The Acura MDX A-Spec Advance combines performance styling with comfort and technology features

The Acura MDX A-Spec Advance is a mid-range trim level that sits between the base A-Spec and the higher A-Spec Advance SH-AWD. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The A-Spec Advance adds specific interior and exterior styling cues designed to give the MDX a sportier appearance, along with technology and convenience features that the base A-Spec does not include.

This trim is aimed at buyers who want the A-Spec's athletic design language but also want more comfort technology than the entry-level A-Spec offers. Understanding what comes standard and what remains optional helps you decide whether this trim matches what you need in a three-row SUV.

Key Takeaways

  • The A-Spec Advance includes a 290-horsepower V6 engine, all-wheel drive, and a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment.
  • Exterior A-Spec styling includes a unique front grille, side skirts, and a rear diffuser that distinguish it from other MDX trims.
  • Standard interior features include a power moonroof, leather-trimmed seats, a power liftgate, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
  • The A-Spec Advance does not include some premium features found in higher trims, such as the larger 12.3-inch display or the Mark Levinson premium audio system.
  • Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is not standard on the A-Spec Advance but is available as an upgrade.

Engine, Transmission, and Drivetrain Specifications

The MDX A-Spec Advance uses 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 that sends power to all four wheels through a standard all-wheel-drive system. The all-wheel-drive setup is a conventional system that distributes power between the front and rear axles based on road conditions and driving demand.

Acura offers an upgrade to Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) on the A-Spec Advance, which can independently control power delivery to each rear wheel. This system is designed to improve cornering performance and handling in curves, though it comes at an additional cost and reduces fuel economy slightly compared to the standard all-wheel drive.

Fuel economy for the A-Spec Advance with standard all-wheel drive is estimated at 19 miles per gallon in the city, 27 on the highway, and 22 combined, according to EPA estimates. These figures assume regular unleaded gasoline. The SH-AWD version carries slightly lower estimates due to the added weight and complexity of the system.

Exterior Styling and Design Elements

The A-Spec trim applies a distinct visual treatment to the MDX's exterior. The front end features an A-Spec-specific grille with a mesh pattern and a more aggressive lower bumper design. The hood has a power dome that adds visual depth, and the headlights remain LED units standard across the MDX lineup.

Along the sides, the A-Spec Advance includes body-side moldings and side skirts that run the length of the vehicle. The rear bumper incorporates a diffuser-style lower section and a roof spoiler that extends from the liftgate. These elements are purely styling additions and do not affect aerodynamic performance or fuel economy in any measurable way.

The A-Spec Advance rides on 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires. The wheel design is exclusive to the A-Spec trim and differs from the wheels found on other MDX models. Roof rails come standard and are finished in a dark metallic color that contrasts with the body paint.

Interior Comfort and Seating

Inside, the A-Spec Advance seats up to seven passengers across three rows. The front and second-row seats are trimmed in leather, while the third row uses cloth upholstery. The front seats include power adjustment in eight directions and come with heating as standard. Ventilated front seats, which cool the seat surface, are not included on the A-Spec Advance but are available on higher trims.

The second row features a 60/40 split-folding bench seat that can slide forward and backward to balance legroom between the second and third rows. The third row is best suited for children or shorter trips, as headroom and legroom are limited compared to the front two rows. All three rows include cup holders and storage pockets.

A power moonroof comes standard on the A-Spec Advance and opens and closes with a single button. The power liftgate can be opened and closed remotely using the key fob or from inside the vehicle. Dual-zone automatic climate control allows the driver and front passenger to set different temperatures independently.

Technology and Infotainment Features

The A-Spec Advance includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard. This system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to mirror your smartphone's apps and controls on the display. The system does not include wireless connectivity for these features — you must plug in a USB cable to use them.

Bluetooth connectivity is standard and allows you to stream audio and make hands-free calls. The system includes a backup camera that displays on the touchscreen when you shift into reverse. A six-speaker audio system comes standard, though Acura offers a premium 10-speaker system as an option.

The A-Spec Advance does not include the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display or the digital instrument cluster found on higher trims. The instrument panel uses a traditional analog speedometer and tachometer with a small digital display between them. Navigation is not built into the 8-inch system but can be accessed through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto if your phone has a navigation app installed.

Safety Features and Driver information Technology

Acura's AcuraWatch suite of driver information features comes standard on the A-Spec Advance. This package includes adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead and can bring the MDX to a complete stop in traffic. Collision mitigation braking applies the brakes automatically if a frontal collision is imminent and the driver does not respond to warnings.

Lane keeping information gently steers the vehicle back toward the center of the lane if it detects unintended drift. Road departure mitigation applies the brakes if the vehicle drifts toward the edge of the road. These systems work together to reduce driver fatigue on long drives and provide a second layer of protection in emergency situations.

The MDX A-Spec Advance includes eight airbags as standard: dual front airbags, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags that extend across all three rows. The vehicle structure uses high-strength steel in key areas to absorb impact energy. All seating positions include three-point seat belts with pretensioners that tighten during a collision.

Storage and Cargo Space

Behind the third row, the A-Spec Advance offers 10.9 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place. Folding the third row flat increases this to 38.4 cubic feet. Folding both the second and third rows creates 76.5 cubic feet of total cargo volume, which is enough for large furniture or multiple suitcases for a family trip.

The cargo area includes tie-down cleats on the floor and a power liftgate that opens and closes automatically. A cargo cover is not standard but can be ordered as an accessory to conceal items from view. The roof rails support a roof rack system, though racks are sold separately and must be purchased from Acura or an aftermarket supplier.

Under-seat storage is limited in the front row, with small compartments in the door panels and a center console that opens to reveal a shallow storage bin. The second row includes cup holders and small pockets on the back of the front seats, but no dedicated storage compartments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the A-Spec Advance compare to the base A-Spec trim?

The A-Spec Advance adds a power moonroof, power liftgate, and leather-trimmed seats that the base A-Spec does not include. Both trims share the same engine, transmission, and all-wheel-drive system. The A-Spec Advance costs more but provides additional comfort features for longer drives.

Can I get the larger touchscreen display on the A-Spec Advance?

No, the 12.3-inch touchscreen is not available on the A-Spec Advance. It comes standard only on the higher Advance SH-AWD and Platinum trims. You can use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on the standard 8-inch screen to access navigation and other apps from your phone.

Is the Mark Levinson audio system available on this trim?

The Mark Levinson premium audio system is not offered on the A-Spec Advance. It is available only on the Platinum trim. The A-Spec Advance comes with a six-speaker system, and a 10-speaker upgrade is the highest audio option for this trim level.

What is the difference between standard all-wheel drive and SH-AWD on the A-Spec Advance?

Standard all-wheel drive distributes power between the front and rear axles. SH-AWD can also control power independently to each rear wheel, which improves handling in curves. SH-AWD costs more and reduces fuel economy by about 1 mile per gallon combined.

Does the A-Spec Advance come with a warranty?

Acura includes a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty on all new MDX models, including the A-Spec Advance. Extended warranty plans are available for purchase at the time of sale.