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
2 || 3
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
281134
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
50 || 51
AUDIo AND CoNNeCTIvITy
veHICLe CoNTroLS
*if equipped
Customized Features
You can easily customize many features of your vehicle. The customized settings are
recalled every time you unlock the driver’s door with the remote (Driver 1 or Driver 2).
Settings are unique to each remote.
How to Change a Setting
The vehicle must be in Park (P) to select Vehicle Settings. Use the interface dial to make
and enter selections.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select an option (System, Vehicle, Camera, Audio, Phone, Info, or Navi*).
3. Select a setting option, and make your preferred changes.
4. Press BACK to exit out of the menus.
Setting the Clock
On vehicles without navigation, use the interface dial to adjust the time in the clock
display. On vehicles with navigation, the time is automatically set using GPS signals.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select System Settings.
3. Select Clock Adjustment.
4. Rotate the interface dial to change the hour value. Press the interface dial to select
minutes, and rotate to change the value. Press the interface dial to exit the screen.
5. Press BACK to exit out of the menus.
Settings screen
BACK
button
Interface
dial SeTTINGS
button
Basic
Audio operation
Connect audio devices and operate buttons and displays for the audio system.
USB Port
Connect a USB flash drive or other audio device, such as an iPod® or iPhone®.
1. Slide back the center console cover. Open the USB
port cover.
2. Install the flash drive or iPod cable to the USB port.
Auxiliary Input Jack
Connect standard audio devices with a 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) stereo miniplug.
1. Slide back the center console cover. Open the AUX
cover.
2. Connect the device to the input jack.
3. Use the device to control the audio.
iPod and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc.
State or local laws may prohibit the operation of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle.
AUDIo AND CoNNeCTIvITy
Learn how to operate the vehicle’s audio system.
Accessory Power Socket
Located in the center console, center pocket, and rear
cargo area. Open the socket cover to use power when
the vehicle is on.
Do not insert an automotive type cigarette lighter element. This can overheat the
power socket.
No TICe
54 || 55
AUDIo AND CoNNeCTIvITy
AUDIo AND CoNNeCTIvITy
Audio Source: Select
the FM or AM icon.
Scan: Scan for stations
with a strong signal. TAG*: Tag songs from
HD Radio and store to
a connected iPod or
iPhone.
Skip/seek bar: Find a
station with a strong
signal.
Tune bar: Change
the station.
Presets: Select and
hold a preset number
to store the current
station. Select a preset
to choose a previously
stored station. Interface dial
(from
the Audio screen):
Rotate and press to
select preset stations
in the upper display.
Fm/Am radio
Play FM or AM radio stations.
Fm/Am radio display
Siriusxm® radio
Available on a subscription basis only. For more information or to subscribe, contact your
dealer, or visit www.siriusxm.com (U.S.) or www.siriusxm.ca (Canada).
Available in the U.S. and Canada, except Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico.
XM® is a registered trademark of Sirius XM Radio, Inc.
Audio Source:
Select the XM icon.
Scan: Scan for
channels.
xm radio displaySkip/seek bar:
Change the channel.
CATeGory bar:
Change the category.
Presets: Select and
hold a preset number
to store the current
station. Select a preset
to choose a previously
stored station. Interface dial
(from the Audio
Screen): Rotate
and press to select
preset channels in
the upper display.
Screen shown for model
with navigation.
*if equipped Screen shown for model
with navigation.
58 || 59
AUDIo AND CoNNeCTIvITy
AUDIo AND CoNNeCTIvITy
iPod® or USB Flash Drive
Connect your device to the USB port (see page 51).
iPod displayAlbum/Folder bar:
Change the album or
folder.
r
epeat: Repeat the
current track or file.
Skip/seek bar:
Change the track.
random: Play tracks
or albums in random
order. Audio Source:
Select
the iPod or USB icon.
Play/pause
Interface dial (from the Audio screen):
Rotate to view tracks, and press to
select a track in the upper display.
Searching for music
Use the interface dial to search for tracks stored on the iPod or USB drive using several
methods.
1. From the audio screen, press MENU.
2. Select Music Search.
3. Select a search type (artist, album, track, etc.) or folder.
4. Select the song you want to play.
On vehicles with navigation, you can also search for and play iPod music using Song By
Voice
™ (see page 146).
iPod is a trademark of Apple, Inc.
meNU button:
Display menu items
in the upper display,
including Music
Search.
Bluetooth® Audio
Play streaming or stored audio from your compatible phone when it is paired to Bluetooth®
HandsFreeLink® (see page 68). Visit www.acura.com/handsfreelink (U.S.) or www.
handsfreelink.ca (Canada) to check phone compatibility. Standard data rates may apply.
Bluetooth® Audio display Play/r
esume
Interface dial (from
the Audio screen):
Rotate and press to
select an item in the
upper display. Audio Source:
Select
the Bluetooth icon.
Pause
Notes:
• Make sure the volume on your phone is properly adjusted.
• You may need to enable additional settings on your phone for playback.
• The resume/pause function and remote audio controls are not supported on all phones.
State or local laws may prohibit the operation of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle.
Only launch streaming audio on your phone when safe to do so.
Folder bar: Search
for a folder.
Skip/seek bar:
Change the track.
Screen shown for model with navigation.Screen shown for model with navigation.
60 || 61
AUDIo AND CoNNeCTIvITy
AUDIo AND CoNNeCTIvITy
Pandora®
Play and operate Pandora from your phone through the vehicle’s audio system. Visit
www.acura.com/handsfreelink to check phone compatibility. Standard data rates apply.
Available in the U.S. only.
Connect your phone when the vehicle is stopped.
For iPhone:
• Connect via Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® (see page 68) or USB (see page 51).
• A pop-up may appear on your phone requesting you to allow access for Pandora to be
launched.
• If you cannot operate Pandora through the audio system, it may be streaming through
Bluetooth® Audio. Make sure Pandora mode on the audio system is selected.
• If Pandora still does not operate, try rebooting the phone and reconnecting the cable if
necessary.
For Android and BlackBerry:
• Connect via Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® (see page 68).
Audio Source: Select
the Pandora icon.
Pandora displayStation bar:
Change the station.
Like/Dislike a song
Skip forward
Interface dial (from
the Audio screen):
Rotate and press to
select an item in the
upper display.
Play/Pause
State or local laws may prohibit the operation of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle.
Only launch streaming audio on your phone when safe to do so.
State
or local laws may prohibit the operation of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle.
Only launch streaming audio on your phone when safe to do so.
Aha display
AcuraLink featuring Aha™
Access music and information programming, location-based services, and social
media through your vehicle’s audio system. Visit www.acura.com/handsfreelink
(U.S.) or www.handsfreelink.ca (Canada) to check phone compatibility. Standard
data rates apply.
Visit owners.acura.com (U.S.) or myacura.ca (Canada) and download the AcuraLink
app to your phone prior to using this feature. Make sure you have an active Aha
account. Connect your phone when the vehicle is stopped.
For iPhone:
• Connect via Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® (see page 68) or USB (see page 51).
• A pop-up may appear on your phone requesting you to allow access for Aha to be
launched.
• If you cannot operate Aha through the audio system, it may be streaming through
Bluetooth® Audio. Make sure Aha mode on your audio system is selected.
• If Aha still does not operate, try rebooting the phone and reconnecting the cable if
necessary.
For Android and BlackBerry:
• Connect via Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® (see page 68).
Audio source: Select
the aha icon. Station bar
Play/pause Like/dislike
Stations: View and
select 16 previously
favorited stations.
Interface dial (from the
Audio screen): Rotate
to select an item, and
press ENTER to select it
in the upper display. meNU button:
View
the complete station
list.
Screen shown for model with navigation.
Screen shown for model with navigation.
62 || 63
AUDIo AND CoNNeCTIvITy
AUDIo AND CoNNeCTIvITy
REAR
REAR
AUDIO
FRONT
AUDIO
NAVFFFFAAAAAAAAAREARAUDIOFAAFRONTAUDIOAA
REAR
NAVNAVFRONT
AU
DIOREAR
AU DIO
operating the System from the Front
You can operate the rear entertainment system using the front audio controls.
1. Press REAR POWER to turn the system on.
2. Press REAR AUDIO.
3. Use the front audio controls to choose a media source for the rear system.
4. Press FRONT AUDIO to return to the front audio source.
Playing a Dv D
Insert a DVD into the DVD slot. It begins playing automatically. Use the front or rear
controls to navigate the DVD.
r ear entertainment System (reS)*
Rear passengers can enjoy a different audio or entertainment source than front passengers.
D vD slot
rear audio display reAr AUDIo
button: Display rear
audio information.
D vD eject button
FroNT AUDIo
button: Display front
audio information.
reAr Po
Wer
button: Turn the rear
entertainment system
on or off.
This vehicle’s overhead mounted display includes mercury-containing components. Upon
removal, please reuse, recycle, or dispose of as hazardous waste.
*if equipped *if equipped
NoTICe
System Components
Open the overhead screen and retrieve the wireless headphones to use the system.
overhead screen
9-inch reS*: Pull down the bottom edge of the screen, and
extend it until it locks into place.
Ultrawide reS*: Press OPEN. Extend the screen until it
locks into place.
Fold the screen back into the ceiling when not in use.
Press the release button to detach the rear control panel, if desired.
Auxiliary/HDmI* inputs
Auxiliary inputs can be used for video game systems and other devices. Wired
headphones can also be used.
Wireless headphones
Your vehicle comes with two sets of wireless headphones.
Pivot the left earpiece to turn on the headphones.
Turn the dial at the bottom of the right earpiece to adjust
the volume.
Auxiliary
input jacks
Release button
Ultrawide reS*
HDMI input can be used for
video game systems and
other devices.
Wired
headphone
volume
Wired
headphone
jacks
Pivot to
turn on. Volume
dial
66 || 67
Learn how to operate the vehicle’s hands-free calling system.
Basic HFL operation
Make and receive phone calls using the vehicle’s audio system, without handling your
phone. Visit www.acura.com/handsfreelink (U.S.) or www.handsfreelink.ca (Canada) to
check phone compatibility.
To reduce the potential for driver distraction, certain manual functions may be
inoperable or grayed out while the vehicle is moving. voice commands are always
available.
HFL Displays and Controls
Use the controls to enter information and make selections.
Bluetooth® HANDSFreeLINK ®
HFL display
PHoNe button: Go
to the phone screen.
BACK button: Go
back to the previous
display. Interface dial
(from the Phone
screen): Move up, down, left,
and right. Rotate and press
ENTER to make selections in
the upper display.
Pick-Up button: Answer an incoming call, or
display speed dial and call history in the MID.
Selector wheel: Scroll through speed dial and
call history in the MID. Press to make a selection.
Adjust volume during a call.
Hang-Up/Back button: End or decline a call, or
clear HFL information in the MID.
Talk button: Make a call using a stored voice tag,
phonebook name, or phone number.
v oice Command Tips
On vehicles with navigation, you can say voice commands to operate system functions.
Below are some helpful tips:
• When using the Talk button, wait for a beep before saying a command.
• To bypass the system prompts, simply press the Talk button again to say your
command.
• When the Talk button is pressed, all available voice commands are highlighted in
yellow.
• Speak in a clear, natural voice.
• Reduce all background noise.
• Adjust the dashboard and side vents away from the microphone in the ceiling.
• Close the windows and moonroof.
on-Demand multi-Use Display (oDmD) Screens
When there is an
incoming call, select
the green Pick-Up or
red Hang-Up icon. When a number
keypad is
displayed, select
numbers to enter.When an alphabet
keyboard is
displayed, select
letters to enter.
oDmD display
Select Shortcuts (Phone
tab) to access Speed Dial
and Call History.
meNU button:
Choose phone
options.
SeTTINGS button:
Choose Phone
Settings.
BLUeTooTH® HANDSFREELINK®
BLUeTooTH® HANDSFREELINK®