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What does the advance package include on an Acura MDX?

The Advance Package bundles premium seating, advanced technology and safety features, and refined interior luxuries into the MDX. Exact contents can vary by model year and market, so check the window sticker for your vehicle.


What the Advance Package typically includes


The items below are commonly bundled with the Advance Package on recent MDX models. Exact contents can differ by model year and region, so verify your vehicle's window sticker.



  • Premium interior materials and comfort: Milano leather upholstery with contrast stitching, a heated steering wheel, and upscale trim details.

  • Enhanced seating configuration: heated and ventilated front seats; memory for the driver seat; typically a 6-passenger layout with second-row captain's chairs (7-passenger bench configuration is possible on some years/trim levels).

  • Comfort and convenience features: panoramic sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a power-adjustable, memory-enabled driver’s seat.

  • Infotainment and navigation: built-in navigation system with a large touchscreen display and a premium audio system (ELS Studio 3D) for immersive sound; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto where available.

  • Driver-assistance and safety: Surround-View Camera System, Blind Spot Information System with Rear Cross-Traffic Monitor, front and rear parking sensors, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Lane Keeping Assist System as part of AcuraWatch.

  • Exterior and lighting: Jewel Eye LED headlights with auto high-beam Assist; hands-free power tailgate for easy loading; distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels.


In practice, these additions elevate the MDX’s luxury feel, expanding seating options, cabin comfort, tech capabilities, and safety systems relative to lower trims.


Year-to-year variations


While the Advance Package remains the top-tier option, its exact contents can shift with model-year updates. Later MDX generations or refreshes may adjust display sizes, audio configurations, or seating arrangements. Always review the current official spec sheet or consult a dealer for the precise feature set on your year and model.


Summary


The Acura MDX Advance Package combines premium seating, advanced infotainment, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features to deliver a more luxurious and capable SUV experience. Content can vary by year, so verifying the specific package contents for your vehicle is recommended.

What is the difference between Acura MDX A spec and advance package?


The main difference is that the A-Spec package focuses on sporty styling and features, while the Advance package adds luxury and convenience items. The A-Spec includes sporty elements like a flat-bottom steering wheel, unique badging, and sport pedals, while the Advance package includes luxury features like massaging front seats, a surround-view camera system, and real wood interior trim. For the 2025 model year and later, you can get both a sporty and a luxurious combination by choosing the "A-Spec Advance" package, which includes all features from both.
 
A-Spec package (Sporty)

  • Exterior: Sportier front and rear bumpers, high gloss black exterior elements, 20-inch Shark Gray wheels, and A-Spec badges.
  • Interior: Sport pedals, Ultrasuede sport seats with red stitching, a flat-bottom sport steering wheel, and brushed aluminum trim.
  • Technology: 19-speaker premium sound system. 

Advance package (Luxury/Convenience) 
  • Exterior: Roof rails, auto-dimming side mirrors, and LED door handle lights. 
  • Interior: Heated second-row outboard seats, upgraded leather upholstery, 16-way power front seats with a massage function, and real wood interior trim. 
  • Technology: Head-up display (HUD) and a surround-view camera system. 

A-Spec Advance package 
  • This is a combination package that adds all the sporty features of the A-Spec with all the luxury features of the Advance package.
  • It is the best of both worlds, providing a sporty look with premium comfort and convenience features. 



What is the difference between the technology package and the advance package?


The Technology package focuses on connected and smart tech features, like the navigation system, premium audio, and GPS-linked climate control, while the Advance package includes all the Technology features plus luxury and convenience-oriented items like ventilated and massaging seats, a surround-view camera, and an adaptive damper system. Essentially, the Advance package is a higher trim level that builds upon the Technology package by adding more comfort and advanced features. 
You can watch this video to learn about the key differences between the Technology and Advance packages on the Acura MDX: 48sVagabond BuildsYouTube · Aug 30, 2025

Feature Technology Package Advance Package
Focus Connected and smart technology Luxury and convenience
Key Technology GPS-linked climate control, navigation, premium audio Includes all Technology features, plus surround-view camera
Seating Sport seats, premium leather-trimmed interior Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs
Comfort & Convenience Blind spot information system, remote start Includes all Technology features, plus Heads-Up Display, adaptive damper system, heated second-row seats, rear window sunshades
Performance Uses the same base engine as the Advance package Includes an adaptive damper system for improved ride and handling
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This video explains the differences between the Technology and Advance packages in a different model: 1mHome_Kar NetworkYouTube · Jul 11, 2023



What year to stay away from Acura MDX?


You should generally avoid the 2001, 2003, 2004, 2010, and 2014 Acura MDX models due to recurring issues with their transmissions and other systems. Additionally, some 2016–2020 models with the 9-speed transmission had shift issues. Years to consider for better reliability are 2007–2009 and 2017 and later. 
Years to avoid

  • 2001, 2003, 2004: These years are frequently mentioned for transmission problems. 
  • 2010: This year is cited for transmission issues and potential oil burning problems. 
  • 2014: Cited for transmission problems and user-unfriendly infotainment systems. 
  • 2016–2020: Models from this range, especially those with the 9-speed transmission, can have shifting issues. 

Years to consider
  • 2007–2009: These are noted as being among the more reliable models in the second generation. 
  • 2017 and later: These models are generally considered more reliable, with improved technology and performance. 
  • 2022 and newer: The new generation is showing positive early reliability and has an improved 10-speed transmission. 



What is the advance package on an Acura MDX?


The Acura MDX Advance Package is the top-tier trim level that adds luxury and technology features above the Technology or A-Spec packages, including heated and ventilated front seats with massage functions, heated second-row seats, a surround-view camera system, and a head-up display (HUD). It also adds premium touches like authentic open-pore wood trim, a more powerful sound system, and a hands-free power liftgate. 
Convenience and comfort

  • Seating: 16-way power-adjustable front seats with 9-way massage function, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated outboard second-row seats. 
  • Power liftgate: Hands-free access with walk-away close functionality. 
  • Heated steering wheel: Included with authentic open-pore wood trim. 
  • Climate control: GPS-linked climate control and a heated steering wheel. 

Technology and audio
  • Head-up display: A 10.5-inch full-color display projects key driving information. 
  • Camera system: A surround-view camera system provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings. 
  • Audio system: A 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system comes standard. 
  • Digital instrument cluster: A 12.3-inch HD Precision Cockpit digital instrument cluster with updated graphics and navigation integration. 

Design and performance
  • Trim: Features authentic open-pore wood trim. 
  • Wheels: Often includes unique premium alloy wheels. 
  • Engine: Equipped with the same 290-horsepower V6 engine as other models. 
  • Drivetrain: The Advance Package is exclusively available with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. 


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.