The 2005 Acura MDX luxury sport utility vehicle receives an assortment of new features designed to help it maintain its position as a benchmark in the luxury SUV segment. The standard VSA system has been enhanced, an assortment of technology has been applied to the interior, including XM® Satellite Radio, and three new colors have been added to the exterior color palette.
"Each year, we make some specifically targeted enhancements to keep the MDX ahead of the competition," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, auto sales. "Two years ago, we added horsepower, last year we gave the styling an aggressive edge and this year we've added leading-edge interior features like XM Satellite Radio and the HandsFreeLink™ wireless phone interface that our customers will really appreciate."
The interior of the MDX emphasizes the vehicle's versatile yet refined character with standard-setting levels of luxury and functionality. Three uniquely transformable rows of seats allow the MDX to comfortably seat up to seven passengers. A convenient walk-in feature provided at the right (curb) side of MDX's second-row seat slides the whole second seat forward with the touch of a lever. Second and third row seats split and fold flat into the floor providing 82 cubic feet of cargo room. Even with all three rows in use, the MDX still offers 14.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row seats.
The MDX is one of the most comprehensively equipped vehicles in its class. Standard features including a power moonroof, multi-function digital trip computer, a synchronized climate control system, two rows of leather trimmed seats, premium sound system, heated front seats and steering wheel mounted cruise control and audio controls. An optional Touring Package adds a variety of premium features. These features include a roof rack, exclusive alloy wheels, upgraded sound system, two-position memory for the driver's seat and sideview mirrors, and a front passenger's 8-way power seat.
The MDX features a premium sound system tuned specifically for its acoustical characteristics. For 2005, XM Satellite Radio (and a complimentary 90-day subscription) becomes a standard feature on all MDX models. XM offers over 100 stations of commercial free, CD-quality programming. Touring Package Models are equipped with an upgraded 225 watt, eight-speaker Acura/Bose Music system. In addition, all Touring Package models come equipped with a 6 disc In-Dash CD changer, which allows extra discs to be stored without a separate magazine.
For 2005, all MDX models equipped with the Touring Package also receive HandsFreeLink™, which enables a Bluetooth® wireless interface with mobile phones allowing calls to be made and received using the MDX's voice recognition and audio interfaces. To make a call, drivers push the steering wheel-mounted HandsFreeLink button, which connects their phone to the system. The driver then says the number to call or indicates an entry stored in the system's phone book. The voice recognition system responds, confirms the number or phone book entry and dials. The number being dialed as well as other calling information is shown on the navigation system screen. The HandsFreeLink system can be programmed to accept up to 6 different phones, and up to 50 numbers may be stored in the system's phone book.
The Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ is available as a factory-installed option on models equipped with the Touring Package. For 2005, the navigation system has been enhanced with expanded memory and a faster processor to provide quicker start up and route search times, more points of interest and access to the Zagat Survey™ Restaurant Guide. This easy to use system features a menu of 560 voice commands, an 8-inch display, a comprehensive destination guide with over 7 million points of interest, 3-D graphics for freeway interchanges, on and off-ramps and turn-by-turn voice guidance. In addition, all U.S. cities and street names (1.7 million) may now be accessed through the voice recognition system. The navigation system can be used through the steering wheel-mounted voice recognition button or by using the menu on the touch screen.
For 2005, all models equipped with the navigation system also feature the OnStar® Digital/analog tri-modal system. A three-month subscription to the Safe and Sound plan is included in the purchase price, and may be extended at the purchaser's discretion.
The Acura DVD Entertainment System is also available as an option on Touring Package-equipped models. The 7-inch LCD screen is mounted to the headliner, just behind the front seats for use by rear seat passengers. The DVD player mounts below the standard audio system and plays over the MDX's sound system or through a pair of cordless infrared headphones. The system can be controlled either by using the MDX's audio controls or from the rear seats through the use of a remote control or the screen's control panel.
The MDX features sporty styling designed to reflect its high performance powertrain. The signature Acura family grille serves as the centerpiece for a smoothly tapered front fascia. A lean, angular headlight treatment encases projection-type headlights that enhance illumination while accenting the bold styling. The front bumper includes an integrated chin spoiler that moves air smoothly to the sides of the car for increased aerodynamics. For 2005 three new exterior colors, Desert Rock Metallic, Billet Silver Metallic and Steel Blue Metallic, replace Midnight Blue, Burnished Bronze, Starlight Silver and Sandstone.
The MDX's 3.5 liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum, VTEC™ V-6 engine utilizes a high flow dual exhaust system that helps to generate 265 horsepower and 253 lbs-ft of torque. This exhaust system utilizes two close-coupled primary catalytic converters, a secondary underfloor catalytic converter, and large diameter exhaust pipes. The MDX meet stringent LEV-2 ULEV emissions standards. For 2005, a larger, redesigned gas tank increases capacity by over one gallon, and extends driving range while at the same time helping the MDX meet LEV-2 Evaporative emissions requirements. With estimated city/highway ratings of 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway, the MDX delivers better combined fuel economy than most of its luxury competitors.
The MDX features a compact 5-speed automatic transmission with components engineered to provide the durability needed for on-road, off-road and towing use. A wide-ratio design affords a first gear with extra pulling power to start heavy loads and a high top gear for quiet highway cruising. This 4-shaft gearbox utilizes a unique shaft layout that not only reduces size, but also trims gear noise, clutch drag and hydraulic friction.
A drive-by-wire throttle system, eliminates the need for a mechanical connection between the accelerator pedal and the engine, and modulates the throttle during transmission shifts for improved smoothness. It also allows for throttle control to be seamlessly incorporated into the MDX's VSA® logic and directs the vehicle's cruise control function.
For enhanced traction on low friction surfaces, the MDX utilizes a unique VTM-4 four-wheel drive system. Unlike conventional automatic four-wheel drive systems, which react only to wheel slippage, VTM-4 proactively apportions torque from the front to the rear wheels before wheel slippage can occur. When cruising, the system automatically reverts to front-wheel drive for improved fuel economy.
In addition to ample power, the MDX delivers sport sedan-like handling and a smooth, compliant ride. It features a 4-wheel fully independent suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel ABS, dual piston calipers in the front, standard 17-inch alloy wheels and specially designed P235/65R-17 all-season tires to provide stability and responsiveness. For 2005, Brake Assist, which helps drivers apply full braking pressure in an accident avoidance situation, has been added. Front and rear stabilizer bars, a wide track and a low center of gravity give the MDX predictable cornering response and help maximize cornering capabilities.
Handling is further enhanced through the application of a standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system that works in concert with the VTM-4 and drive-by-wire throttle systems to provide enhanced control during acceleration, braking and cornering. This 4-channel system orchestrates the throttle and each of the vehicle's four disc brakes to seamlessly integrate traction control, Anti-lock braking, and stability enhancement for increased driver control during acceleration, braking and cornering.
Active yaw control has been added to the VSA system for 2005. Active yaw control determines when the vehicle is not traveling in the intended direction of travel, and uses the ABS to help bring the MDX back on course.
The MDX offers an assortment of the latest safety features. A side curtain airbag system helps reduce injury to occupants in all three rows of seats during a sufficient side-impact collision. It deploys from a module in the roof in the event of a sufficient side impact, providing an important and significant level of head protection in the window area. This system also includes a series of rollover sensors designed to trigger the system in the unlikely event of a rollover. Should the MDX begin to tip, the rollover sensors monitor the rate of roll and deploy the side curtain airbags accordingly.
The MDX also features dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger front airbags. The driver's airbag adjusts deployment force to one of two rates according to input from sensors which monitor the severity of the impact, seatbelt usage and the position of the driver's seat. The front passenger airbag's deployment takes into account the severity of the crash, seatbelt usage and the passenger's weight. The MDX also offers driver's and front passenger's side airbags with occupant position sensors in the passenger's seat; and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system on the second row of outboard seats to simplify attachment of compatible child seats.
A direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses sensors in the valve stem of each wheel to alert the driver when tire pressure drops significantly below the recommended level. If the system detects that tire pressure is low (32 psi is recommended), the low pressure indicator notifies the driver, while a schematic of the vehicle located in the center meter indicates which tire or tires require air.
Like all Acura vehicles, the MDX comes equipped with a comprehensive 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty that includes Acura's customer service package.
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