Which Acura MDX has cooled seats?
Ventilated (cooled) front seats are available on higher-trim Acura MDX models, most notably the Elite, and can be included on the Advance trim with certain packages depending on the model year.
In this article, we break down which MDX trims offer cooled seats, how they are packaged, and how to verify if a specific vehicle has this feature. We also note year-by-year variations and how to identify the option in a used-car listing.
Trims That Offer Cooled Seats
In the current-generation MDX lineup, cooled seats are typically found on upper trims and may require specific packages on some model years. The two most common configurations are the Elite and the Advance, with availability depending on year and package content.
- MDX Elite — Front seats with ventilated (cooled) seating as standard equipment.
- MDX Advance — Ventilated front seats are available when the vehicle is equipped with certain packages (the exact package naming can vary by model year, often involving Technology or Advance package content).
If you’re shopping for cooled seats, targeting the Elite trim is the most straightforward path, while the Advance can also offer ventilated seating when paired with the appropriate packages.
How to Verify in Your MDX
To confirm whether a specific MDX has ventilated seats, check multiple sources on the vehicle and documentation. Availability can change by year and by package, so a quick verification helps ensure you’re getting the feature you want.
- Inspect the seat controls for a Ventilated or Cooled option near the heated-seat controls.
- Review the window sticker (Monroney label) for language like “Ventilated Front Seats” or “Ventilated Seats.”
- In the infotainment system, look under Settings or Climate/Seat settings for a Ventilated seat option.
- Consult the dealer, build sheet, or original brochure for the exact trim and package details for that model year.
Verifying these details helps ensure you’re selecting an MDX with the cooled-seat feature.
Summary: Ventilated seats in the Acura MDX are tied to higher trims and certain packages. The Elite trim typically includes them as standard, while the Advance can offer ventilated seats with the right package depending on the year. Always confirm via window sticker or dealer information, as availability can vary by model year and configuration.
