Acura made a bold proclamation when it revealed the all-new 2019 RDX - the Japanese luxury brand would move back towards its sporty roots with new A-Spec and Type S models. So far, we haven't seen any of those more powerful Type S models, but the company has just added another model to its A-Spec line. Unlike the RDX, the 2019 MDX is not an entirely new model. Acura is attempting to keep the MDX fresh for another model year with some minor improvements and a sporty new A-Spec package.
The A-Spec package doesn't have any additional power - it is simply an appearance package. So the MDX continues to be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque going out through a nine-speed automatic to front-wheel-drive or super-handling-all-wheel-drive. To differentiate A-Spec models, the MDX will have 20-inch grey wheels, a new front fascia, body-color sills, larger exhaust tips, dark chrome trim, A-Spec badging, and rear tailgate spoiler. All A-Spec models will be equipped with SH-AWD with torque vectoring as standard.
Further distinguishing the A-Spec on the inside will be red or black leather with black Alcantara, unique gauges, sport pedals, and an A-Spec steering wheel with paddle shifters. Aside from the new A-Spec package, all MDX models will receive some other important updates. 2019 models can now be optioned with an Active Damper System (ADS), which was previously limited to the hybrid. Acura says it has made the MDX smoother by prioritizing second gear starts on the nine-speed transmission, and a new stop-start system is now standard across the range. There are also some new colors and interior trim options for 2019.
The MDX will continue to be an incredibly safe car, thanks to the standard AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver-assist technologies. AcuraWatch includes collision mitigation braking with forward collision warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and road departure mitigation with lane departure warning. The base MDX with FWD starts at $44,300, with SH-AWD available for an extra $2,000. The A-Spec model starts at $54,800 with standard SH-AWD, and prices for the hybrid have yet to be announced. All prices exclude a $995 destination fee. The 2019 Acura MDX should be hitting showrooms soon.
