What does Acura a-spec package add?
The A-Spec package primarily adds sport-oriented styling and interior touches, with occasional handling tweaks. It does not typically increase engine power. Availability and exact contents vary by model and model year.
Across Acura lineup, the A-Spec package is designed to give a more aggressive, performance-inspired look and feel without changing the core engine output in most cases. While some models may include suspension or chassis adjustments, the core emphasis is on exterior aesthetics, wheels, brakes, and interior accents that convey a sportier character.
What the A-Spec package typically adds to exterior and wheels
Below are the exterior and wheel-related elements commonly associated with the A-Spec package. The specifics can vary by model and year, so check the exact configuration for your vehicle.
- Revised, more aggressive front and rear fascia with sport-oriented styling cues
- Exclusive alloy wheels, typically ranging from 19 to 20 inches
- Dark or blacked-out exterior trim and accents, including grilles and badges
- Enhanced rear diffuser and, on some models, a subtle rear spoiler
- Dual or quad exhaust finishers on select models
The exterior transformation gives the model a noticeably sportier stance, helping it stand out even when parked.
Interior and technology upgrades often included in A-Spec
Interior changes focus on sport-oriented ambiance and controls, with variations by model year. The list below highlights common elements you may find in A-Spec models.
- Sport seats with contrast stitching and possible Alcantara or suede accents
- Unique A-Spec interior trim, including steering wheel, shift knob, and pedals
- Red or dark color accents and improved contrast lighting inside the cabin
- Sport-oriented gauges or instrument cluster accents and A-Spec branding
Interior upgrades emphasize a more driver-focused feel and a distinct, performance-inspired environment.
Model-by-model notes
TLX A-Spec
In the TLX line, the A-Spec package emphasizes exterior aero kit, larger wheels, and sport interior touches. Engine power remains aligned with the standard TLX drivetrain (no universal horsepower boost from the A-Spec package itself). Suspension tuning and available technology packages may vary by year, so verify current specs for the exact model year.
RDX A-Spec
For the RDX, the A-Spec package focuses on a bold exterior look, larger wheels, and interior sport accents. Some years pair the package with a more responsive driving experience through chassis dampers or sport-oriented tuning, but there is no guaranteed drivetrain horsepower increase tied to A-Spec alone.
MDX A-Spec
MDX A-Spec applies a performance-inspired exterior kit, larger wheels, and refined interior touches to a premium SUV. Like other models, the package enhances aesthetics and ambiance rather than adding engine power, with any handling improvements depending on the year and option groups available.
ILX A-Spec
On the smaller ILX, the A-Spec package historically included distinct styling cues, sport seats, and interior trim that align with Acura’s performance image. Engine output remains as designed for the base platform, with the package emphasizing look and feel over power gains.
Summary
In essence, the Acura A-Spec package is a sport-themed upgrade across multiple models that prioritizes aggressive styling, larger wheels, darkened trim, and sport-oriented interior details. While some variants may offer chassis or suspension tweaks for a more engaging drive, the package is not a universal horsepower upgrade. Always refer to the exact model year brochure or official Acura site for precise contents and wheel/tire sizes for the vehicle you're considering.
What is the difference between Acura A-spec and technology package?
The main difference is that A-Spec is an exterior styling package that adds a sportier look, while the Technology package adds interior tech and comfort features. On many Acura models, you can get the Technology package combined with the A-Spec styling for a vehicle that includes both features, often labeled as "A-Spec with Technology" or "A-Spec Advance".
This video explains the difference between A-Spec and Technology package on 2025 Acura Integra: 1mVagabond BuildsYouTube · Apr 6, 2025
Acura A-Spec package
- Focus: Exterior appearance and sporty accents.
- Features:
- Larger, sportier wheels.
- Blacked-out trim pieces.
- Distinctive emblems.
- Fog lights (on some models).
- Sportier interior touches like unique stitching, a sport steering wheel, and metal pedals.
Technology package
- Focus: Advanced technology, comfort, and convenience features.
- Features:
- Premium audio: An ELS Studio 3D premium audio system.
- Navigation: Integrated navigation system with traffic information.
- Connectivity: Wireless charging pad and additional USB ports.
- Driver aids: Front and rear parking sensors.
- Comfort: Memory seats and a power passenger seat.
- Convenience: Remote start (on some models) and rain-sensing wipers.
- Display: Head-Up Display (HUD).
Choosing between them
- For sporty looks: Choose the A-Spec package if you prioritize a more aggressive, athletic appearance.
- For comfort and tech: Choose the Technology package if you want premium audio, navigation, and other advanced convenience features.
- Best of both worlds: The A-Spec with Technology package offers both the sporty styling and the premium tech features, making it a popular choice that combines the benefits of both.
You can watch this video to see a side-by-side comparison of Acura Integra A-Spec and A-Spec TECH: 1mVagabond BuildsYouTube · Jun 23, 2023
Which is better, a-spec or type S?
A-Spec and Type S are Acura trim levels, with Type S representing the higher-performance and more luxurious option. The main differences are in performance (Type S has a more powerful engine, adaptive dampers, and bigger brakes), interior features (Type S includes more premium options like a high-end sound system and special badging), and exterior styling (Type S features more aggressive and sport-oriented design cues).
You can watch this video to see a detailed comparison of the 2024 Acura Integra A-Spec and Type S models: 1mJubbal & CarsYouTube · Apr 12, 2025
Performance
- Type S: Features a more powerful, performance-tuned engine and advanced suspension systems, like adaptive dampers, for a firmer, more aggressive feel. It also often includes a limited-slip differential and a more potent braking system.
- A-Spec: A well-equipped sport trim that provides good performance for daily driving, but lacks the extreme power and handling upgrades of the Type S.
This video demonstrates the differences in the engine bays of the Acura TLX Type S and A-Spec models: 1mRedline ReviewsYouTube · Nov 2, 2023
Interior and technology
- Type S: Comes standard with premium features that may be optional or unavailable on the A-Spec. This can include a high-end sound system, more advanced head-up display, and special interior materials or accents like suede bolsters and unique badging.
- A-Spec: Includes many luxury features but is generally less opulent than the Type S. Some features, like power seats with memory, are often standard on the A-Spec, which might not be available on the more expensive Type S, notes this YouTube video.
This video shows a side-by-side comparison of the interior features of the 2025 Acura MDX Type-S ADV and A-spec ADV trims: 56sVagabond BuildsYouTube · Sep 2, 2024
Exterior and styling
- Type S: Features a more aggressive and performance-focused exterior design, often with a unique grille, exclusive badging, and sportier wheels.
- A-Spec: Has a sporty appearance but lacks the most distinctive design elements of the Type S.
Summary table
| Feature | Type S | A-Spec |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Higher horsepower, more advanced suspension, bigger brakes | Standard performance for daily driving |
| Interior | More premium materials, higher-end audio, more exclusive badging | Comfortable and well-equipped, but less luxurious than the Type S |
| Exterior | Aggressive and sportier styling | Sporty but less aggressive than the Type S |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
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What is included in the Acura A-Spec Package?
Acura A-Spec Exterior
Dark chrome grilles, unique wheels, piano-black spoilers, LED fog lights, and available Apex Blue Pearl paint give each model its signature look. The 2025 MDX Type S takes this design to new heights with performance styling.
What comes with a-spec package?
An Acura A-Spec package typically includes sporty cosmetic and interior enhancements, such as unique wheels, exterior trim, sport seats, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. It also often adds performance-oriented features like the ELS Studio 3D® premium audio system and may include upgraded drivetrain components like Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) depending on the model.
Exterior and styling
- Wheels: A-Spec models feature unique wheels, often in a "Shark Gray" finish.
- Black trim: Gloss black accents are used for exterior details, such as the grille and window trim.
- LED lights: The package includes LED fog lights.
- Spoilers: A-Spec models often come with a decklid spoiler.
- Bumpers: Sporty front and rear bumpers and side sill garnishes are part of the package.
- Dual exhaust: Round dual exhaust outlets are included on some models like the TLX.
Interior and technology
- Sport seats: The interior features sport seats, often with Ultrasuede™ inserts or contrast stitching, and are sometimes heated and ventilated.
- Flat-bottom steering wheel: A leather-wrapped, flat-bottom sport steering wheel with metal paddle shifters is standard.
- Metal pedals: Metal sport pedals are included to enhance the sporty feel.
- Premium audio: The ELS Studio 3D® Premium Audio system with 17 speakers is often standard on A-Spec models.
- Interior trim: The cabin may include specific trim accents like geometric patterned brushed aluminum or red accent lighting.
Performance
- SH-AWD®: On some models, the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system is standard with the A-Spec package.
- Suspension: Older models, like the RL, had a track-tuned suspension that lowered the car, but newer models focus more on styling and interior features.
- Transmission: Some models with the A-Spec package come with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
