Acura adds A-Spec package to MDX for 2019

July 17, 2018 01:00 AM

Graham Kozak

The 2019 Acura MDX A-Spec appearance package gives the crossover a sportier exterior look.

Acura is making several updates and offering a new trim on the MDX crossover for 2019. The changes are fairly minor -- new interior trim wood, standard four-way power lumbar adjustments for the front seats and five new exterior colors. An active damper system is now offered as an option across the line.

But the biggest news is the rollout of a new A-Spec trim. A-Spec is an appearance package that offers a sportier exterior look, with trim-specific 20-inch wheels and low-profile tires, a unique front fascia (yes, the big grille is still there), dark trim and larger exhaust finishers. A-Spec is the only way to get the new Apex Blue Pearl exterior paint, as well.

With the A-Spec trim, the interior offers red or black leather-trimmed Alcantara faux-suede sport seats, special A-Spec gauges and a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters.

The A-Spec package includes special gauges and a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters.

As before, the MDX is offered with either front-wheel drive or SH-AWD -- aka Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, which can send up to 70 percent of torque rearward. The sole engine option, a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6 producing 290 hp and 267 pound-feet of torque, is unchanged.

A stop-start system, previously an option, is now standard across the line and can be turned off. The payoff? 20 city/27 highway/23 combined mpg for fwd models, 19 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg for awd models and 19 city/25 highway/21 combined mpg for the A-Spec trim.

The nine-speed automatic transmission returns as well, but Acura says it has been refined; under heavy acceleration or while in sport mode, for example, the vehicle will tend to start in first gear for a little extra punch. Otherwise, it will start in second. Acura says this gives the vehicle “a smoother, more fluid acceleration feel.”

Prices range from $45,295 for the base fwd MDX to $61,045 for a SH-AWD-equipped MDX with advance and entertainment packages; prices are up this year, but the amount varies with the model (the base MDX increases just $100; the range-topper shoots up by $1,400). The A-Spec MDX sits at $55,795. Prices include shipping. Pricing for the upcoming MDX Sport Hybrid has yet to be announced.