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What’s New in the 2019 Acura MDX?

Acura presented the official spec sheet of the 2019 MDX, and with it comes newly standard amenities and a new A-Spec trim.

The Acura MDX is already a well-equipped SUV, but it's even more so with the new model year. Acura engineers fine-tuned various aspects to enhance the ownership experience.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing elements of this new Acura is the first-time availability of a new A-Spec trim.

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The A-SPEC appearance package is comprised of

  • 20-inch Shark Gray wheels with high-performance all-season tires
  • SH-AWD All-Wheel Drive
  • Unique front fascia
  • Larger exhaust finishers
  • Red or black leather-trimmed Alcantara fax-suede sport seats
  • A-Spec gauges
  • Sport steering wheel with paddle shifters
  • Red ambient interior lighting

Across all models is a 3.5L V6 under the hood, which is worth 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid trim houses a 3.0-Liter V6 that delivers 257 horsepower and 218 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission returns for 2019, although Acura says it's been refined to implement second-gear starts when possible, along with a 3,500-lb towing capacity.

Auto start/stop now comes standard and has been tweaked to be smoother and quicker, providing a more "natural feeling" when restarting. Fuel economy is where it should be in this day and age, and

For the first time, the Active Damper System is available on all MDXs. Previously exclusive to just the hybrid trim, this system incorporates a continuously adjustable valve that raises or lowers fluid pressure, allowing "quick and precisely measured stiffening or softening of the damper motion," according to Acura.

Additionally, the 2019 Acura MDX comes standard with the AcuraWatch suite of safety features. This suite includes advanced systems such as forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. Advanced airbags and emergency braking technology help round out the features.

The Technology Package adds the blind-spot information system with rear cross-traffic alert, and the Advance Package incorporates a surround-view camera and auto-dimming side mirrors.

Additional updates to the 2019 model year include standard four-way power-adjustable lumbar support in the front seats (in classic bucket style), Desert Olive Ash wood trim, and nine exterior color choices, including an A-Spec-exclusive Apex Blue Pearl. There's a hefty (and semi-customizable) Entertainment Package that goes along with it, too. Opt for a third-row seating configuration, and here's room for plenty.

The 2019 Acura MDX is currently available in dealerships across the country. Starting MSRP is $45,295.

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