TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION
This Owner’s Guide is intended to help you quickly get acquainted with your 2015
Acura RDX. 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 RDX
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. Images shown in this
guide should be considered examples and used for demonstration purposes only.
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, Consumer Information Book, 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. In addition, you can visit
owners.acura.com 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, Vehicle
Warranty, or Consumer Information Book. To request a copy, visit owners.acura.
com 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 Roadside 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 122).
Call (800) 382-2238 (U.S.) or (888) 922-8729 (Canada)
INTRODUCTION TABLE OF CONTENTS
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
Reporting Safety Defects .................. 22
INSTRUMENT P ANEL .................... 23
Malfunction Indicators ...................... 23
Condition Indicators .......................... 24
On/Off Indicators .............................. 25
Multi-Information Display ...............26
Customized Settings .......................... 27
VEHICLE CONTROLS ..................... 28
Using the Remote Transmitter ....... 28
Keyless Access System ..................... 28
Power Tailgate Operation* ............... 29
Door Operation from Inside the
Vehicle ................................................. 30
Power Window Operation ................ 31
Power Moonroof Operation ............32
Interior and Exterior Lights ............. 33
One-Touch Turn Signal ..................... 34
Wiper Operation ................................ 35
Adjusting the Seats ............................ 37
Adjusting the Steering Wheel ......... 40
Adjusting the Mirrors ........................ 40
Driving Position Memory
System ................................................. 41
HomeLink® Garage Opener ............ 42Climate Control System ..................
43
Seat Heaters ....................................... 43
Setting the Clock ............................... 44
AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY ...... 45
Basic Audio Operation ...................... 45
FM/AM Radio ..................................... 48
XM® Radio .......................................... 50
Compact Disc (CD) ............................ 52
iPod® ................................................... 54
USB Flash Drive .................................. 56
Bluetooth® Audio .............................. 58
Pandora®* .......................................... 60
Hard Disc Drive (HDD) Audio* ........62
BLUETOOTH® HANDSFREELINK ® 63
Basic HFL Operation ......................... 63
Pairing a Phone ........................... 64, 68
Making a Call ................................ 65, 69
SMS Text Messaging ................... 66, 70
A CURALINK
®* .................................. 71
AcuraLink Messages ........................... 71
NAVIGATION* ............................... 72
Basic Navigation Operation ............. 72
Entering a Destination ...................... 75
Routing ................................................. 76
DRIVING .......................................... 78
Before Driving ..................................... 78
Maximum Load Limit ........................ 80
Towing a Trailer .................................. 82
Starting to Drive ................................ 83
Braking ................................................ 86
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
System ................................................. 87
Cruise Control .................................... 88
*if equipped
2 || 3
SAFETY
VISUAL INDEX
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION
Dashboard and Ceiling Controls
1 Color information display p. 47
2 Hazard warning button
3 Audio/phone/navigation* buttons
p. 47, 63, 72
4 Climate control p. 43
5 Seat heater switches p. 43
6 Accessory power socket
USB adapter cable p. 45
Auxiliary input jack p. 45
7 Moonroof switch p. 32Map lights p. 34
*if equipped
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 tipping 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
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AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY
VEHICLE CONTROLS
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION
Basic Audio Operation
Connect audio devices in the front console, and operate buttons and displays for
the audio system.
USB Adapter Cable
Connect a USB flash drive or other audio device, such as an iPod® or iPhone®.
1. Unclip the USB connector and loosen the
adapter cable.
2. Install the flash drive or cable connector to the
USB connector.
Auxiliary Input Jack
Connect standard audio devices with a 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) stereo miniplug.
1. Open the AUX cover.
2. Insert the miniplug attached to the audio
device into the jack. The audio system switches to
AUX mode. 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.
Setting the Clock
On vehicles without navigation, use the selector knob to adjust the time in the
clock display. On vehicles with navigation, the time is automatically set using GPS
signals.
1. Press SETUP.
2. Select Adjust Clock.
3. Select the item to change (12/24 hour
mode, hour, or minute).
4. Make the necessary changes for each item.
5. Select Set to set the time.
6. Press SETUP to return to the main display.
Clock setup
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AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY
AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION
Adjusting the Sound
Models without navigation
Adjust various sound settings using the selector knob.
1. Press SETUP.
2. Select Sound Settings.
3. Select the setting you want, and adjust it to the
desired level.
4. Press BACK to exit the menu.
Models with navigation
Adjust various sound settings using the interface dial.
1. Press AUDIO.
2. Select AUDIO MENU.
3. Select Sound Setup.
4. Select the setting you want, and adjust it to the
desired level.
5. Press CANCEL to exit the menu.
*if equipped
Steering Wheel Controls
Operate certain functions of the audio system using the steering wheel controls.
MODE button: Cycle through available audio
modes.
VOL (p/q) buttons: Adjust audio volume.
CH (+/-) button: Change presets, tracks, albums,
or folders.
FM/AM/XM® Radio
Press (+) or (-) for the next or previous station.
Press and hold (+) or (-) for the next or previous strong station.
CD/HDD*/iPod®/USB/Bluetooth® Audio
Press (+) or (-) for the next or previous track.
Press and hold (+) or (-) for the next or previous folder (CD/USB).
Pandora®
Press (+) for the next song.
Press and hold (+) or (-) for the next or previous station. Color Information Display and Controls
Models without navigation
Display audio or phone information, as well as wallpaper (see the Owner
Information CD or visit owners.acura.com (U.S.) or www.myacura.ca (Canada)
for uploading instructions). Use the buttons on the center panel to control the
display and audio system.
Selector knob: Rotate
to scroll through
options, and press to
enter a selection.
Color information displayDISPLAY button:
Choose the audio,
wallpaper, or
blank display
mode.
SETUP button:
Select various
audio mode
options, sound
settings, and clock
adjustment.
BACK button: Go
back to the previous
display.
button: Change
screen brightness. Use
the selector knob to
make adjustments.
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AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY
AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION
Bluetooth® Audio
Play streaming or stored audio from your compatible phone when it is paired
to Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® (see page 64 or 68). Visit www.acura.
com/handsfreelink (U.S.) or www.handsfreelink.ca (Canada) to check phone
compatibility. Standard data rates may apply.
Models without navigation
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 it is safe to do so.
Bluetooth® Audio display SKIP bar:
Press to
change files.
Selector knob: Display
the device name. AUX button:
Play
Bluetooth® Audio.
Preset 1 button:
Pause
or resume audio.
Models with navigation
Bluetooth® Audio display
SKIP bar: Change
files.
Interface dial (from
the Audio screen):
Move up, down, left,
and right. Rotate and
press ENTER to make
selections. HDD/AUX button:
Play Bluetooth®
Audio.
TUNE button: Go to
the next or previous
track.
AUDIO button: Go to
the audio screen.
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AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY
AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION
State or local laws may prohibit the operation of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle.
Only launch streaming audio on your phone when it is safe to do so.
Pandora®
Play and operate Pandora from your phone through the vehicle’s audio system. Visit
www.acura.com/handsfreelink to check phone compatiblilty. Standard data rates
apply. Available in the U.S. only.
CATEGORY bar:
Go to the next or
previous station.
Pandora displaySKIP bar:
Go to the
next song.
SETUP button:
Choose various
play modes, such as
repeat and random. AUX button:
Play
Pandora.
Selector knob: Enter
the Pandora menu.
Select items such as
like, dislike, station
list, and bookmarks.
Connect your phone when the vehicle is stopped.
For iPhone:
• Connect via Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® (see page 68) or USB (see page
45).
• 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, you may have to reconnect the cable.
• A pop-up may appear on your phone requesting you to allow access for Pandora
to be launched.
For Android and BlackBerry:
• Connect via Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® (see page 68).
Models without navigation
Models with navigation
Pandora display
CATEGORY bar: Go
to the next or previous
station. SKIP bar:
Go to the
next song.
AUDIO button: Go
to the audio screen. HDD/AUX button:
Play Pandora.
Interface dial
(from the Audio
screen): Move up,
down, left, and
right. Rotate and
press ENTER to
make selections.
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INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION
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AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
Hard Disc Drive (HDD) Audio
When music CDs are inserted, they are automatically recorded by system default
onto the built-in HDD for later playback.
Models with navigation
Searching for Music
Use the interface dial to search for tracks stored on the HDD using several
methods.
1. Press AUDIO.
2. Select Music Search.
3. Select a search type (artist, album, track, etc.).
4. Select the song you want to play.
You can also search for and play HDD music using Song By Voice™ (see page 129).
HDD/AUX button:
Play HDD.
AUDIO button: Go to
the audio screen.
CD
eject button
HDD displaySKIP bar:
Change
tracks, or rewind or
fast forward within
a track.
CATEGORY bar:
Skip to the next or
previous album.
TUNE bar: Go to
the next or previous
track.Interface dial (from
the Audio screen):
Move up, down, left,
and right. Rotate and
press ENTER to make
selections.
CD slot
SCAN button: Press to hear a 10-second
sample of each song in the current search
method. Press again to turn off scan.
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.
Models without navigation
HFL Displays and Controls
Use the controls to enter information and make selections. To reduce the
potential for driver distraction, certain manual functions may be inoperable or
grayed out while the vehicle is moving.
BLUETOOTH® HANDSFREELINK ®
PHONE button: Go
to the phone screen.
BACK button: Go
back to the previous
display or cancel an
operation. Selector knob: Rotate
and press SELECT to
make selections.
HFL display
Pick-Up button: Go to the Phone screen, or answer
an incoming call.
Hang-Up button: End a call.
Talk button: Call a number with a stored voice tag.
Back button: Go back to the previous screen.
State
or local laws may prohibit the operation of handheld electronic devices while operating a
vehicle.
BLUETOOTH® HANDSFREELINK®
BLUETOOTH® HANDSFREELINK®
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION
Pairing a Phone
To use hands-free phone and streaming audio functions, you must first pair your
phone to the system. This can only be done when the vehicle is stopped. Use the
selector knob to make and enter selections.
Pairing the First Phone
1. Press the PHONE button. A prompt appears.
Select Yes.
2. Make sure your phone is in discovery mode.
Select OK.
3. HFL searches for your phone. Select your phone
when it appears on the list.
If your phone does not appear:
Select Phone Not Found, and search for
HandsFreeLink from your phone. Connect when
prompted.
4. HFL gives you a four-digit code. Enter it on your
phone when prompted. The phone is now paired.
Pairing an Additional Phone
1. Press the PHONE button to go to the Phone
screen. If a prompt appears asking to connect to
a phone, select No.
2. Select Phone Setup.
3. Select Connection.
4. Select Add a New Phone.
5. Select an empty location for the phone.
6. Make sure your phone is in discovery mode.
Select OK.
7. HFL searches for your phone. Select your phone
when it appears on the list.
If your phone does not appear:
Select Phone Not Found, and search for
HandsFreeLink from your phone. Connect when
prompted.
8. HFL gives you a four-digit code. Enter it on your
phone when prompted. The phone is now paired.
Making a Call
You can make calls using several methods.
Dialing a Number
Enter a 10-digit phone number to call. Use the selector knob to make and enter
selections. This feature is inoperable while the vehicle is moving.
1. Press the PHONE button to go to the Phone
screen.
2. Select Dial.
3. Enter the phone number. Select the green Dial
icon, or press the Pick-Up button to begin the
call.
Using the Phonebook
When your phone is paired, its entire phonebook is automatically imported to
the system. Use the selector knob to make and enter selections. This feature is
inoperable while the vehicle is moving.
1. Press the PHONE button to go to the Phone
screen.
2. Select Phonebook.
3. Scroll through the list to find the name and
number you want to call, and select it to begin
the call.
Storing Speed Dial Entries
Store up to 15 numbers for quick dialing. Use the selector knob to make and enter
selections.
1. Press the PHONE button to go to the Phone
screen.
2. Select Phone Setup.
3. Select Speed Dial.
4. Select Add New.
5. Select an entry method.
6. If desired, you can create a voice tag for the
number. Follow the prompts.
BLUETOOTH® HANDSFREELINK®
BLUETOOTH® HANDSFREELINK®