The 2025 Acura MDX Advance Package: Core Features and Equipment

The 2025 Acura MDX Advance package sits in the middle of the MDX lineup, above the base model and below the Technology and Type S packages. It adds a meaningful set of comfort, safety, and convenience features to the standard MDX, making it the choice for buyers who want more than the base model but don't need every available option.

The Advance package includes a power moonroof, a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power liftgate, and heated front seats. You also get Acura's AcuraWatch suite of safety features as standard, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping information, and collision mitigation braking. The exterior gains a chrome grille surround and body-side molding compared to the base model.

Seating is standard cloth on the Advance, though leather becomes available as an upgrade. The three-row layout seats up to seven passengers, with the third row best suited for children or shorter trips. All rows get manual adjustment on the base model, though the second row can be upgraded to power recline.

Key Takeaways

  • The Advance package adds a moonroof, larger touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and heated front seats to the base MDX.
  • AcuraWatch safety features including adaptive cruise control and lane keeping information come standard on the Advance trim.
  • The power liftgate and heated seats are practical additions for daily driving comfort and convenience.
  • Leather upholstery, upgraded audio systems, and additional technology features are sold separately as options, not included in the base Advance package.

Interior Comfort and Technology Differences

The infotainment system is where the Advance package makes its biggest interior leap. The 10.2-inch display is noticeably larger than the base model's 8-inch screen, and it includes wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means you can mirror your phone's navigation, music, and messaging without plugging in a cable—a convenience that matters on longer drives or when you're frequently switching between passengers' phones.

Heated front seats come standard on the Advance, which is useful in cold climates where the base model requires you to add them as an option. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped, and you get a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support. The second-row seats can recline manually on the Advance, though power recline is a paid upgrade.

Climate control is dual-zone on the Advance, meaning the driver and front passenger can set different temperatures. The base model has single-zone control, so this is a practical upgrade if you share driving duties with someone who has different temperature preferences.

Safety Features and Driver information Systems

AcuraWatch is Acura's suite of driver information and safety technologies, and it comes standard on every 2025 MDX Advance. This includes adaptive cruise control (which maintains your set speed and distance from the car ahead), lane keeping information (which gently corrects if you drift out of your lane), and collision mitigation braking (which can explore the brakes if a collision is imminent).

You also get road departure mitigation, which alerts you if you're drifting toward the edge of the road, and traffic sign recognition, which displays speed limits and other signs on your dashboard. Forward collision warning alerts you to obstacles ahead, and the system can distinguish between vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

The Advance package does not include the blind-spot camera system or the surround-view camera that comes on higher trims, so you'll rely on traditional mirrors and blind-spot checking. Those features are available as upgrades or on the Technology and Type S packages.

Exterior Styling and Practical Features

Visually, the Advance package adds chrome trim around the grille and body-side molding that runs along the doors and lower body. These touches give the MDX a more finished appearance compared to the base model's simpler styling. The wheels are 18-inch alloys, the same size as the base model, though 20-inch wheels are available as an upgrade.

The power liftgate is one of the most practical additions on the Advance. You can open and close the rear hatch with a button on the key fob or a switch inside the cabin, which is genuinely useful when your hands are full or when you're loading groceries in bad weather. The base model requires manual opening and closing.

LED headlights come standard on the Advance, providing better visibility than halogen lights and a more modern appearance. Fog lights are also included, which help in low-visibility conditions like heavy rain or snow.

Seating Configuration and Cargo Space

The MDX Advance seats up to seven passengers across three rows. The front row has two seats, the middle row has three (with a removable center armrest), and the third row has two. In practice, the third row is most comfortable for children or for adults on short trips; legroom back there is limited compared to the middle row.

With all three rows in place, cargo space is 10.9 cubic feet behind the third row. Fold the third row flat and you get 38.4 cubic feet. Fold both the second and third rows and the number jumps to 76.5 cubic feet, which is enough for a significant amount of luggage, sports equipment, or furniture. The second row slides and reclines, so you can adjust the balance between passenger comfort and cargo room.

All rows have LATCH anchors for child safety seats, and the middle row has two full LATCH points plus a top tether anchor. The third row has one LATCH point and a top tether anchor, which is standard for vehicles in this class.

Powertrain and Performance Specifications

The 2025 MDX Advance comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option and adds about 200 pounds to the vehicle's weight.

Fuel economy estimates for the front-wheel-drive Advance are 19 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on the highway, with a combined rating of 22 mpg. All-wheel-drive models are slightly lower at 18 city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. These figures can vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and how much weight you're carrying.

The MDX Advance is not a performance-focused vehicle—that role belongs to the Type S trim, which has a turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension. The Advance prioritizes comfort and practicality, with a smooth ride and responsive steering that works well for family driving and highway cruising.

Comparison to Base and Higher Trims

The base MDX model is less expensive but omits the moonroof, the larger touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, heated seats, and the power liftgate. If you plan to keep the vehicle for several years and use it daily, the Advance's additions—especially the moonroof and wireless CarPlay—tend to feel worth the step up.

The Technology package adds a 12.3-inch touchscreen (larger than the Advance's 10.2-inch), a premium audio system, a blind-spot camera, and a surround-view camera system. It also includes a head-up display that projects speed and navigation onto the windshield. The Technology package is a significant jump in price but delivers noticeably more technology and convenience.

The Type S is the performance variant, with a turbocharged engine, sport suspension, and unique styling. It's aimed at buyers who want the MDX to feel more athletic and responsive, whereas the Advance is designed for comfort and practicality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2025 MDX Advance come with leather seats?

No, the Advance comes with cloth upholstery as standard. Leather is available as a paid upgrade through Acura's options menu. If leather is important to you, the Technology and Type S packages offer it as a standard or more readily available upgrade.

Can I add all-wheel drive to the Advance package?

Yes, all-wheel drive is available as an option on the Advance trim. It adds cost and slightly reduces fuel economy, but it improves traction in snow and on slippery surfaces. Front-wheel drive is standard and is sufficient for most driving conditions.

What's the difference between the Advance's 10.2-inch screen and the Technology package's 12.3-inch screen?

The larger screen on the Technology package provides more display area for navigation maps and menu options, making it easier to see details at a glance. Both screens support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so the core functionality is the same. The Technology package's screen also integrates the head-up display feature, which the Advance does not have.

Is the third row suitable for regular use?

The third row works well for children or occasional adult passengers on short trips. For regular use by adults, the middle row offers significantly more legroom and comfort. If you frequently need to seat seven adults comfortably, the MDX may not be the best fit—consider a larger three-row vehicle or a minivan.

Does the Advance package include a backup camera?

Yes, a backup camera is standard on all 2025 MDX models, including the Advance. The image displays on the touchscreen when you shift into reverse. The blind-spot camera and surround-view camera system, which provide additional angles, are available on the Technology package and higher trims.