2019 Acura MDX: Key Upgrades and New A-Spec Trim Showcase Changes in This Crossover Utility Vehicle

Year, Make, Model: 2019 Acura MDX

Topline: Acura has refreshed the MDX for 2019, introducing luxury and performance upgrades along with the debut of its A-Spec sport appearance package. This package features larger wheels and tires, along with unique design elements.

What’s New: Building on its major redesign in 2017 and significant technological updates in 2018, the 2019 model enhances the MDX’s luxury feel with new interior features that elevate the three-row crossover experience.

Interior highlights include the option of authentic Desert Olive Ash wood trim, distinctive seat and door panel stitching, and contrasting panels on the front seats. Additionally, both the driver and front passenger seats now include standard four-way power adjustable lumbar support. The Technology and Entertainment packages offer an improved second-row seat arrangement for easier access to the third row. Those opting for the Advance Package will also enjoy a wood-trimmed center console.

The color choices for 2019 have expanded by five, bringing the total to nine available shades. These new premium options include Apex Blue Pearl, Performance Red, Majestic Black Pearl, and Canyon Bronze Metallic, alongside the new non-premium Gunmetal Metallic. The existing colors—White Diamond Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Fathom Blue Pearl—remain. Notably, Apex Blue Pearl is exclusive to the A-Spec version of the MDX.

Models equipped with the Advance Package now feature new 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a machine finish and Shark Grey accents. These wheels are half an inch wider than their predecessors (now at 8.5 inches) and are fitted with larger 265/45-series tires. In comparison, the 2018 models had 245/50-series tires. Additionally, lower body-color trims have been added to MDX models with the Advance Package.

The new A-Spec sport appearance trim, available for 2019, comes with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system and is characterized by 20×8.5 inch Shark Grey aluminum alloy wheels and low-profile 265/45-series tires. This variant features an aggressive front fascia, body-color lower sills, larger exhaust tips, as well as glossy black and dark chrome accents on the headlights, grille, window surround, and rear spoiler.

Inside the A-Spec, drivers can enjoy sports seats upholstered in red or black leather combined with Alcantara inserts, high-contrast stitching, unique A-Spec gauges, sport pedals, Alcantara door trims, glossy black accents, a thicker A-Spec steering wheel with paddle shifters, and an exclusive A-Spec door sill trim.

For 2019, the MDX can also be equipped with Acura’s Active Damper System, previously reserved for the MDX Sport Hybrid, enhancing ride comfort and handling while expanding the dynamic range of the Integrated Dynamics System.

The 3.5-liter direct-injected i-VTEC V6 engine remains unchanged from the 2018 model, providing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The standard MDX channels power to the front wheels, but with the optional SH-AWD system, it can route 70 percent of the torque to the rear wheels, effectively optimizing traction and enhancing steering responsiveness.

The nine-speed automatic transmission features reprogramming for 2019 to deliver a smoother acceleration experience under typical conditions, focusing on second-gear starts. In more demanding situations—such as full-throttle acceleration, steep inclines, and when Sport mode is selected—the transmission will favor first-gear starts to maximize power.

The idle stop feature across the 2019 MDX lineup has been updated to enhance engine restart responsiveness and smoothness, thanks to new brake pressure triggers and software upgrades for a more seamless experience.

On the safety front, all 2019 Acura MDX models come equipped with the AcuraWatch suite, which includes advanced safety and driver-assist technologies like Collision Mitigation Braking with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Road Departure Mitigation. Additionally, the MDX features a range of active and passive safety systems, such as Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, multiple airbags, pre-tensioning front seatbelts, anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, and tire pressure monitoring.

What You Need to Know: The base price for the standard 2019 Acura MDX, which includes the AcuraWatch safety technology and an optional SH-AWD, starts at $44,300, plus a $995 destination and handling fee. The A-Spec model with standard SH-AWD begins at $54,800 (not including destination and handling fees). The 2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid is set to launch in August.

According to EPA estimates, the fuel economy for the 2019 MDX with front-wheel drive is rated at 20/27/23 mpg (city/highway/combined). The A-Spec variant is rated at 19/25/21 mpg, while other MDX models with SH-AWD have an efficiency rating of 19/26/22 mpg.

The 2019 Acura MDX is expected to hit dealerships starting July 17, 2018.