Engine

3.7-liter VTEC V-6 Engine

The MDX features Acura's largest engine, which offers a remarkable combination of power and efficiency. This V-6 has been widely lauded in the industry for its smooth delivery and refinement-a hallmark of Acura engines.

• The 3.7-liter VTEC^® V-6 delivers 300 horsepower and 270 lbs.-ft. of torque.
• Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control (VTEC) increases high-rpm horsepower by opening the intake valves deeper and longer when engine speed reaches a designated rpm.
• EPA mileage ratings²⁷ are 16 city / 21 hwy / 18 combined. Based on the EPA rating and its 21-gallon fuel capacity, the MDX has an estimated 400-mile plus highway cruising range.
• The Drive-by-Wire^™ throttle system varies throttle sensitivity to provide the appropriate throttle response and feel to different driving conditions.
• Lightweight magnesium-alloy cylinder head covers with hardened aluminum cylinder sleeves help improve vehicle balance and the power-to-weight ratio.
• A forged crankshaft results in lower weight and increased strength.
• A high-flow exhaust system increases the engine's power efficiency.

Drivetrain

Sequential SportShift Automatic With Paddle Shifters

The 6-speed Sequential SportShift automatic with paddle shifters allows you to choose from full set-and -forget mode with precise and intuitive shifting to full manual control with quick gear changes on demand, and even provides a convenient step or two in between.

• Set the transmission to "Drive" for smooth gear changes with an emphasis on fuel economy. Select "Sport" for quicker acceleration, as the transmission allows the engine to rev higher before upshifting.
• Tapping a paddle shifter while in "Drive" brings a quick gear change with automatic operation returning when reaching a steady speed. This allows you to make quick gear changes without changing in and out of manual mode.
• Using a paddle shifter in "Sport" puts the transmission into full manual mode, where you'll have complete control in instances such as high-performance or hilly driving.
• For better climbing or increased downhill engine braking, Grade Logic Control instructs the transmission to hold a lower gear when encountering a steep uphill or downhill grade.
• To avoid disrupting the chassis or power delivery, Shift Hold Control will delay upshifting as you accelerate through a curve.
• Hill Start Assist eases starts on inclines. Sensing an uphill grade, the system holds brake pressure momentarily while your foot moves from the brake pedal to the throttle for a smooth, secure start.

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive

Acura developed its revolutionary Super Handling All-Wheel Drive^™ (SH-AWD^®) system to enhance high-performance dry-road handling while providing the same all-weather advantages of conventional all-wheel drive. By continuously directing engine power to match weight distribution, available traction, and other conditions, SH-AWD provides seamless power transitions and supreme agility. The result is enhanced high-performance cornering that simply can't be matched by front, rear, or conventional all-wheel drive systems.

• The system continuously determines the optimal level of power distribution between the front and rear wheels, and also between the rear wheels based on an analysis of wheel speed, steering angle, lateral G-force and yaw rate.
• For better fuel economy, up to 90% of the power is sent to the front wheels when cruising in a straight line.
• As weight shifts to the rear of the MDX during hard acceleration, the SH-AWD system transfers up to 45% of engine power to the rear wheels to take advantage of available rear-wheel traction.
• In a curve under hard acceleration, 70% of effective torque can be directed to the rear-all of which can go to the outside wheel to improve cornering by directing power where weight has shifted.
• The system reduces understeer and increases stability by turning the outside rear wheel slightly faster than the rest of the wheels, rotating the vehicle through the turn.

Handling

Active Damper System

The available Active Damper System is one of the most sophisticated suspension technologies in the industry. It can adjust suspension stiffness changes in a split second, to both smooth the ride and sharpen handling, according to driving conditions. This allows the MDX to remain soft and comfortable during highway cruising, yet firm when the road requires high-performance handling.

• The dampers-also known as shock absorbers-are filled with a fluid that significantly thickens in the presence of a magnetic field. The stronger the field, the stiffer the damper.
• Each damper can adjust from soft to race car-stiff in as little as five milliseconds.
• A button on the console allows drivers to manually select their preference for a "Comfort" or "Sport" ride.
• The Active Damper System is on whenever the ignition is engaged.

Suspension Systems

The MDX suspension system was designed with many extras that help deliver a light, graceful feeling on the road. For the best balance of handling precision and ride feel, the front strut and rear multi-link suspensions were designed to accommodate the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive^™ system's unique lateral and forward forces.

• The front MacPherson strut design features forged-aluminum lower control arms, aluminum uprights, and other lightweight components for a smoother, more comfortable ride.
• To reduce road noise and vibration, the front system uses fluid-filled bushings, and both the front and multi-link rear systems are mounted on separate subframes.
• The rear system also isolates springs and dampers from lateral forces to maintain composure in hard cornering.
• Thick front and rear stabilizer bars control body roll for flatter cornering.

Steering System

Because steering is a key aspect of the driver-vehicle relationship, Acura engineers spent considerable time raising the quality of the steering feedback-just one of the reasons the MDX feels so much more responsive on the road.

• The MDX gets its precise steering feel during curves and other conditions as a result of the hydraulic power assist.
• The steering system operates easily at parking lot speeds but has a firm feel on the highway since the power assist varies by engine speed.

Performance Braking

The brake system is engineered to provide best-in-class braking capability in dry, wet and icy conditions. It is also tuned to provide the precise modulation necessary for the utmost confidence during spirited driving. The disc brakes are the largest ever provided on a production Acura.

• The ventilated front discs measure 13 inches in diameter and are gripped by dual-piston, cast-iron calipers.
• The solid rear discs are 13.2 inches with single-piston, cast-iron calipers.
• To satisfy the enthusiast driver, the brake pedal feel is firm with short brake pedal travel.

Rigid Body Structure

A rigid body structure is vital for a smooth ride, precise handling and a quiet cabin. The MDX achieves a high level of rigidity-particularly for an SUV-by using an array of stiff, yet lightweight materials throughout the body.

• The lower weight, yet superior strength of high-tensile steel is used in key areas such as roof arches, front rails, and around the tailgate opening.
• Pounds were also reduced by using aluminum in areas where less weight is beneficial and the strength of steel is not essential, such as the hood and instrument panel.

Smooth & Quiet Ride

Acura first reduced noise vibration and harshness by attacking vibration in the body during the engineering phase, rather than just adding sound-insulating materials to the body later.

• The rear suspension mounts are attached directly to the body for greater rigidity and reduced vibration.
• The front and rear subframes are stiffer, which allow for softer mounting bushings and a further reduction in noise and vibration.
• To diminish the "drumming" noises inherent in SUVs, insulating materials were used in critical areas, including those on the front bulkhead, the floor, side body, doors and roof.
• A unique carpet and padding system further reduces noise intrusion.

Battery

Battery Charge Protection

The MDX has a Power Management System that can help prevent the inconvenience of a dead or weak battery. The system will shut down accessories if it detects the battery may soon be too weak to start the engine.

• ²⁷  Based on 2013 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Lighting & Visibility

Rearview Camera

All MDX models come with a rearview camera that automatically produces a display when "reverse" is engaged. The standard system provides a display within the rearview mirror. MDX models with the navigation system feature three separate views that appear in the navigation screen. You can change the views by pressing the navigation system's "enter control."

• The normal view is ideal to spot items behind the MDX that are too low to be seen through the rear window.
• The wide angle view shows a 170° view behind the MDX, which is perfect for spotting approaching vehicles when backing out of parking spots.
• The top-down view is useful for parallel parking or lining up a trailer hitch.
• Yellow guidelines help guide your trajectory and judge distances. The closest guideline indicates clearance for opening the power tailgate.

Blind Spot Information System

The MDX can be equipped with a blind spot information system that assists you when making lane changes.

• If the system detects a vehicle in an adjacent lane in the MDX's "alert zone" (approximately from the rear half of the MDX to half a car-length back), an indicator will appear on that side's windshield pillar.
• The pillar light will flash if the driver activates the turn signal in the direction where a vehicle has been detected.
• In order to avoid disturbing the driver or passengers, no sounds are emitted by the system.
• The indicators only light up when the MDX is traveling above 6 mph, so they won't come on when parking, at stop lights, or in stop-and-go traffic.

HID Headlights

All MDX models are equipped with Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights for the low beams.

• Xenon lights cast a whiter and brighter light for improved clarity.
• The HID lenses allow a more precise beam pattern that increases road visibility without blinding oncoming drivers.

Access

Key Remote Functions

The MDX key remote was given a few extra convenience features beyond the usual door lock, trunk release and panic button functions.

• On a hot day, the remote can lower the windows and open the sunroof to air out the MDX before you enter.
• The two primary drivers can each store their driver's seat and side mirror positions, radio presets, and climate preferences in memory which links to their respective key remotes. Their settings will be activated the moment the driver's door is opened.
• The key folds into the remote, making it more compact for carrying.

Power Tailgate

Press a button on the key fob, and the tailgate will automatically open for you. And when you're finished loading or unloading, just press the button again and it powers down and latches.

• The tailgate will also activate from a button on the driver's door, as well as by the tailgate handle.
• In the event of a power failure, the tailgate can be raised and lowered manually.
• When opening or closing, the tailgate will automatically reverse itself if it encounters a sufficient obstruction.

Cruise Control

Adaptive Cruise Control

As with a conventional system, the available Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)⁵³ system allows you to set a desired speed, but it also lets you set time intervals from the car ahead of you so you can enjoy cruise control even in light traffic conditions.

• While cruising, engage the ACC, and the system will prompt you to select a short, medium or long interval from the vehicle ahead.
• ACC will maintain the set distance, modulating the throttle and applying moderate braking if necessary.

• ⁵³  ACC cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. ACC should not to be used in heavy traffic, poor weather or on winding roads. The driver remains responsible to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision.

Seating

Front Seats

Both front seats in the MDX have pronounced side bolsters to provide lateral support for cornering and plenty of comfort for long drives.

• Advanced seat frames and power adjustment features help reduce flex in seat movement, imparting a stable and substantial feel.
• The driver enjoys a 10-way adjustable power seat, including a power lumbar support.
• The front passenger is given similar consideration with an 8-way power adjustable seat.
• Both front seats offer two levels of heating. With the Advance Package, the front seats can vent as well as heat by sending air through the perforations in the leather, allowing you to reach your desired comfort level more quickly.
• For supreme convenience, the 2-driver automatic memory system is designed to record preferences for the driver's seat, steering wheel and side mirror positions as well as climate control and audio presets.

2nd & 3rd-Row Seats

As part of its 4+3 seating design, the outboard 2nd-row seats closely mimic the front seats with comfortable contoured shapes and pronounced side bolsters to help hold the passengers in place.

• For a commanding view, the cushions sit higher than the front row for a theater-seating effect.
• When the middle space in the second row is not occupied, a center armrest can be folded down, providing room for two arms, as well as retractable dual cup holders.
• In a single movement, the passenger-side 2nd-row seat will tilt and slide forward for easy access to the 3rd-row seats.
• Seats feature plenty of headroom, legroom and adjustable headrests.
• 3rd-row passengers have their own beverage holders and storage pockets.
• The 2nd-row outboard seats feature two-level heating on models equipped with the Entertainment Package.

Storage

Cargo Area

With the combination of 60/40 2^nd-row split and 50/50 3^rd-row split seatbacks, the MDX easily adapts to a variety of passenger and cargo combinations.

• Behind the 3^rd-row seats lies 15 cubic feet of storage that's easily accessible though the rear hatch.
• The 50/50 3^rd-row seats can be folded flat without having to remove the headrests, raising the cargo capacity to 42.9 cubic feet⁴⁷.
• For the maximum cargo volume of over 103 cubic feet⁴⁷, the 60/40 split-folding 2^nd-row seats can create a flat-load floor in the rear.
• A hidden storage area under the floor is perfect for trunk items such as tools or anything you want concealed.

Cabin Storage

There are four separate storage areas within reach of the driver, and passengers have plenty of space for their travel accoutrements.

• The center console features a clamshell opening that allows the driver or front passenger to access the space without disturbing the resting arm of the other.
• This space is perfect for storing CDs and other handy items, plus it offers access to the USB and auxiliary audio input connections on Technology or Advance Package-equipped models.
• The front passenger has access to a large, bin-style glove box and a side console pocket with a sliding cover.
• Overhead is a drop-down pocket for sunglasses.
• The door panels feature map storage and a space designed for a water bottle.
• The base model also has a covered storage area at the bottom of the center control panel.
• The 2nd-row passengers can access the pockets on the front seatbacks, deep storage pockets in the doors, and a dual cup holder in the center armrest.
• The 3rd-row passengers each have an outer armrest with a beverage holder and storage bin.

Climate Control

Automatic Climate Control

To maximize comfort for all passengers, the MDX features a tri-zone Automatic Climate Control system that allows the driver, front passenger and rear passengers to adjust their own temperature and airflow settings.

• 2^nd-row passengers select from a climate control panel at the rear of the center console with an LED display and controls for temperature, fan speed, auto/manual switching.
• The driver can synchronize all zones to a dual or single setting when desired.
• Almost all climate control functions can be operated by voice commands.

GPS-linked Temperature Control

When the climate control is in automatic mode and direct sunlight is warming one side of the cabin, the system will automatically adjust to compensate for the heat gain. The system will track the sun's position to continually maintain the set zone temperatures, as needed.

• The automatic climate control system uses the Acura Navigation System's¹⁰ GPS receiver to continually track the vehicle's position relative to the sun.
• A solar sensor measures the sun's intensity to determine its impact on interior temperature.
• The GPS-link is completely automatic.

Bluetooth Interface

Bluetooth HandsFreeLink

The Bluetooth^®11 HandsFreeLink^® system works with many Bluetooth^®-enabled cell phones to let you receive and initiate phone calls through the MDX audio system without ever taking your hands off the wheel.

• A one-time pairing process on a compatible phone enables you to communicate wirelessly, and up to six phones can be paired to the system.
• When available, an incoming call will display the number if it is entered into the speed-dial list.
• The phone can then be operated through the vehicle audio system without ever leaving your pocket or purse.
• On models with the Technology Package, you can download all of your compatible phone's numbers at one time into the navigation database¹⁰.

For more details, please visit the Acura Bluetooth HandsFreeLink minisite.

• ⁴⁷  Based on SAE J1100 cargo volume measurement standard plus floor space between first and second seats and front seats moved forward. This figure compares more accurately with most competitive measurements.
• ¹⁰  Acura Navigation System and related features available only in the United States, Puerto Rico and parts of Canada. See your local Acura dealer for information regarding navigation system area coverage.
• ¹¹  The Bluetooth^® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks is under license.

Audio Systems & Entertainment

Standard Audio System

The easy-to-operate standard MDX audio system offers clear, dynamic sound throughout the cabin with 253 watts of power and seven speakers, including an 8-inch subwoofer. The system can accommodate a wide variety of audio sources, which include:

• MP3- and WMA⁶-compatible 6-disc CD changer
• AM/FM with RDS readout
• XM^® Radio⁴ which has more than 200 channels of digital programming and near-CD quality sound
• Auxiliary input jack

Other system features include:

• A large display that provides detailed audio information
• An automatic preset select button which allows you to preset the most powerful stations when driving into a new area. Push it again and your original presets return
• A speed-dependent volume control that automatically increases the audio gain as road speed increases
• A CD changer with a 24-bit D/A converter that can play CD, CD-R/RW, CD-Text, and MP3/WMA formats

Acura/ELS Surround Sound System

Grammy^® award-winning recording engineer and producer Elliot Scheiner helped design the Acura/ELS Surround^®32 Premium 10-speaker Sound System to reproduce music the way it is heard in the recording studio. As a result, surround sound fills the car from any stereo digital source. In addition to all the source inputs of the standard MDX audio system, features of the Acura/ELS system include:

• USB⁷ Audio Interface for iPod^®8 or flash drive that enables full operation of the devices through the audio system controls
• 15GB hard disc drive media storage (approximately 3,600 songs) with shuffle, playlist creation, and an updatable Gracenote^® database
• DVD-A, MP3, WMA⁶ and DTS-compatible disc player
• Dolby^®5 Pro Logic^® II which extracts surround sound from any digital stereo source
• 5.1 surround sound DVD-A disc-capable, the highest-fidelity sound medium available
• 410-watt amplifier with digital 96 kHz sampling for crystal-clear sound
• 10 speakers-1 per door, 2 tweeters, 1 center mid-range, 2 rear surround, 1 powered 8-inch subwoofer
• Almost all functions can be performed by Voice Recognition
• Detailed audio system displays through the navigation screen¹⁰
• Note function allows you to store song information and a 10-second sample as it is aired on an XM^® Radio⁴ station so you can recall it later

USB/iPod Integration

It's easy to take your digital music library along for the ride in your MDX. A USB connection interfaces with Apple^® iPod^®8 players and other USB mass storage devices, such as flash drives that contain MP3, WMA⁶ or AAC music files.

• Track information appears on the center display. Selection can be controlled using the audio system, including the steering wheel-mounted controls.
• The USB will charge a compatible iPod^® while it's playing.
• An auxiliary input jack can be connected to any iPod, MP3 player or other audio device.
• Both the USB and auxiliary inputs are within the center console-covered storage area, where devices can be conveniently carried and discreetly stored.

Music Voice Commands

With the Song By Voice^® feature, you can find music from the hard drive or a USB⁷-connected iPod^®8 simply by voicing a preference through the Voice Recognition system.

• The system is initialized with either of the commands, "iPod search" or "HDD search," after which you can find your preference by first stating your chosen category, such as: song, artist, album, or genre.
• Follow your category choice by stating your desired music selection. For example, if "X" is the title song of an album, the command "Play song X" will play the song, while saying, "Play album X," will play the whole album.
• You can also have the system display lists of artists, albums, and other categories on the navigation screen.

Rear Entertainment System

On long trips, 2nd- and 3rd-row passengers can keep boredom at bay with an entertainment system that's available on models with either the Technology or Advance Package.

• The Entertainment Package features the Acura DVD Rear Entertainment System, which includes a large 9-inch screen that, when activated, is automatically lowered from an overhead console.
• In addition to audio that is routed through the sound system speakers, passengers may use wireless Personal Surround headphones or connect through three available audio jacks.
• An auxiliary input jack and 115-volt outlet are provided for attaching a game console, laptop computer, or other small device.
• The system can play the full range of audio content available from the MDX audio system, and in most cases, will operate independently from the front, allowing the rear passengers to enjoy a separate type of programming.
• An illuminated and removable wireless remote and LCD control screen provides clear and intuitive operation.

Navigation System

Navigation Functionality & Controls

The Acura Navigation System¹⁰-the centerpiece of the MDX Technology Package-uses a hard drive for quick data access and is displayed using a full VGA 8-inch screen. The system is fast, easy to read and incredibly convenient.

• The full-resolution, 8-inch screen is mounted high in the center control panel to minimize eye diversion from the road.
• You can enter an address or search a location from its vast destination database, using the interface dial or the Voice Recognition system.
• The screen will plot your path on the map, show special displays to guide you through freeway ramps, interchanges and forks in the road, and even provide voiced guidance if desired.
• Additional features include Zagat^® Survey restaurant reviews, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic^™ with Traffic Rerouting^™ information and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather^™ that can help you get around delays while traveling to your desired destination.¹³
• Following the 90-day free trial period, both AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather^™ data services are available on a subscription basis for a fee, which can be combined with or separate from other XM^® subscriptions.

AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic

The AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic^™13 feature helps you steer clear of gridlock by providing continuously updated traffic information in major metropolitan areas across the 48 contiguous United States.

• Interstates and expressways are color-coded to indicate traffic flow levels.
• Icons indicate the location of incidents and traffic conditions affected by construction and weather.
• Traffic Rerouting^™ will suggest an alternative route if the system determines that the alternative is at least two minutes or 10% quicker.
• The information is aggregated by NAVTEQ^™ from multiple sources, including highway patrol incident reports and transportation departments.
• The information is updated approximately every 90 seconds.
• Following the 90-day free trial period, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic data services are available on a subscription basis for a fee, which can be combined with or separate from other XM^® subscriptions.

AcuraLink Real-Time Weather

You can determine the weather conditions in your immediate area or anywhere you plan to be with the AcuraLink Real-Time Weather^™ system¹³. It will even alert you if a potential weather-related issue exists along your plotted route.

• Current weather is shown on the MDX map display in the form of icons, which can be clicked on to receive details.
• Weather forecasts for the next three hours, six hours, and across the next three days in a given area are available any time.
• A warning map and an additional map showing adverse weather conditions across the U.S. are also accessible.
• Following the 90-day free trial period, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather data services are available on a subscription basis for a fee, which can be combined with or separate from other XM^® subscriptions.

AcuraLink

To keep you up-to-date with the latest information related to your MDX, this easy-to-use proprietary data network uses the XM^® Radio⁴ communications interface. Some of the features available through AcuraLink^® Satellite Communication System¹⁰ include:

• A pre-programmed MDX feature guide
• Automated Appointments^™ with your Acura dealer
• Direct communication with your dealer
• If you have linked your cell phone to the Bluetooth^®11 HandsFreeLink^® interface, the system can also contact Acura headquarters and your dealer for the latest diagnostic information.

Destination Database

The Acura Navigation System¹⁰ has an extensive database of addresses and points of interest for a variety of handy information.

• You can ask the system to show you the nearby ATMs, and if you don't want to pay a service charge, just tell it to show your bank's machines.
• You can also find the exact type of restaurant you're in the mood for, as well as locate schools, parks, hospitals, drugstores, museums, and more.
• Since destinations change over time, downloadable updates can be purchased through this website.

Zagat Reviews

The Acura Navigation System¹⁰ will not only tell you where restaurants are and how to get to them, it can also tell you their price range and provide customer reviews.

• The system's Zagat Survey^® restaurant reviews provide detailed information from a database that you can read on-screen-or if you're driving, they can be spoken over the audio system.
• If you need reservations, the system can even dial the restaurant for you through a compatible Bluetooth^®11 HandsFreeLink^®-enabled cell phone.

Voice Recognition

The Voice Recognition feature that accompanies the optional Acura Navigation System¹⁰ allows you to perform the most frequently used functions of the audio, climate control, HandsFreeLink and navigation systems without ever taking your hands off the wheel.

• With a simple click of the "Talk" steering wheel-mounted control, the audio system will instantly mute as you issue one of over 600 voice commands with 100,000 variations to the audio, climate or navigation systems.
• Some commands can replace multiple manual functions; for example, "CD 3, song 4" will turn on the audio system, select the third CD, and play the fourth song.
• You can enter a specific address, as the navigation system will recognize over a million city and street names.

• ⁶  Windows Media^® Audio is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft^® Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
• ⁴  SiriusXM Satellite Radio, NavTraffic and NavWeather subscriptions sold separately or as a package after trial period. If you decide to continue your service at the end of your trial subscription, the plan you choose will automatically renew and bill at then-current rates until you call 1-866-635-2349 to cancel. See SiriusXM Customer Agreement for complete terms at siriusxm.com. Other fees and taxes will apply. All fees and programming subject to change. Not all vehicles are capable of receiving all services offered by SiriusXM. Current information and features may not be available in all locations, or on all receivers. SiriusXM is not responsible for any errors or inaccuracies in the NavTraffic or NavWeather service or their use in the vehicle. XM satellite service is available only to those at least 18 years of age in the 48 contiguous USA and DC. SiriusXM Internet Radio service is available throughout our satellite service area and in AK, HI and PR. ^© 2013 Sirius XM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc.
• ³²  ELS Surround^® is a registered trademark of Panasonic Corporation of North America. All rights reserved.
• ⁷  The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your local Acura dealer for details on compatibility.
• ⁸  Currently includes fifth generation or later Apple iPod, and all generations of iPod Nano, iPod Classic, iPod Touch, or iPhone^®. iPod^® and iPhone^® are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
• ⁵  Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
• ¹⁰  Acura Navigation System and related features available only in the United States, Puerto Rico and parts of Canada. See your local Acura dealer for information regarding navigation system area coverage.
• ¹³  AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather^™ are operable only in select markets within the 48 contiguous United States. AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic^™ is also operable in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather^™ are available by separate XM NavTraffic^® and XM NavWeather^™ subscriptions after a complimentary 90-day trial period. AcuraLink^® Satellite Communication System does not require a subscription.
• ¹¹  The Bluetooth^® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks is under license.

Braking & Stability

Braking Systems

The MDX disc brakes are backed up by several sophisticated electronic systems to provide you with enhanced braking abilities under almost any circumstance.

• The anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking heavily by preventing the wheels from locking up, while allowing them to achieve their maximum level of stopping power.
• The Electronic Brake Distribution system uses the ABS system to direct braking power among the four wheels, depending on their load, to help optimize braking effectiveness.
• The Brake Assist system detects emergency braking from the driver by monitoring the speed at which the brake pedal is depressed and stepping in to ensure the ABS system is activated-terminating immediately upon release of the brake pedal.

Vehicle Stability Assist

The Vehicle Stability Assist^™ (VSA^®) system uses an array of sensors, along with ABS, and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive^™ (SH-AWD^®), to reduce the dangers of oversteer or understeer.¹²

• VSA continually monitors vehicle speed, throttle position, individual wheel speeds, steering angle and vehicle yaw rate.
• If potential oversteer or understeer is detected, the system will first use SH-AWD to redirect power among the front wheels and each of the rear wheels to maintain stability.
• If using SH-AWD is insufficient, the system will reduce engine torque and uses the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to apply brakes to each wheel as needed, to help stabilize the vehicle.
• VSA interacts with the Active Damper System on equipped models. When called upon by the VSA, the Active Damper System will shift to a suspension setting that maximizes traction until VSA disengages.
• In all cases, VSA response is so quick that the instability may be corrected before the driver even knows it's occurring.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Since an under-inflated tire impedes handling and can be a safety hazard, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses pressure sensors mounted in each wheel that send readings to a central electronic control unit. The system then evaluates whether the pressure is in an acceptable range.

• If a reading is significantly below the recommended level, the MDX will alert the driver through the Multi-Information Display (MID) located on the instrument panel.
• The problem tire will be indicated, along with the individual pressure for all four tires.
• The pressure display can be accessed anytime, using the MID controls on the steering wheel.
• As useful as TMPS is, it is still recommended that you manually check your tires on a regular basis.

Collision Mitigation

Collision Mitigation Braking System

To help reduce the likelihood of a frontal impact, the Advance Package includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System^™ (CMBS^™).

• Powered by a radar transmitter mounted in the MDX grille, a signal is constantly transmitted and the return signal is evaluated, determining the distance and closing speed of detected objects that lie directly ahead.
• If a collision is possible, the system will sound audio and visual alerts to warn the driver.
• If the driver does not take action to reduce speed, the CMBS will automatically tug at the driver's seat belt and begin light braking.
• When the system senses that a frontal collision is unavoidable, and even if no prior alerts have been given, the front seat belts tighten, and strong braking is automatically applied to help reduce the impact velocity and collision force.
• The goal of the CMBS system is to alert the driver to apply the brakes. It is not alone expected to brake the vehicle sufficiently to avoid a collision.

Airbag System

The MDX is equipped with a sophisticated six-airbag system, which includes two front airbags, two front-side airbags, and two side curtain airbags that provide coverage for all three rows of outboard seats. The systems are designed so that the airbags can deploy at the right time with the appropriate force.

• The front airbags are equipped with two-stage, multiple-threshold inflators. One or both airbags will be deployed only in the event of a sufficient frontal impact. If deployed, these airbags are capable of being inflated at different rates depending on crash severity, seat belt usage and/or other factors. Frontal airbags are designed to supplement the seat belts to help reduce the likelihood of head and upper body injuries in frontal crashes.
• The Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) uses sensors in the front passenger seatback to determine the height and position of the passenger and will deactivate the side airbag if it detects that a child or small-statured adult is in the side airbag deployment path.
• In a side impact, side curtain airbags deploy downward from the side edge of the headliner on the impacted side to help protect outboard occupants in all three rows of seats.

Seat Belts & Active Front Head Restraints

All seven seating positions in the MDX have 3-point belts and head restraints. The front seats have load-limiting tensioners and active head restraints.

• The front seats' automatic tensioning belts react in the first milliseconds of an impact to automatically tighten the belts and help hold the individual in position against the seatback.
• To help prevent the automatic tensioning belt from causing undue pressure on the chest, load limiters slightly relieve belt tension, as needed, to help soften the force.
• In a rear-end collision, a front seat occupant's body will be pushed against the seatback, and the pressure to the seatback is transmitted from the lumbar plate, pushing the head restraint upward and forward to reduce the gap between the occupant's head and the head restraint.
• Impact forces on the neck and spine are diminished, helping reduce the likelihood of whiplash injuries.

Child Safety

The MDX has several features addressing child safety, from sophisticated airbag sensors to anchors that secure child seats.

• The Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) utilizes sensors in the front passenger's seatback to detect if the occupant is a child or small-statured adult.
• The passenger front-side airbag will deactivate if a child or a small-statured adult is leaning into the airbag deployment path.
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) anchors plus upper-tether anchors in the rear seat allow LATCH-compatible child seats to be installed in the outboard positions without the use of seat belts.
• All windows and the moonroof have an auto-reverse feature that prevents them from closing if a finger or other similar obstacle is encountered.

Body Structure Design

Acura utilizes Advanced Compatibility Engineering^™ (ACE^™) body structure to enhance occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes.

• The ACE^™ design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle.
• This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.

Security

Security System

Like every Acura model, the MDX comes equipped with a security system. In the event of a break-in, the following events will occur:

• The ignition will be disabled.
• The horn will sound.
• The lights will flash.

• ¹²  VSA is not a substitute for safe driving. It cannot correct the vehicle's course in every situation or compensate for reckless driving. Control of the vehicle always remains with the driver.