Looking at pre-owned AWD and Edmonds says 2019 model had changes meant to resolve transmission shifting issues. My impression (which may be wrong) would be that this was a software fix to change shift points? In which case, would Acura have a TSB to reprogram the software on 2018s to get the same fix? Any other changes over a 2018 that would make th 2019 a better play? Thanks

 

The Aspec MDX is available in 2019 and the +19 MDX Adv got electronic dampers. You just get more time for any warranty period and any previous TSB applied with the +19 MDXs. Zero change for 18-20 MDX hybrids.

 

I had an ‘18 FWD and now a ‘20 AWD and I’ve seen multiple references to transmission updates in 2019, but no specific information. Among what I’ve read is the possibility there were minor mechanical changes but followed by the comment they’ve been unable to verify. Hasn’t it been documented that reprogramming has - when in all modes but Sport - the vehicle accelerating from a stop beginning in 2nd gear?

 

I used to work at Acura dealer for past 3 years

16 was first year of 9 speed, had some issues. 17 had the kinks worked out, same with 18. 19 they reprogramed shift points, but honestly Im an Acura enthusiast and have driven hundreds of 17-20 MDX and cant really tell a different between a 17/18 or a 19/20 transmission feel

2018 they added carplay/android auto, thats only difference of 2018

2019 Tech pkg now has parking sensors, real wood trim and perforated seats. As well as now Aspec pkg. Also parchment interior wood trim looks different if your getting parchment interior.

I would NOT recommend a 2019 over 2018 for sole reason of Transmission. You wouldn't notice a difference.

 

Thanks all, great info. May be working a deal on a 2019 dealer loaner, we’ll see what happens.

 

If the dealer loaner is a 182 point inspection CPO also, you get an upgrade to the basic warranty of 4yr/50,000 miles to 6 yr/100,000 mile and the powertrain goes from 6yr/70,000 miles to 7 yrs/100,000 miles.

 

Yes, loaners are CPO at this dealer. That’s one of the attractions of this, plus documented regular maintenance

 

On the contrary, my 2019 transmission has been extremely smooth with no complaints. There are several other 2019 owners who have expressed similar experiences. There is some literature on the changes made to the transmission for 2019 Honda Pilot, which shares the exact same transmission as the MDX and gets into more detail then the generic "Substantial refinements" to the transmission statement mentioned by Acura for the MDX. It was more then just a software update, there were mechanical changes to improve this transmission for 2019+ compared to prior years. So while the transmission is still largely the same, they did make mechanical and software changes for 2019 intended to improve shifting from prior years. Although with the 2 dog clutches people are still going to complain no matter what they do.

 

I'll concur with this. Having moved from a '17 to a '19 (and driven many '18 Loaners), the '19 is definitely different and much improved. And if my WIFE can feel the difference even from the passenger seat, you know it's gotta be something. All of that harsh shifting (especially when cold) in the '17 is gone in the '19, and overall the behavior on downshifting and starting from a dead stop are like a different vehicle. Also don't forget the Advance (non-Hybrid) now has active dampers for '19.

andy

 

In addition to the new active dampers on non-hybrid advance, the 19+ advance also gets wood trim for center console instead of the black trim which looks much nicer in addition to body matched bottom garnish instead of black, and the 19+ non-hybrid advance also got new wheels which I like quite a bit. Also all MDX 2019+ get extra 2 way power seat adjustments for driver and passenger. Off the top of my head those were the changes for 2019+ that I liked the most.

 

We just leased a 2020 tech non hybrid. I paid close attention to the shifts during test drives and during the short time we’ve owned it. I’m not feeling any jerky shifting. Actually it’s quite the opposite. Very smooth.

And I know the non hybrid doesn’t have all the performance perks of the hybrid, but coming from an Enclave, I have to say that the non hybrid is very sporty especially in sport mode which changes the shift points and tightens up the steering significantly. I’m not sure if it does anything to the suspension.

 

Just leased 2020 non-hybrid Advance-our third MDX and coming off a 2017 Hybrid (loved it) I have to say this is the best of the three. The transmission is seamless and I too took an extensive test drive to make sure it was acceptable to me.