Following a major refresh that took place back in 2017, Acura’s MDX once again goes under the knife for 2019, and this latest freshening brings several key upgrades to consumers.
With the 2019 RDX showcasing Acura’s latest interior design language, the bigger MDX takes a few pages out of its playbook, with noticeably upgraded interior materials. These include higher quality plastics, better leather seats with contrast stitching, and new wood trim selections including Desert Olive Ash accents. Technology and Entertainment package models feature a revised second row, which allows easier access to the third row accommodations.
Another key change is the addition of an all new A-Spec variant. Acura is aiming to broaden the appeal of the A-Spec line, and is adding this trim to its utility offerings for the first time ever. Like on the RDX, A-Spec MDXs boast a much more aggressive look that includes a revised front fascia, dark chrome accents, body color sills, circular exhaust tips, and gloss black window trim. Whereas the RDX A-Spec features a flexible color palate, the MDX A-Spec only comes in Apex Blue Metallic. The package also brings 20-inch Shark Grey wheels, which are slightly wider than the stock hoops. The interior gets ts own dose of A-Spec inspired upgrades, and incorporates red or black leather sport seats, contrast stitching, metal trimmed pedal covers, trim exclusive gauges, a thicker steering wheel, and Alcantara door trim.
Acura engineers left the engine lineup unchanged, with the 3.5 liter V6 and the 3.0 liter hybrid V6 continuing their respective roles for the forseeable future. The transmission however gets updated, with the unit now prioritizing starts in second gear versus the traditional first gear layout. Acura claims that this arraignment produces “a smoother and more fluid acceleration feel in normal driving.”
We look forward to seeing if it fulfills this promise ourselves, especially in the zestier A-Spec variant. Meanwhile the traditional non-hybrid MDX gains the trick Active Dampening system that was once reserved for its green sibling.
Pricing for the 2019 Acura MDX starts at $45,295 for the base model with the rest of the range dwelling in the $50,000 and up pricing bracket. The range topping MDX SH-AWD with the fore-mentioned Technology and Entertainment packages starts at $61,045, with other optional extras potentially pushing the price past $70,000 dollars. With the bar creeping ever higher in this segment, the MDX had alot of challenges to over come to stay fresh. Based on what we see here, it appears the the MDX is even closer to successfully revamping itself as a viable benchmark beating luxury SUV entry.
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Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.