The Performance Family 3-Row SUV – 2019 Acura MDX A-Spec
You Could Choose the 2019 Acura MDX A-Spec for your Family Car Based Solely on Looks.
It’s sleek and stylish and this Apex Blue Pearl color is a real eyeful. This color and the flashy front fascia featuring a lower mesh covering over the air intake is only available on the A-Spec trim level. The diamond grille boasting the Acura logo trademarks the MDX across the lineup, though.
A Perfect Family Car
The Acura MDX is low profile for such a large vehicle, making it easy for both mom and kids to get in and out. With a third row, you can haul around some extra kids too. The third row is easy to pull up and down manually, and the second row flips forward at the push of a button.
Further Reading: Women Are Driving The Sales Of SUVs
How Much Does Luxury Cost?
The MDX starts at $44,300 USD / $53,590 CAD for the base model, and $54,800 USD / $59,690 CAD for the A-Spec model with several more premium trims going up from there.
Performance Luxury
With a powerful 3.5 liter V6 engine engine and the A-Spec model-only larger exhaust tips, this car sounds very powerful, making you feel a bit like a speedster. Although it should be noted that the engine horsepower and torque are not actually different from the other MDX models in the lineup. While I enjoy driving in Sport Mode, it’s the default among the drive modes in the A-Spec, and it isn’t really a necessity for daily driving – especially school drop-offs and pickups! There are Comfort and Normal dynamic modes as well.
The interior with the black leather and Alcantara (feels like suede) inlay, it’s soft and luxurious. The thicker steering wheel wrap and new exclusive half-inch wider 20-inch Shark Grey aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in low profile 265/45-series tires set the A-Spec apart from other MDX models.
Comfort is Key
The seating and legroom are generous throughout aside from the third row. Whoever is seated in the third row will have little wiggle room for their legs.
The Infotainment System is Clunky at Best
While Acura typically does driver controls and infotainment systems pretty well, I was disappointed by the double screens in the vehicle. One is for the Acura system and the other for navigation and Android Auto/Apple Car Play display. The top display was not a touch screen and functioned by only the large round knob that had to be turned and pushed.
The rear entertainment system, while available on other MDX models, is not available on the A-Spec. You’ll have to bring your own iPads.
Further Reading: 2018 Acura TLX AWD A-Spec Review: A Sport Sedan That Offers Affordable Luxury, Too
Generous Safety Features
All 2019 MDX trims come standard with the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
- Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning.
- Front, side, and side-curtain airbags also come standard on all MDX models.
Further Reading: Nine of the Best 3-Row SUVs
Who This Car is For
- I think this car is perfect for families
- If you’re looking to avoid a minivan and still be able to haul extra kids or sports equipment, this one does it all
- This car is incredibly popular with moms in my community – so it’ll keep you “keeping up with the Joneses” too.
Fuel Economy
The Acura MDX offers a fair fuel economy with an average 11L/100KM or 21MPG combined city/highway. I personally had 14.4L/100KM fuel economy over the week but I kept it in Sport Mode throughout the week. Premium fuel is recommended, but not required, for maximum performance.
Cup Holders + Storage is Key
The front center console was large enough for a small handbag, but I like to keep mine on the seat beside me unless I have passengers.
There are plenty of cup holders and storage inside the MDX, even closed storage in the back cargo space under the cargo floor, and there’s a bin next to the floor that is perfect for a gallon of milk.
Related: The Ultimate Car Seat Challenge — Which 3 Row SUVs are the Best for Child Car Seats?
What You Need To Know
I love the look and feel of the MDX A-Spec. It’s sporty, luxurious and can accommodate the lifestyle of a busy family. The price point, fuel economy and recommendation of premium fuel aren’t for everybody’s budget, though. The Honda Pilot is a good alternative, and if you can go without the third row seats, Acura RDX might be the ticket.
Disclosure: The Acura MDX was provided for this review; all opinions are my own.
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