2020 Acura MDX vs 2019 Acura MDX

The 2019 Acura MDX was a veteran in the midsize 3-row crossover segment, maintaining its dominion for over a decade. Luxury automakers had presented alternatives, but none posed a serious threat. The Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 offered higher price points, while the Infiniti QX60 suffered from drivetrain issues. Lexus, known for its luxury SUVs, belatedly introduced a third row in the RX, which barely qualified as a true 3-row SUV due to its cramped space. However, competition was on the verge of intensifying with contenders like the BMW X7, Cadillac XT6, Genesis GX80, and Lincoln Aviator entering the fray.

In 2019, Acura enhanced the MDX with continuous improvements since its 2017 facelift, which included a transformative Sport Hybrid version and the elimination of its notorious silver "beak" grille. 2018 saw an upgrade to the infotainment system, and in 2019, Acura introduced the racy A-Spec Package trim, improved interior materials, added an adaptive damping suspension with the Advance Package, and made transmission adjustments for smoother shifting.

The 2019 MDX A-Spec I tested was equipped with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and priced at $55,795, including a $995 destination charge. The white exterior boasted A-Spec visual enhancements such as a unique front bumper, Shark Gray 20-inch wheels, dark chrome, gloss black trim, darkened lighting elements, and redesigned rear bumper with fatter exhaust outlets.

Inside, the A-Spec featured heated and ventilated front seats with red leather and black Alcantara suede upholstery. The A-Spec steering wheel included paddle shifters, metallic pattern trim, metal accents, and red instrument panel illumination. Despite my usual disfavor for blacked-out appearance packages, the MDX A-Spec's tasteful mix of dark gray metallic paint on the wheels and dark chrome trim elements created an aesthetically pleasing finish. The dual-cowl dashboard with dual infotainment screens was practical and attractive, complemented by the A-Spec Package's distinctive red leather and black Alcantara seats.

By 2020, the Acura MDX retained good looks, though its design wasn’t groundbreaking or breathtaking. It managed to fit in rather than stand out, maintaining a good balance between elegance and subtlety. The MDX continued to showcase Acura's signature Jewel Eye headlights, consisting of five LED elements per side arranged horizontally alongside the turn signals and running lamps. The headlights flanked a trapezoidal grille with a prominent Acura logo, giving the MDX an expressive face.

For a three-row SUV, the MDX was sleek and low-slung with chiseled details and a fast roofline. The paint and chrome finishes were immaculate, a notable Acura strength. Inside, the 2020 MDX featured a modern and simple design, avoiding excessive padding and stitching seen in other luxury interiors. The center stack remained a highlight with twin infotainment screens and an array of buttons and a command wheel.

The 2020 MDX’s material quality and fit-and-finish were superior, giving it a solid and well-built feel. The knobs and switches operated with authority, and the materials had a rewarding tactile feel.

The 2019 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with the SH-AWD system available, which was mandatory for the A-Spec Package. The Technology Package offered 20-inch aluminum wheels with 245/50 tires, while A-Spec and Advance versions came with wider 265/45 tires.

The SH-AWD system, priced at $2000, equipped the MDX with torque-vectoring AWD that could send up to 70% of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel. It also included thicker stabilizer bars and improved weight distribution, essential for enthusiasts who enjoyed spirited driving. The MDX Sport Hybrid, a separate model, came with a 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with three electric motors, generating a total of 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. The Sport Hybrid featured a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission and adaptive damping suspension, making it an exceptionally enjoyable drive.

In testing, the 2019 MDX A-Spec delivered quick acceleration and a pleasing engine note. The refined transmission fixed previous issues, and the SUV offered Sport, Comfort, and Normal driving modes, with well-weighted and responsive steering. Despite some brake rumble on extended downhill drives, the MDX performed admirably overall. The ride quality was firm but comfortable, with slight dive, squat, and body roll not affecting its driving enjoyment. The MDX A-Spec achieved 19.7 mpg in my tests, just short of its EPA rating and slightly better than the smaller RDX A-Spec on the same route.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain choices: the same 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive formats. Alternatively, the MDX Sport Hybrid combined a 3.0-liter V6 engine with three electric motors, generating 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and AWD.

The tested gasoline-only 2020 MDX with SH-AWD demonstrated strong straight-line performance, with smooth acceleration and well-behaved transmission shifts, especially in Comfort or Sport modes. The SH-AWD system with torque vectoring improved cornering by directing power to the outer wheel, offering better handling. The MDX showed impressive stability and control in cornering, delivering a smooth, drama-free driving experience. The four-wheel independent suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, making the MDX a comfortable long-distance companion.

Living with the 2019 Acura MDX revealed its exceptionally comfortable and practical interior. The front seats offered excellent cushioning and support, with a wide, plush center armrest that could slide forward for added comfort. The GPS-linked triple-zone climate control system kept all passengers comfortable, and the second-row seats were spacious enough for both adults and children. The third-row was less comfortable, best suited for short trips or occasional use, often left folded down to maximize cargo space.

The 2019 MDX offered 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded, which increased to 68.4 cubic feet with the second row down. If all seats were in use, cargo capacity dropped to 15 cubic feet. An additional underfloor storage bin provided extra convenience for smaller items.

In the 2020 model, Acura accommodated family needs with functional innovations typically seen in minivans, such as sliding and reclining second-row seats, making it easier to access the third row. Headroom was ample across all three rows. The 2020 MDX provided 15.8 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 90.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows flat.

The 2020 model also featured a recessed cubby hole and covered underfloor storage in the rear cargo area. Up front, the center console included large cupholders, a sliding armrest with a deep storage bin, and multiple USB and power ports. Second-row passengers had cupholders and front-seat back pouches, while third-row passengers had armrest storage and cupholders. The tri-zone climate control system further enhanced passenger comfort, making the MDX a practical alternative for those averse to minivans.

Acura upgraded the 2019 MDX’s infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to improved graphics and responsiveness for the lower display screen. Despite these enhancements, the dual-screen setup remained problematic. The upper display was used for navigation, smartphone projection, and vehicle settings, operated via a collection of buttons and a knob. The lower touchscreen managed the radio and secondary climate functions, lacking a tuning knob and requiring multiple taps.

The system’s primary flaws included small screens for a midsize luxury SUV, subpar resolution for the upper display, and a voice-recognition system that frequently misinterpreted commands. The multiple screen functions could be confusing, but familiarization mitigated this issue somewhat. Future MDX redesigns were expected to incorporate Acura’s True Touchpad Interface found in the RDX, offering significant improvements.

By 2020, Acura simplified its trim levels into packages that were technology-rich. The base MDX came well-equipped with Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, text messaging and email capabilities, a CD/MP3 player, five USB ports, and an eight-speaker audio system. Stepping up to the Technology Package added features like rain-sensing wipers, LED puddle lights, parking sensors, navigation, GPS-linked climate control, and a premium Acura/ELS Studio audio system with 10 speakers.

The Advance Package included additional tech such as the Active Damper System suspension, LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, a surround-view camera system, Head-Up Warning, and third-row USB charge ports. The Entertainment Package, compatible with both Technology and Advance Packages, added a rear DVD system, 110-volt power outlet, wireless headphones, and either a 16.2-inch Ultra-Wide screen or a 9.0-inch screen based on the package.

In 2019, one of the key reasons for choosing an Acura MDX was its impressive crash-test ratings. All trims included the AcuraWatch suite of safety systems, but opting for the Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with Acceptable ratings for headlight performance and child seat anchor accessibility. Despite the changing requirements for safety ratings, Acura’s Jewel Eye LED headlights and AcuraWatch systems provided commendable protection, although the adaptive cruise control lacked the refinement found in newer luxury vehicles.

The 2020 MDX also featured the standard AcuraWatch suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package added Head-Up Warning. The comprehensive safety equipment list also featured multiple airbags, stability control, Trailer Stability Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and LATCH child-seat mounts.

The 2020 MDX incorporated Acura's Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure to absorb and transfer crash energy away from occupants. The MDX earned IIHS Good ratings in all crash categories, Superior in front crash prevention, and Acceptable for headlights and LATCH ease of use. NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating.