Many potential buyers might not realize that Honda and Acura are housed under the same roof. Like Nissan and Infiniti, Toyota and Lexus, and Ford and Lincoln, they comprise the economy-luxury pairing many manufacturers structured into their business model. So, while the Honda Pilot may not resemble the 2019 Acura MDX upon first inspection, there are more similarities than you might think.

But the 2019 Acura MDX is a unique SUV of its very own. Here are the details about the latest addition to the MDX family.

Performance Specifications

Acura fits the 2019 MDX mid-size SUV with two available engines. The first is a 3.5-liter V6 capable of 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. A second hybrid variant mates a 3.0-liter V6 with 333 electric motors for a combined 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. Larger V6 engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic while the smaller hybrid combo uses a 7-speed transmission to shift its gears.

All 2019 MDX models are front-wheel drive standard but all-wheel drive is available. The 2019 MDX is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds.

Entertainment and Safety Features

The 2019 Acura MDX wins a 5 out of 5 overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for an overall safety rating. Like most SUVs on the market today, however, the MDX does receive a 4 out of 5 rating for the rollover test. All the same, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the 2019 MDX “Good” in all testing categories.

The 2019 Acura MDX is available in 4 trim levels:

 

  • Standard: Features include a sunroof, heated leather seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and Bluetooth. You might also enjoy the 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and 8-speaker sound system. Safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
  • Technology: Upgrades on this model include a navigation system, a color driver info display, a 10-speaker audio system, and 20-inch wheels. Safety aids on this trim include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
  • Advance: Front and rear parking sensors are just the tip of the iceberg on the Advance trim level. Automatic engine stop-start is a unique feature at this price point, along with a surround-view camera system that lets you see a birds-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings. Heated and ventilated front seats are accompanied by second-row heated seats.
  • A-Spec: This trim level is technically just exterior upgrades in terms of overall appearance. Think blacked-out trim and wider wheels and tires. Besides interior upgrades, you’ll also enjoy ventilated front seats.

 

In addition to these starting-point trims, there are a number of optional packages you can tack on—for an added price, of course. For example, the all-wheel drive Sport Hybrid is available on Technology and Advance trims only. There’s an Entertainment package available on these 2 trims as well. It features either a 9-inch or a 16.2-inch touchscreen and 11 or 12 speakers.

Fuel Efficiency

Acura does well to include a hybrid powertrain in the 2019 MDX. Between the 3.0-liter V6 and the 3 electric motors, customers should see around 26 city and 27 highway EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon (MPG).

The 3.5-liter V6 can’t quite match those numbers, but it does range anywhere from 19-20 city and 25-27 highway MPG, depending on the drive type you choose. Typically, all-wheel drive variants suffer a bit in fuel economy, which is the case with the 2019 MDX.  

How the 2019 Acura MDX Compares

After having been through the automotive reviewers circuit, the 2019 Acura MDX received as many compliments as it did constructive feedback. According to Consumer Reports, “this is a well-rounded, functional, and competitively-priced vehicle” that finds itself similarly priced to the Infiniti QX60, Volvo’s XC90, and the Lexus RX.

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) experts noted the 2019 MDX hits the mark with its “reputation for reliability, good resale value, premium amenities and strong safety/driver-assist features.” If you’re looking for imports similarly equipped, you’ll pay a much steeper fee. When testing the hybrid powertrain, KBB reviewers marveled at the increased responsiveness and better handling. However, Edmunds experts couldn’t say the same about the adaptive cruise control system that “can be slow to respond and abrupt when it does.”

For an SUV that starts at around $44,000, though, the 2019 Acura MDX is an affordably-priced luxury alternative to some of the more mundane SUVs flooding the market.

Pros

  • Hybrid variant
  • Affordable
  • Lots of available safety features

Cons

  • Not much in the way of sportiness
  • Limited engine options
  • Transmission buttons aren’t for everyone

Check out the 2019 Acura MDX if you’re looking for a bit more luxury from your mid-size SUV. Acura offers a lot of safety features at this price point, along with a variety of options both inside and out.