of the luxury SUV got used to a V6 engine with 290 horsepower. A-Spec package is not enhancing outputs, but the ride is definitely more impressive. Also, you can select the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system, one of the best AWD configurations in the market. But, the vehicle was known for its hybrid setup, which was not offered on the non-premium sibling. Still, the highlight of the lineup for the next season will be the 2022 Acura MDX Type S. The badge is coming back after some while. Turbocharged six-cylinder unit will be good for 350 horsepower.

The base price for the MDX is one of the best you can find if you are looking for a mid-size luxury SUV. Even with the AWD, the MSRP stays under $50,000. The base offer can be upgraded only with optional packages, while there are no classic trim levels. Technology, Advanced, and A-Spec bundles are going to be at disposal. The 2022 Acura MDX Type S will start above $60,000, experts predict.

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2022 Acura MDX release date

2022 Honda Passport

The mid-size Passport SUV came out of nowhere. We were expecting upgrades such as the hybrid model for Pilot, a full-size SUV, or the Type S Acura… but, the all-new mid-size two-row vehicle was quite of a surprise. The SUV is pretty much the same as its bigger brother. Thanks to higher-end base options, the first price sits above the Pilot’s MSRP. Next season, it will be easier to recognize the 2022 Honda Passport. But, it won’t happen because of its changes, but the redesign of the three-row SUV.

As expected, a 3.5-liter V6 is deployed as the only drive solution. Honda fans see no surprise there – 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque is the setup they can see on most vehicles using this motor. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front or all wheels. The gas mileage is not so impressive, especially in the city, where the 2022 Honda Passport can’t do better than 20 mpg.

Main differences between the 2022 Honda Passport and Pilot will stay – the first one is a five-seater, while the larger, flagship SUV offers the third row. The styling is now going to be different, after the redesign of the older brother. Sport, EX-L, Touring and Elite are the trim levels available for the upcoming Passport.

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2022 Honda HR-V

The smallest model in the lineup is attractive to younger buyers and people who commute every day. Its size allows easy parking in tight lots. Plus, the lightweight promises excellent gas mileage. On the other hand, there are a lack of power, safety issues, and space inside the cockpit. Still, the 2022 Honda HR-V is still going to be one of the most popular subcompact crossovers, not only in the US but worldwide.

The third generation has just come out. Engineers kept a 1.8-liter displacement. It is paired with a CVT transmission and the 2022 Honda HR-V is going to be one of the rare subcompact crossovers with available all-wheel drive. The gas mileage is the reason why buyers are after the funky model. It is good for 28/34 mpg.

On the HR-V, the top trim level is EX-L. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available on the base LX version. Sport is the mid-range offer. The MSRP starts just north of $21,000. If you get a good deal, the price could drop under $20k. The EX-L will cost $26,000 and AWD is a $1,600 upgrade for all versions.

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2022 Honda HR-V Patent

2022 Acura RDX

The 2022 Acura RDX is not only a premium version of the CR-V. The crossover is using a new platform, which supports an electric drivetrain. So, in the future, we could see the RDX as the pure EV. But, it won’t happen in 2022. The company will carry over the same version, while the bigger update is expected in 2023.

The luxury crossover is using a mighty engine for its size. A 2.0-liter turbo-four is capable to produce 272 horsepower. Compared to other premium models, this is above most base configurations. The bad thing is – there is no alternative. No hybrid, no sporty setup.

The luxury crossover will cost you $40,000 with the destination fee. Technology package is a good value for $3,200. For the Super-Handling AWD, buyers need to invest $2,000. Fully-loaded with Advanced package and all-wheel drive, the 2022 Acura RDX will cost around $50,000.

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2022 Acura RDX

2022 Honda Element

The 2022 Honda Element is one of the hottest potential comebacks for the next season. The company is still weighing options and where to place the crossover. Element was not in the market for too long, but fans remember it for the great reliability and unique styling. Now, the vehicle needs modernization before it returns.

The most interesting rumor is mentioning the electric drivetrain. Well, Honda will have to do something in this segment, since major rivals are out with concepts. On the other hand, fans would like to see an old, well-known boxy design. Nevertheless, it is not aesthetic and this was causing other problems. The boxy look offered plenty of space inside, and the Element grabbed some cool awards for its pet-friendly nature.

There are no official statements about the vehicle. Our sources are still looking for clues. But, fans are loud and Honda already made one comeback. The 2022 Honda Element would definitely draw more attention than the Passport. Plus, there are efficient four-pot engines that can serve as powertrains for the new version of the crossover.