TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT
PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE
UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
This Owner’s Guide is intended to help you quickly get acquainted with your 2016
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 fi nd 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 fi rst 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 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 benefi ts are available:
- Towing services — full cost of towing to the closest Acura dealer
- Roadside assistance — jump starting, fuel delivery, lockout, and fl at 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 dissatisfi ed with the information you
receive, you can call Acura Client Relations (see page 149).
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 .................. 22
Reporting Safety Defects .............. 23
INSTRUMENT PANEL .................... 24
Malfunction Indicators .................. 24
Condition Indicators ...................... 26
On/Off Indicators .......................... 27
Multi-Information Display ........... 28
VEHICLE CONTROLS ..................... 29
Using the Remote Transmitter ..... 29
Keyless Access System .................. 30
Power Tailgate Operation ..............31
Door Operation from Inside the
Vehicle ............................................. 32
Power Window Operation ............ 33
Power Moonroof Operation ........ 34
Interior and Exterior Lights........... 35
One-Touch Turn Signal .................. 36
Wiper Operation ............................ 37
Adjusting the Seats ........................ 39
Adjusting the Mirrors..................... 42
Adjusting the Steering Wheel ...... 43
Driving Position Memory System ... 43
Rear Seats ........................................ 44
HomeLink® Garage Opener .......... 46
Climate Control System................ 47Seat Heaters and Ventilation* ..... 50
Customized Features ......................51
AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY ...... 52
Basic Audio Operation ................... 52
On-Demand Multi-Use Display
(ODMD) ........................................... 54
FM/AM Radio .................................. 55
SiriusXM® Radio ............................. 56
Compact Disc (CD) or USB Flash
Drive ................................................. 57
Hard Disc Drive (HDD) Audio* .... 58
iPod® ................................................ 59
Bluetooth® Audio ........................... 60
Pandora® ..........................................61
AcuraLink featuring Aha™ ............ 62
Rear Entertainment System
(RES)* .............................................. 63
BLUETOOTH® HANDSFREELINK® ...67
Basic HFL Operation ...................... 67
Pairing a Phone ............................... 69
Making a Call .................................. 70
SMS Text Messaging and E-Mail ... 73
Siri™ Eyes Free ............................... 74
ACURALINK
®* ................................. 75
AcuraLink Messages ....................... 75
Subscription Features .................... 76
NAVIGATION* ................................77
Basic Navigation Operation ..........77
Entering a Destination .................. 80
Routing ............................................ 82
DRIVING .......................................... 84
Before Driving ................................. 84
Maximum Load Limit ..................... 86
Towing a Trailer .............................. 88
2 || 3 SAFETY VISUAL INDEX
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT
PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE
UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
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 signifi cantly
higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted
person is signifi cantly 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 Dashboard and Ceiling Controls
1 Color information display
2 On-Demand Multi-Use Display
(ODMD) p. 54
3 Hazard warning button
4 Climate control buttons p. 47
5 Moonroof switch p. 34
Map lights p. 36
HomeLink® buttons p. 46
AcuraLink® buttons* p. 75
6 Power window switches p. 33
Door lock switches p. 32
Door mirror controls p. 42
Power folding mirror button* p. 42
7 Power tailgate button p. 31
Fuel fi ll door handle p. 114
8 Hood release handle p. 133
9 Driving Position Memory System
buttons p. 43
10 Integrated Dynamics System
(IDS) button p. 97
Electronic gear selector p. 94
Auto idle stop off button* p. 96
11 Parking brake p. 98
12 Audio/phone/navigation/Surround
View Camera* buttons p. 50, 65,
75, 105
13 Rear entertainment system* p. 63
14 (inside center console)
USB port p. 53
Auxiliary input jack p. 53
Accessory power socket p. 53
1
281134
5
67
9
101213
*if equipped
14
52 || 53 AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT
PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE
UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Basic Audio Operation
Connect audio devices and operate buttons and displays for the audio system.
USB Port
Connect a USB fl ash 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 fl ash 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.
AC Power Outlet*
Located on the back of the center console. Power
is supplied when the vehicle is on for devices up to
115 volts rated 150 watts or less.
1. Open the cover.
2. Plug in the device slightly, turn it 90° clockwise,
then push it in all the way.
Do not use the AC power outlet for electric appliances that require high initial
peak wattage, such as cathode-ray tube type televisions, refrigerators, electric
pumps, etc. It is not suitable for devices that process precise data, such as
medical equipment, and that require an extremely stable power supply, such as
microcomputer-controlled electric blankets, touch sensor lamps, etc.
NOTICE
*if equipped
Accessory Power Socket
Located in the center console, front 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.
NOTICE
Adjusting the Sound
Adjust various sound settings. Use the interface dial to make and enter
selections.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select Audio Settings.
3. Select Sound.
4. Select the sound setting to adjust.
5. Adjust the setting to the desired level.
6. Press BACK to exit the menu.
Steering Wheel Controls
Operate certain functions of the audio system using the steering wheel controls.
Left selector wheel: Roll up or down to adjust
volume. Press to mute. Move (or hold) left or right
to change stations or tracks.
SOURCE button: Cycle through available audio
modes.
SOURCE buttonLeft selector wheel
FM/AM/SiriusXM® Radio
Move right or left for the next or previous station. Move and hold right or left for
the next or previous strong station.
CD/HDD*/iPod*/USB/Bluetooth® Audio
Move right for the next or previous track. Move and hold right or left for the next
or previous folder (CD/USB).
Pandora®/Aha™
Move right for the next song. Move and hold right or left for the next or previous
station.
56 || 57 AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT
PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE
UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
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.
SiriusXM Radio display
Audio Source: Select
the SiriusXM icon.
Scan: Scan for channels.Skip/seek bar:
Change the channel. CATEGORY bar:
Change the category.
Presets: Select and
hold a preset number
to store the current
channel. Select a
preset to choose a
previously stored
channel.Interface dial (from
the Audio Screen):
Rotate and press to
select the channel
list or preset list in
the upper display.
Compact Disc (CD) or USB Flash Drive
For CDs: The audio system supports audio CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs in MP3, WMA,
or AAC formats.
For USB: Connect your device to the USB port (see page 52).
CD display
Do not use CDs with adhesive labels or insert a damaged CD. Inserting these types
of CDs may cause them to get stuck or damage the audio unit.
NOTICE
Searching for Music
Search for tracks stored on the CD or USB. Use the interface dial to make and
enter selections.
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.
Audio Source: Select
the CD or USB icon.
Scan: Scan tracks on
the CD or USB.
Random: Play tracks or
fi les in random order. CD slot CD eject button
Folder bar: Change
the folder. Repeat: Repeat the
current track or fi le.
Interface dial (from
the Audio screen):
Rotate to view track
list, and press to
select a track in the
upper display.
Skip/seek bar:
Change the track.
MENU button:
Display menu items
in the upper display,
including Music Search.
58 || 59 AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT
PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE
UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
*if equipped
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.
HDD display
Searching for Music
Search for tracks stored on the HDD. Use the interface dial to make and enter
selections.
1. From the audio screen, press MENU.
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 155).
Audio Source: Select
the HDD icon.Album bar: Change
the album.
Scan: Scan all tracks
or the fi rst track on
each album.
Random: Play the artist,
album, or tracks in
random order.Skip/seek bar: Change
the track.
MENU button:
Display menu items
in the upper display,
including Music Search. Repeat: Repeat the
artist, album, or track.
Interface dial (from
the Audio screen):
Rotate to view track
list, and press to select
a track in the upper
display.
iPod®
Connect your device to the USB port (see page 52).
iPod display
Searching for Music
Search for tracks on the iPod. Use the interface dial to make and enter selections.
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 155).
iPod is a trademark of Apple, Inc.
Album bar: Change
the album.
Skip/seek bar:
Change the track. Repeat: Repeat the
current track.
Shuf e: Play tracks or
albums in random order. Audio Source: Select
the iPod icon.
Play/pause
Interface dial (from
the Audio screen):
Rotate to view tracks,
and press to select
a track in the upper
display.
MENU button:
Display menu items
in the upper display,
including Music Search.
60 || 61 AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT
PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE
UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Bluetooth® Audio
Play streaming or stored audio from your compatible phone when it is paired to
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® (see page 69). Visit www.acura.com/handsfreelink
(U.S.) or www.handsfreelink.ca (Canada) to check phone compatibility. Standard
data rates may apply with your phone provider.
Bluetooth® Audio display
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.
Play/Resume
Interface dial (from
the Audio screen):
Rotate and press to
select an item in the
upper display. Audio Source: Select
the Bluetooth icon.
Pause
Folder bar: Search for a
folder.Skip/seek bar:
Change the track.
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 with your phone provider. Available in the U.S. only.
Connect your phone when the vehicle is stopped.
For iPhone:
• Connect via Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® (see page 69) or USB (see page
52).
• 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 69).
Pandora display
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.
Audio Source: Select
the Pandora icon.Station bar: Change
the station.
Like/dislike a songSkip forward
Interface dial (from
the Audio screen):
Rotate and press to
select an item in the
upper display.
Play/Pause
62 || 63 AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT
PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE
UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
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 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 with your phone provider.
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 69) or USB (see page
52).
• 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 69).
Audio Source: Select
the aha icon.Station bar: Change
the station.
Play/pause Like/dislike Favorites: View and select
16 previously favorited
stations.
Interface dial (from
the Audio screen):
Rotate to select an
item, and press to
select it in the upper
display.MENU button: View
the complete station
list in the upper
display.
Skip back 15 seconds
Skip ahead 30 seconds
REAR
REAR
AUDIO FRONT
AUDIO NAVFFFFAAAAAAAAAREARAUDIOFAAFRONTAUDIOAA
REAR
NAVNAVFRONT
AUDIOREAR
AUDIO
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 DVD
Insert a DVD into the DVD slot. It begins playing automatically. Use the front or
rear controls to navigate the DVD.
Rear Entertainment System (RES)*
Rear passengers can enjoy a different audio or entertainment source than front
passengers.
DVD slot
Rear audio display
REAR AUDIO
button: Display rear
audio information.
DVD eject button FRONT AUDIO
button: Display front
audio information.
REAR POWER 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
NOTICE
64 || 65 AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT
PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE
UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
*if equipped
System Components
Retrieve the wireless headphones and open the overhead screen 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 remote 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
1. Make sure REAR POWER is turned on in the front audio controls.
2. From the rear control panel, press the desired audio source button (or the
SOURCE button for Ultrawide RES).
3. Press the arrow/ENTER buttons to highlight options on the screen and select
them. Use the other rear control panel buttons to operate the system.
Remote Control and Rear Operation
You can operate the system using the rear remote control panel.
DVD/AUX button:
Play a DVD, USB, iPod,
or auxiliary source.
TUNE/SKIP button:
Change DVD
chapters, audio
stations, or tracks.TITLE/SCROLL
button: Display
DVD status or
CD titles. Play/Pause
button
(CD/DVD) Power button: Turn
the system on or off.CH/FOLDER button:
Change channels,
stations, or folders.
Light button:
Illuminate the
remote buttons.
CANCEL button:
Go back to the
previous display. CD/HDD button:
Play a CD or HDD.XM button:
Play XM Radio.FM/AM button:
Play FM or AM radio.
MENU button:
Display menu options.
SETUP button:
Display setup options. Arrow/ENTER button:
Highlight and select
items.