What is the difference between Acura MDX a-spec and advance package?
The Acura MDX A-Spec emphasizes sport styling and edgy details, while the Advance package prioritizes luxury, comfort, and technology with premium features.
Both options exist within the MDX lineup and can significantly change the feel of the SUV through exterior accents, interior finishes, seating configurations, and available technology. The guide below breaks down what each package adds or changes and how those differences might influence your buying choice.
What the A-Spec adds to the MDX
Below is a look at the elements typically included in the A-Spec package, which is geared toward a sportier appearance and interior accents.
- Exterior styling upgrades: A-Spec-specific front fascia, grille treatment, side skirts, rear diffuser, and A-Spec badging to give the MDX a more aggressive look.
- Wheels and accents: Larger wheels (often 20-inch) with dark or two-tone finishes and blacked-out exterior trim elements for a more athletic stance.
- Interior accents: Sport-oriented details such as embossed or stitched A-Spec branding, contrast stitching, and aluminum sport pedals.
- Performance/handling cues: In some model years, A-Spec models emphasize visual and interior sport cues; there is typically no engine upgrade or major suspension change included as a standard part of A-Spec, though ride feel can vary by year.
- Note on features: A-Spec packages generally rely on the base or Technology/ Advance platform’s tech stack rather than adding a complete tech upgrade; exact inclusions can vary by year and region.
In summary, the A-Spec is primarily a styling package that signals a sportier look and interior touches rather than a jump in luxury features or drivetrain capability. If you’re chasing a track-inspired appearance and a more muscular roadside presence, A-Spec is the visual option to consider.
What the Advance package adds
The Advance package focuses on luxury, comfort, and advanced technology, expanding the MDX with premium seating, climate control, and driver-assist features.
- Premium seating: Heated front seats and often ventilated seats; heated steering wheel is commonly included or available, along with more expansive driver support for memory settings and seat adjustments.
- Rear-seat comfort: In many configurations, features such as heated rear seats and enhanced rear climate control are part of or available with Advance.
- Technology and safety: Enhanced infotainment with navigation, premium audio (such as ELS Studio 3D) and larger instrument displays, plus advanced driver-assistance tools and surround-view cameras, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go in many model years.
- Convenience features: Hands-free power tailgate, wireless charging, tri-zone climate control, and other premium conveniences designed for long-range comfort.
- Seating configuration and luxury touches: The Advance trim frequently offers more upscale materials, memory settings for the driver, and sometimes 2nd-row captain’s chairs depending on the year and market.
In short, the Advance package is the luxury-and-technology focus within the MDX lineup, adding comfort-oriented features and advanced technology to elevate everyday driving and long trips. If you prioritize interior comfort, premium materials, and sophisticated tech, Advance is the package to compare against other high trims.
Side-by-side considerations
Because features can shift with model years and regional packages, use this quick guide as a baseline. Consult Acura’s official configurator or a local dealer for year-specific inclusions and exact equipment lists.
Summary
- A-Spec: Sporty styling and interior accents aimed at a more aggressive look; focuses on exterior design cues and sport-oriented details rather than a broad tech or luxury upgrade.
- Advance: Luxury and technology heavy, adding premium seating, a more advanced infotainment and audio setup, extensive comfort features, and enhanced driver aids.
Choosing between them comes down to whether you value a sportier aesthetic and interior touches (A-Spec) or elevated comfort and technology (Advance). For the best sense of what each package includes for a specific MDX model year, verify the exact gear list with an Acura dealer or official configurator, as there can be year-to-year variation.
