The MDX draws both power and efficiency from an all-new 3.5-liter, 290-horsepower V-6 engine that features Direct Gas Injection, Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) and the Acura i-VTEC® system.
No longer are the terms “fuel efficiency” and “SUV” on opposite sides of the road. The EPA Fuel Economy Ratings of 19 city, 27 highway and 22 combined (Front-wheel drive without Idle Stop) are largely unheard of for a luxury 3-row SUV. Acura pulled out all the stops to make the MDX as efficient as possible.
The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) enables you to choose the feel of the dynamic responses within your vehicle. With a button located by the shifter, you can change from the “Normal” setting to “Sport” to increase steering feel and quicken throttle response. On Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) models, the system more aggressively distributes power to outside wheels in a curve.
The all-new 9-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift paddle shifters is extraordinarily smooth, just like the 3.5-liter V-6 to which it’s partnered. In automatic mode, the MDX driver can choose between economical or sport shifting. Paddle shifters put full manual control right at your fingertips.
Comfort and control were top of mind when Acura developed the MDX suspension system. Both driver and passenger want to be comfortable, but the driver also needs to feel in control. To achieve this dynamic, the rear multi-link suspension has been completely redesigned, while the front suspension has been enhanced in several ways.
All MDX models are equipped with Jewel Eye® LED headlights. In addition to giving the MDX an elegant appearance, the five LEDs on each side provide a whiter, brighter beam, use less energy and last significantly longer than HID or halogen headlights.
Wipers are generally taken for granted on all automobiles but the MDX wipers were given some unexpected sophistication. In normal driving, the wipers and washer nozzles are hidden from view for a clean exterior appearance. Activating the wipers automatically turns on the headlights helping drivers comply with regulations in many states.
All MDX models include a rearview camera that automatically produces a display in the center screen when “Reverse” is engaged. There are three separate views, allowing you to select the one that best serves your situation. You can change the views by pressing the center panel’s “Enter” control.
Leading the way in audio and information technology has its advantages, and its challenges. As the number of features continued to increase, Acura designers foresaw a very crowded center panel. So they designed an intuitive touch screen called On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD™) to house all the controls you need at any given time. As a result, what could have been more than 41 buttons has been simplified to nine.
With the push of a button, the 2nd row seat folds and slides forward to provide easy access the 3rd row. Pushing the seat back returns it to the starting position. A second pair of buttons high on the seatback help 3rd row passengers exit. All buttons light up when a rear door is opened.
Experience clear, dynamic sound with the easy-to-operate standard MDX Acura Premium audio system. The system is operated by the center touch screen (ODMD™) offering direct access to all audio sources and easy-to-read controls & displays. Most primary functions can also be operated by the steering wheel controls.
It’s easy to take your digital music library along for the ride in your MDX. A USB connection interfaces with Apple® iPod® players and other USB mass storage devices, such as flash drives that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files.
The MDX disc brakes are backed up by several sophisticated electronic systems to provide you with enhanced braking abilities under almost any circumstance.
The MDX uses the next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure to enhance occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. This structure helped enable the MDX to achieve 5- stars for every rating on the NHTSA front crash impact tests.
All three 2nd row seating positions are equipped with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) allowing LATCH-compatible child seats to be installed without the use of seat belts. The 3rd row seats have tether anchors and can accommodate a child seat using their seat belts.
All seven seating positions in the MDX have 3-point belts and head restraints. The front seats also have a load limiting tensioner system. Each airbag has a sophisticated deployment system.