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
| 1 VISUAL INDEX
INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
INDEX
CLIENT
INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
HANDLING THE
UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
NAVIGATION
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
VISUAL INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT
PANEL
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
ACURALINK®
*if equipped
Quickly locate items in the vehicle’s interior.
Steering Wheel and Nearby Controls
1 Lights/turn signals p. 35, 36
2 Wipers/washers p. 37
3 Cruise control/Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) with Low Speed
Follow* buttons p. 99, 96
4 Voice recognition/Bluetooth®
HandsFreeLink® buttons p. 67
5 Horn
6 Audio controls p. 53
7 Instrument panel p. 24
Multi-information display p. 28
8 Right selector wheel p. 28
TRIP button p. 28
9 Paddle shifters p. 95
Distance (ACC) button* p. 100
11 Lane Keeping Assist System
(LKAS) button* p. 106
12 ENGINE START/STOP button p. 93
13 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) OFF
button p. 97
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
button* p. 105
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
button* p. 107
Parking sensor button* p. 109
Collision Mitgation Braking
System
TM OFF button* p. 103
Heated windshield button* p. 49
Headlight washer button* p. 35
14 Heated steering wheel button* p. 49
VISUAL INDEX
1
45
9
61011
7283
131412
*if equipped10
Remote Engine Start* .................... 92
Starting to Drive ............................. 93
Shifting ............................................ 94
Auto Idle Stop* ............................... 96
Integrated Dynamics System
(IDS) ................................................. 97
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
System ............................................. 97
Braking ............................................. 98
Cruise Control* .............................. 99
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
with Low Speed Follow* ............. 100
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
with Pedestrian Detection* ........ 102
Collision Mitigation Braking
System™ (CMBS™)* ................... 103
Lane Departure Warning
(LDW)* .......................................... 105
Lane Keeping Assist System
(LKAS)* .......................................... 106
Road Departure Mitigation
(RDM)* .......................................... 107
Blind Spot Information (BSI)* .... 108
Parking Sensor System* .............. 109
Multi-View Rear Camera* ............110
Rear Cross Traf c Monitor* ......... 111
Surround View Camera* .............. 112
Refueling ........................................114
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED ...115
Keyless Access Remote Battery
Strength.......................................... 115
Jump Starting ................................. 115
Emergency Engine Stop ................116
Overheating ................................... 117
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) ............................................118Changing a Flat Tire ..................... 120
Tire Repair Kit* ............................. 124
Fuse Locations .............................. 125
Emergency Towing ....................... 129
MAINTENANCE ............................ 130
Safety Precautions ....................... 130
Maintenance Minder™ ................. 131
Under the Hood ............................ 133
Engine Oil ...................................... 134
Engine Coolant ............................. 136
Window Washer Fluid ................. 137
Checking the Battery ................... 137
Changing Wiper Blades ............... 138
Tire Information ........................... 140
Tire Labeling .................................. 143
DOT Tire Quality Grading ........... 144
Testing of Readiness Codes ........ 146
SPECIFICATIONS ......................... 147
CLIENT INFORMATION .............. 148
Frequently Asked Questions/
Troubleshooting ........................... 148
Contact Us .................................... 149
Acura Total Luxury Care Roadside
Assistance ..................................... 150
Warranty Coverages .................... 150
VOICE COMMAND INDEX .......... 151
INDEX .............................................157
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
26 || 27 INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENT PANEL
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
Condition Indicators
These indicators may require you to perform an action.
Parking brake
Release the parking brake before driving. You will hear a beep if you drive
with it not fully released.
Seat belt reminder
Make sure seat belts are fastened for you and all passengers. The indicator
blinks and beeps sound continuously if you or your front passenger has not
fastened your seat belts when you begin driving. If the indicator remains on
after seat belts are fastened, see your dealer.
Low fuel
Refuel as soon as possible. If the indicator blinks, there is a problem with
the fuel gauge. See your dealer.
Low tire pressure
Stop in a safe place, check tire pressures, and infl ate tire(s) if necessary.
System message
When a condition or malfunction indicator comes on, a message also
appears on the multi-information display. Check the display for more
information.
Immobilizer
Your remote transmitter cannot be recognized by the vehicle. If the
indicator blinks, you may not be able to start the engine. Turn the vehicle
off, and then on again. If it continues to blink, there may be a problem with
the system. See your dealer.
CanadaU.S.
On/Off Indicators
These indicators remind you when an item is on or off.
VSA off
VSA engaged (blinks)
CRUISE MAIN on
CRUISE CONTROL on
Turn signals/hazards on
High beams on
Exterior lights on Fog lights* on
FCW*/ CMBS
TM* off
BSI* off
ACC* on
LKAS* on
Auto idle stop* on
Auto idle stop* off
CRUISE
MAIN
CRUISE
CONTROL
34 || 35 VEHICLE CONTROLS VEHICLE CONTROLS
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
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 fi rmly to the second
detent, then release.
To close: Push the switch forward fi rmly to the
second detent, then release.
The moonroof opens or closes completely. To stop
the moonroof at any time, push the switch briefl y.
Manual Operation
To open: Push and hold the switch back to the fi rst detent until the desired
position is reached.
To close: Push and hold the switch forward to the fi rst detent until the desired
position is reached.
Moonroof Tilt
To tilt: Push the center of the switch.
To close: Push the switch forward fi rmly, then release.
Closing the moonroof on someone’s hands or fi ngers 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
NOTICE
*if equipped
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.
Turn on fog lights.*
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*
Canadian models
Turn the headlights on. Press the headlight
washer button to operate the washers.
The headlight washers also operate when you
fi rst turn on the windshield wipers.
High
beams
Low beamsFlash high beams
Headlight
washer
buttonFog lights*
36 || 37 VEHICLE CONTROLS VEHICLE CONTROLS
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
Interior Lights
Change the interior light settings using the switches on the ceiling.
Front lights
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.
Press the map light button to turn lights on or off.
Cargo lights
Located on the inside of the tailgate door.
On position: The light comes on when the tailgate
is open and goes off when it is closed.
Off position: The light stays off.
Door-activated position
On
Off
On
Off
One-Touch Turn Signal
Use this quick and convenient method to signal a lane change.
Lightly push the turn signal lever up or down for a
three-blink sequence.
For a continuous signal, push the lever up or down
until it locks into place.
Right
Left
*if equipped
Wiper Operation
The windshield wipers and washers can be used when the vehicle is on. Move the
wiper lever up or down to the desired position.
Headlight-Wiper Integration
When the headlights are in the AUTO position, they automatically turn on when
the front wipers operate several times within a certain interval. The headlights
turn off shortly after the wipers are turned off, or if there is enough ambient light.
Mist
Pull toward
you for
washer.
OFF
INT (intermittent)*/
AUTO (automatic)*
LO: low speed
HI: high speed
Intermittent Wipers*
When you move the lever to the INT position, the wipers operate based on the
delay adjustment.
Rotate the adjustment ring to adjust the wiper delay.
Long delayRotate the
adjustment
ring.
Short delay
INT position
42 || 43 VEHICLE CONTROLS VEHICLE CONTROLS
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
Adjusting the Mirrors
Adjust the angle of the mirrors for the best visibility when you are sitting in the
correct driving position.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
When driving after dark, the automatic dimming
function reduces the glare from headlights behind
you. Power door mirrors also dim.*
The function cancels when the gear is changed to
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.
Reverse Tilt Door Mirrors
Either side door mirror can tilt downward when
you change the gear to Reverse (R) to improve
visibility on the selected side of the vehicle
when reversing. The mirror returns to its original
position when you change the gear out of
Reverse.
When in Reverse, slide the selector switch to the
left or right side.
Adjustment switchSelector switchFolding
button*
Selector switch
Driving Position Memory System
You can store two driver’s seat, steering wheel, and door mirror positions into
memory when the vehicle is on. When you unlock and open the driver’s door with
a remote transmitter, the items adjust automatically to one of the two preset
positions.
1. Adjust the seat, steering wheel, and mirrors to
your preferred positions.
2. Press SET.
3. Press and hold memory button 1 or 2. You will
hear two beeps when the memory is set. The
positions are now linked to the corresponding
Driver 1 or Driver 2 remote transmitter.
Press one of the memory buttons to recall previously stored positions.
Lumbar positions cannot be stored.
Memory button 1
Memory button 2
SET button
Adjusting the Steering Wheel
The steering wheel height and distance from your body can be adjusted so that you
can comfortably grip the steering wheel in an appropriate driving posture.
Press and hold the adjustment switch to move the
steering wheel in, out, up, or down.
Adjusting the steering wheel position while driving may cause you to lose
control of the vehicle and be seriously injured in a crash.
Adjust the steering wheel only when the vehicle is stopped.
WARNING
Adjustment switch
84 || 85 DRIVING DRIVING
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
Learn about preparation for driving, as well as other features.
Before Driving
Check the following items before you begin driving.
Exterior Checks
• Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
• Remove any frost, snow, or ice.
• Make sure the hood is securely closed.
• Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite fl ammable materials left under
the hood, causing a fi re. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an extended period,
inspect and remove any debris that may have collected, such as dried grass
and leaves that have fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by a small
animal. Also check under the hood for leftover fl ammable materials after you
or someone else has performed maintenance on your vehicle.
• Make sure the tires are in good condition.
• Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
DRIVING
If the doors are frozen shut, use warm water around the door edges to melt any
ice. Do not try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim around the
doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
Interior Checks
• Store or secure all items on board properly.
• Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
• Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the fl oor
mats.
• If you have any animals on board, do not let them move freely in the vehicle.
• Securely close and lock all doors and the tailgate.
• Adjust your seating position, mirrors, and steering wheel properly.
• Make sure items placed on the fl oor behind the front seats cannot roll under
the seats.
• Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.
• Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start
the vehicle, and go off soon after.
NOTICE
Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Utility vehicles have a signifi cantly higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles. To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
• Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
• Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
• Do not modify your vehicle in any way that raises its center of gravity.
• Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Acura
accessory).
In addition:
• During the fi rst 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, avoid sudden acceleration
or full throttle operation so as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
• Avoid hard braking for the fi rst 200 miles (300 km). You should also follow this
when the brake pads are replaced.
Improperly operating this vehicle on or off pavement can cause 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
Improper accessories or modifi cations can affect your vehicle’s handling,
stability, and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in the vehicle owner’s manual regarding accessories
and modifi cations.
WARNING