This Owner’s Guide is intended to help you quickly get acquainted with your 2015 Acura
MDX. It provides basic information and instructions on technology and convenience
features, as well as emergency procedures and how to get assistance.
This guide is for vehicles sold in the United States and Canada. It covers all MDX models, so
you may find descriptions of features and equipment that are not in your vehicle. Images
throughout this guide are from U.S. vehicles and represent features and equipment that are
available on some, but not all, models.
This guide is not intended to be a substitute for the Owner’s Manual. The Owner
Information CD enclosed in your glove box kit includes the Owner’s Manual, Navigation
Manual, and vehicle and tire warranties in electronic format. This information can be viewed
on a computer (PC or Mac platform) and saved or printed for your reference. You can
also visit owners.acura.com (U.S.) or myacura.ca (Canada) to view the complete and most
current information.
If you are the first registered owner of your vehicle, you may request a complimentary
printed copy of the Owner’s Manual, Navigation Manual, or Vehicle Warranty up to six
months after vehicle purchase. To request a copy, visit owners.acura.com (U.S.) or myacura.
ca (Canada) and create or log in to your account. In Canada, please request a copy from
your Acura dealer.
American Honda Motor Company strives to be proactive in protecting our environment and
natural resources. By using electronic delivery for a considerable portion of the information
typically found in a vehicle owner’s manual, we are further reducing our impact on the
environment.
Acura Total Luxury Care r oadside Assistance
Your Acura TLC Roadside Assistance representative is here to help you
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Under your 4-year/50,000-mile (80,000 km) warranty, the
following benefits are available:
- Towing services — full cost of towing to the closest Acura dealer
- Roadside assistance — jump starting, fuel delivery, lockout, and flat tire
- Trip planning — detailed trip routing, emergency services, and more
Call (800) 594-8500 (U.S.) or (800) 565-7587 (Canada)
Acura Client relations
Your authorized Acura dealer should be able to answer any questions you have about your
vehicle. However, if you are dissatisfied with the information you receive, you can call Acura
Client Relations (see page 140).
Call (800) 382-2238 (U.S.) or (888) 922-8729 (Canada)
INTroDUCTIoN TABLe oF CoNTeNTS
*if equipped
vISUAL INDex ...................................1
Steering Wheel and Nearby Controls
1
Dashboard and Ceiling Controls ..... 2
SAFeTy INFormATIoN .................. 3
Important Safety Information ....... 3
Seat Belts ........................................... 5
Airbags ............................................... 9
Child Safety ..................................... 15
Safety Label Locations ................... 21
r eporting Safety Defects .............. 22
INSTrUmeNT P ANeL .................... 23
malfunction Indicators .................. 23
Condition Indicators ...................... 25
on/off Indicators .......................... 26
multi-Information Display ........... 27
veHICLe CoNTroLS ..................... 28
Using the remote Transmitter ..... 28
Keyless Access System .................. 29
Power Tailgate operation ............. 30
Door operation from Inside the v ehicle
31
Power Window operation ............ 32
Power moonroof operation ........33
Interior and exterior Lights ...........34
one-Touch Turn Signal .................. 36
Wiper operation ............................ 36
Adjusting the Seats ........................ 38
Adjusting the mirrors..................... 41
Adjusting the Steering Wheel ...... 42
Driving Position memory System ... 42
r ear Seats ........................................ 43
HomeLink® Garage opener .......... 45Climate Control System
................46
Seat Heaters and ventilation* ..... 49
Customized Features ..................... 50
AUDIo AND CoNNeCTIvITy ....... 51
Basic Audio operation .................... 51
Fm/Am radio .................................. 54
Siriusxm® radio ............................. 55
Compact Disc .................................. 56
Hard Disc Drive (HDD) Audio* .... 57
iPod® or USB Flash Drive .............. 58
Bluetooth® Audio ........................... 59
Pandora® ......................................... 60
AcuraLink featuring Aha™ ............. 61
r ear entertainment System* ....... 62
Bluetooth® HANDSFreeLINK ®.... 66
Basic HFL operation ...................... 66
Pairing a Phone ............................... 68
making a Call .................................. 69
SmS Text messaging and e-mail .... 72
A CUrALINK
®* ................................. 73
AcuraLink messages ....................... 73
Subscription Features .................... 74
NA vIGATIoN* ............................... 76
Basic Navigation operation ......... 76
entering a Destination .................. 79
r outing ............................................ 81
DrIvING .......................................... 83
Before Driving ................................. 83
maximum Load Limit ..................... 85
Towing a Trailer .............................. 87
r emote engine Start* ..................... 91
Starting to Drive ............................. 92
Integrated Dynamics System ....... 94
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SAFeTy
vISUAL INDex
Dashboard and Ceiling Controls
1 Color information display
2 On-Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD)
p. 53
3 Hazard warning button
4 Climate control buttons p. 46
5 Moonroof switch p. 33
Map lights p. 35
HomeLink® buttons p. 45
AcuraLink® buttons* p. 73
6 Power window switches p. 32
Door lock switches p. 31
Door mirror controls p. 41
Power folding mirror button* p. 41
7 Power tailgate button* p. 30
Fuel fill door handle p. 107
8 Hood release handle p. 124
9 Driving Position Memory System
buttons p. 42
10 Integrated Dynamics System
(IDS) button p. 94
11 Parking brake p. 95
12 Audio/phone/navigation/Surround
View Camera* buttons p. 50, 65,
75, 105
13 Rear entertainment system* p. 62
14 USB port p. 51
Auxiliary input jack p. 51
Accessory power socket p. 51
1
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5
67
9
1012
Your safety—and the safety of others—is very important, and operating this vehicle safely
is an important responsibility. While we strive to help you make informed decisions about
safety, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with
operating or maintaining your vehicle. Therefore, you must use your own good judgment.
Important Safety Information
This guide explains many of your vehicle’s safety features and how to use them. Please read
this information carefully. Following the instructions below will also help to keep you and
your passengers safe.
Important Safety Precautions
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Secure all children in the proper restraint system.
• Be aware of airbag hazards.
• Don’t drink and drive.
• Pay appropriate attention to the task of driving safely.
• Control your speed.
• Keep your vehicle in safe condition.
Engaging in cell phone conversation or other activities that keep you from paying close
attention to the road, other vehicles, and pedestrians could lead to a crash. Remember,
situations can change quickly, and only you can decide when it is safe to divert some
attention away from driving.
Important Handling Information Your vehicle has a higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle designed for use only
on pavement. Higher ground clearance has many advantages for off-highway driving.
It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and rough terrain. It also provides good
visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier.
These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher off
the ground, it has a higher center of gravity, making it more susceptible to tripping or
rollover if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more
likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. As a reminder, make sure you and your
passengers always wear seat belts.
SAFeTy INFormATIoN
13
*if equipped
14
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SAFeTy
SAFeTy
Carbon monoxide Gas
The engine exhaust from this vehicle contains carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and
highly toxic gas. As long as you properly maintain your vehicle and follow the instructions
set forth below, you will not accumulate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide gas in the
vehicle interior.
Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever:
• The exhaust system is making an unusual noise.
• The exhaust system may have been damaged.
• The vehicle is raised for an oil change.
When you operate a vehicle with the tailgate open, airflow can pull exhaust gas into the
interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the tailgate open, open
all the windows and set the climate control system as shown below.
1. Select the fresh air mode.
2. Select the (
) mode.
3. Set the fan speed to high.
4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.
Adjust the climate control system in the same manner if you sit in your parked vehicle
with the engine running. Improperly operating this vehicle on or off pavement can cause a crash or
rollover in which you and your passengers can be seriously injured or killed.
• Follow all instructions and guidelines in
this guide.
• Keep your speed low, and don’t drive faster than conditions permit.
WArNING
Safety messages
When you see the following messages throughout this guide, pay close attention.
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t
follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t
follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your
vehicle, other property, or the environment.
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CAUTIoN
NoTICe
DANGer
An enclosed area such as a garage can quickly fill up with carbon monoxide gas. Do not
run the engine with the garage door closed. Even when the garage door is open, drive out
of the garage immediately after starting the engine. Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and
even kill you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that expose you to carbon monoxide.
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Seat Belts
A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped with
airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts and wear them
properly.
Lap/Shoulder Seat Belts
All seven seating positions are equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts with emergency
locking retractors. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move freely while keeping
some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop, the retractor locks to restrain
your body. The front passenger’s, second-row, and third-row seat belts also have a
lockable retractor for use with child seats.
The front seats are equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners to enhance safety. The
tensioners automatically tighten the front seat belts during a moderate-to-severe front
collision, sometimes even if the collision is not severe enough to inflate the front airbags
or the driver’s knee airbag.
Proper Use of Seat BeltsFollow these guidelines for proper use:
• All occupants should sit upright, well back in the seat, and remain in that position for
the duration of the trip. Slouching and leaning reduces the effectiveness of the belt and
can increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.
• Never place the shoulder part of a lap/shoulder seat belt under your arm or behind your
back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash.
• Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very seriously
injured in a crash.
• Do not put any accessories on the seat belts. Devices intended to improve comfort
or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective capability and
increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.
• No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt or one that does not appear to
be working correctly. Using a seat belt that is not working properly may not protect the
occupant in a crash. Have a dealer check the belt as soon as possible.
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veHICLe CoNTroLS
veHICLe CoNTroLS
Learn about the various controls necessary for operating and driving the vehicle.
Using the remote Transmitter
Lock or unlock the doors and tailgate.
Unlock button: Press once
to unlock the driver’s door.
Press again to unlock all
doors and the tailgate.
release knob (front or back
of key): Slide the knob to
release the built-in key for
valet use.
Power tailgate button:
Press and hold to unlock and
open the power tailgate.
Press again to close it. Lock button: Press to lock
the doors and tailgate. Press
again for verification. LeD indicators*: Check door
lock or engine status (see
page 91).
Panic button: Press and
hold to sound the alarm for
30 seconds. Press again to
cancel.
veHICLe CoNTroLS
Leaving the remote transmitter in the vehicle can result in theft or accidental
movement of the vehicle. Always take it with you whenever you leave the vehicle
unattended.
eNGINe button*: After
pressing the Lock button
once, press and hold to
remotely start the engine.
*if equipped
Unlocking/Locking the Tailgate
To unlock: Press and hold the tailgate release button under
the tailgate handle to unlock the tailgate and all doors. The
vehicle can be on or off.
If there is not enough clearance for the tailgate to fully
open, press and hold the tailgate release button until you
hear two beeps. The tailgate unlatches, and you can open it
manually.
To lock: Press the tailgate lock button to lock the tailgate
and all doors. If the remote transmitter is inside the vehicle,
the tailgate and doors will not lock.
Tailgate release
button
Lock button
Keyless Access System
When you carry the remote transmitter (for example, in a pocket or purse) and it is outside
the vehicle and within range (about 32 inches or 80 cm), you can lock or unlock the doors
and tailgate without handling the transmitter.
Unlocking/Locking the Doors
To unlock: Grab the driver’s door handle when the vehicle
is off to unlock the driver’s door. Grab the front passenger’s
(or rear*) door handle to unlock all doors and the tailgate.
To lock: Press the door lock button on any front (or
rear*) door handle when the vehicle is off. If the remote
transmitter is inside the vehicle, the doors will not lock.
Door lock
button
*Some models include rear door keyless access.
NoTICe
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veHICLe CoNTroLS
veHICLe CoNTroLS
Power Tailgate operation
Use these methods to operate the power tailgate.
Power Tailgate r elease Button
The vehicle must be in Park (P) with all doors unlocked.
Press and hold the power tailgate button on the inside of
the driver’s door to open the tailgate.
Press it again at any time to close it.
Power tailgate
close button
Power Tailgate Close Button Press the power tailgate close button to automatically
close the tailgate. Press it again at any time to reverse the
tailgate direction.
Closing the power tailgate while anyone is in the path of the tailgate can
cause serious injury.
Make sure everyone is clear before closing the tailgate.
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Door operation from Inside the v ehicle
Use these methods to lock or unlock and open or close the doors.
Using the Lock Tab
To unlock: When you unlock either front door using the
lock tab, the specific door (driver’s or passenger’s) unlocks.
To lock: When you lock the door using the lock tab on the
driver’s door, all the other doors and tailgate lock at the
same time. When you lock the door using the lock tab on
the front passenger’s door, only that door locks.
Using the master Door Lock Switch
To unlock: Press the unlock side of the switch to unlock all
doors and the tailgate.
To lock: Press the lock side of the switch to lock all doors
and the tailgate.
Using the Front Door Inner Handle
Pull the front door inner handle. The door unlocks and
opens in one motion. Unlocking and opening the driver’s
door from the inner handle unlocks all other doors.
Do not pull a front door inner handle while the vehicle is
moving.
Childproof Door Locks
The childproof door locks prevent the rear doors from being
opened from the inside regardless of the position of the
lock tab.
Slide the lever in the rear door to the lock position, and
close the door.
Open the door using the outer door handle.
Unlock
Lock
Inner handle
To lock
To unlock
Lock tab
To lock
To unlock
Master door lock switch
Power tailgate button
32 || 33
veHICLe CoNTroLS
veHICLe CoNTroLS
Power Window operation
The power windows can be opened and closed when the vehicle is on by using the switches
on the doors. The switches on the driver’s side can be used to open and close all the
windows.
Automatic operation
To open: Push the switch down firmly.
To close: Pull the switch up firmly.
The window opens or closes completely. To stop the
window at any time, push or pull the switch again briefly.
manual operation
To open: Push the switch down lightly.
To close: Pull the switch up lightly.
Release the switch when the windows reach the desired
position.
Power Window Lock Push in the power window lock button so only the driver’s
window can be operated.
Closing a power window on someone’s hands or fingers can cause serious
injury.
Make sure your passengers are away from the windows before closing them.
WArNING
Close
Power moonroof operation
The moonroof can be opened and closed when the vehicle is on by using the switch on the
ceiling.
Automatic operation
To open: Push the switch back firmly to the second detent,
then release.
To close: Push the switch forward firmly to the second
detent, then release.
The moonroof opens or closes completely. To stop the
moonroof at any time, push the switch briefly.
manual operation
To open: Push and hold the switch back to the first detent until the desired position is
reached.
To close: Push and hold the switch forward to the first detent until the desired position is
reached.
moonroof Tilt
To tilt: Push the center of the switch.
To close: Push the switch forward firmly, then release.
Closing the moonroof on someone’s hands or fingers can cause serious injury.
Make sure your passengers are away from the moonroof before closing it.
Opening the moonroof in below freezing temperatures or when it is covered with snow or
ice can damage the moonroof panel or motor.
Open
CloseTilt
WArNING
On
Off
Power window
lock button
Open
No TICe
34 || 35
veHICLe CoNTroLS
veHICLe CoNTroLS
Interior and exterior Lights
Operate interior and exterior lights when the vehicle is on or off.
exterior Lights
Rotate the switch on the headlight lever to operate the exterior lights. Push the lever
forward to turn on the high beams. Return the lever to its original position for low beams.
OFF All exterior lights are off.
AUTO Turn on the automatic lighting
feature. Headlights turn on or
off depending on ambient
brightness when the vehicle is on.
Headlights automatically come
on after the wipers are engaged for a
certain time.
Turn on exterior lights except headlights.
Turn on all exterior lights including headlights.
Brightness Control
Adjust instrument panel brightness when the vehicle is on.
To brighten: Press the + button.
To dim: Press the - button.
A beep sounds when the brightness reaches minimum or
maximum.
Headlight Washers* Turn the headlights on. Press the headlight washer button to operate the washers.
The headlight washers also operate when you first turn
on the windshield wipers.
Headlight
washer
button
High
beams Low
beams
Flash high
beams
Press the map light
button to turn lights on
or off when the front
light switch is in the
door-activated position.
Interior Lights Change the interior light settings using the switches on the ceiling.
on position: The light
comes on when the
tailgate is open and
goes off when it is
closed.
off position: The light
stays off.
Cargo area lights
Located on the inside of the tailgate door.
on position: Interior
lights remain on.
Door-activated
position: Interior lights
come on when any of
the doors are opened,
the driver’s door
is unlocked, or the
vehicle is turned off.
off position: Interior
lights remain off.Door-activated position
On
Off
Second- and third-row lights
On Off
Front lights
BrightDim
*if equipped (Canadian models)
40 || 41
veHICLe CoNTroLS
veHICLe CoNTroLS
For a head restraint system to work properly:
• Do not hang any items on the head restraints or from the restraint legs.
• Do not place any object between an occupant and the seat-back.
• Install each restraint in its proper location.
Improperly positioning head restraints reduces their effectiveness and
increases the likelihood of serious injury in a crash.
Make sure head restraints are in place and positioned properly before driving.
Failure to reinstall, or correctly reinstall, the head restraints can result in
severe injury during a crash.
Always replace the head restraints before driving.
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Floor matsPosition the front and rear seat floor mats properly and
anchor them. If they are not properly positioned, the floor
mats can interfere with the front seat functions.
Do not put additional floor mats on top of the anchored
mats.
Unlock
Lock
Adjusting the mirrors
Adjust the angle of the mirrors for the best visibility when you are sitting in the correct
driving position.
Automatic Dimming r earview mirror
When driving after dark, the automatic dimming function
reduces the glare from headlights behind you.
A green indicator appears when automatic dimming is on.
The function cancels when the shift lever is in Reverse (R).
Power Door mirrors Adjust the power door mirrors when the vehicle is on.
L/r selector switch: Select the left or right mirror. After
adjusting the mirror, return the switch to the center
position.
mirror position adjustment switch: Press the switch left,
right, up, or down to move the mirror.
Folding door mirror button*: Press to fold the door
mirrors in or out.
r everse Tilt Door mirrors
Either side door mirror can tilt downward when you shift
to Reverse (R) to improve visibility on the selected side
of the vehicle when reversing. The mirror returns to its
original position when you shift out of Reverse.
When in Reverse, slide the selector switch to the left or
right side.
Indicator Sensor
Adjustment switchSelector switchFolding
button*
Selector switch
*if equipped (Canadian models)