Overview

Sport Utility Perfected
Introducing the 2012 Acura MDX. Behold precision engineering and performance-inspired handling in its most stylish form. With a brand new 6-speed automatic transmission, race-inspired paddle shifters, a standard power tailgate and more, the MDX empowers your every move with precision and grace.

EXterior

Lighting & Visibilty

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) 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.

Interior

Seating

Front Seats
Both front bucket 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 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-split 2nd-row and 50/50-split 3rd-row seatbacks, the MDX easily adapts to a variety of passenger and cargo combinations.

• Behind the 3rd-row seats lies 15 cubic feet of storage space that’s easily accessible though the rear hatch.
• The 3rd-row seatbacks can be folded flat without having to remove the headrests, raising the cargo capacity to 42.9 cubic feet.
• For the maximum cargo volume of over 83 cubic feet, you can fold the 60/40 split-folding 2nd-row seatbacks to 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.
• The console storage bin is perfect for storing CDs, pens, 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.

• 2nd-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’s 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.

Performance

Engine

3.7-liter VTEC V-6 Engine
The MDX features Acura’s largest engine, which offers a remarkable combination of power, efficiency and refinement.

• 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 estimated mileage is 16 city / 21 hwy / 18 combined, which, combined with a 21-gallon fuel capacity, gives the MDX the potential for attaining a 400-mile or more 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 gives you the best of both worlds by providing the convenience of precise and intuitive automatic shifting as well as shift-for-yourself control.

• 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
Though it has the same all-weather attributes of conventional all-wheel drive, Acura developed its revolutionary Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system to enhance high-performance dry-road handling. 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 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
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.

• 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.

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.

Safety & Security

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 if equipped, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), to reduce the dangers of oversteer or understeer.

• 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 the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (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, two front-side, and two side curtain airbags with 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.