Acura MDX Base, A-Spec, Type S Trims & More

Acura often uses package-style names as the MDX’s trim ladder. Technology, A-Spec and Advance identify progressively different equipment themes, while SH-AWD identifies Acura’s all-wheel-drive system. Older MDXs may combine names such as Technology and Entertainment.

On newer MDXs, SH-AWD mainly adds Acura’s torque-vectoring all-wheel drive to the base model’s V6, three-row cabin, displays, panoramic moonroof and safety equipment. It improves traction and can direct power across the rear wheels when cornering.

On refreshed newer MDXs, Technology adds Milano premium leather, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed braking control, ambient cabin lighting, power-folding mirrors and a hands-free liftgate.

On newer models, A-Spec builds on the Technology theme with standard all-wheel drive, sportier exterior details, LED fog lights, a flat-bottom steering wheel, metal pedals, ventilated front seats and leather-and-Ultrasuede upholstery. Its regular V6 remains rated at 290 horsepower.

On refreshed newer models, Advance shifts the MDX toward comfort. It adds 16-way massaging front seats, quilted leather, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, head-up display and surround-view camera. All-wheel drive is standard.

On refreshed newer MDXs, A-Spec Advance keeps the sport-styled body and cabin but adds the main Advance comforts: quilted leather, 16-way massaging front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, head-up display and surround-view camera.

Pick Advance for a more traditional luxury look or A-Spec Advance for sportier exterior and cabin details. On refreshed newer models, both emphasize comfort with massaging front seats, quilted leather, heated second-row seats, a head-up display and a surround-view camera.

Mostly no. In recent years, the regular A-Spec uses the same 290-horsepower V6 as other non-Type S models. Its main changes are sportier styling, cabin trim, ventilated front seats and standard all-wheel drive. The Type S supplies the major engine, suspension and brake upgrades.

The Type S is the real performance step. Fourth-generation versions use a 355-horsepower turbo V6, adjustable air suspension and larger Brembo front brakes. The A-Spec keeps the 290-horsepower non-turbo V6 and focuses mainly on sportier appearance and cabin details.

For the earlier fourth-generation lineup, Type S Advance added 16-way massaging seats, richer quilted upholstery and more extensive cabin equipment to the Type S performance hardware. After the mid-cycle refresh, Acura dropped the regular Type S, leaving Type S Advance as the sole performance grade.

Look for an MDX labeled SH-AWD. It is Acura’s torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system and appears on everything from a core V6 model to Technology, A-Spec, Advance and Type S grades, depending on era. The core SH-AWD trim keeps the equipment list relatively simple.

Advance is the main comfort-focused grade. On refreshed newer MDXs, it combines massaging front seats, quilted leather, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, head-up display and surround-view camera without the A-Spec appearance treatment.

Look for older third-generation trims explicitly named Technology and Entertainment or Advance and Entertainment. Technology versions pair the rear screen with mid-level cabin and parking features. Advance versions add more comfort equipment and a larger rear screen. Some were front-wheel drive and others SH-AWD.

The PMC Edition is a limited-run 2020 MDX assembled by hand and marked with a numbered plaque. It combines Advance equipment such as ventilated front seats and a surround-view camera with A-Spec styling, leather-and-Alcantara upholstery and standard SH-AWD.