More Goodies for 2016 Acura MDX

Acura upgraded significantly the 2016 MDX SUV. The updated luxury vehicle launches in March and it will feature various new features and technologies as well as new powertrain options and an expanded model range. All trim levels will be equipped as a standard with the nine-speed automatic transmission which will assist the 3.5-liter, 24-valve i-VTEC direct-injected V-6 engine. The transmission features Sequential SportShift and is 66 lbs lighter than the previous six-speed automatic.

The shift lever which was previously console-mounted is now replaced with a fully electronic, shift-by-wire gear selector. The driver can select Park, Neutral and Drive modes with the push of a button. Reverse is selected by pulling back on a dedicated switch.

For those who want to manually select gears, Acura kept the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Furthermore, the MDX is also fitted with company's next-generation Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). It uses lighter weight (by 19 lbs.) twin-clutch rear differential and progressively distributes torque between the front and rear axles, and between the left and right rear wheels.

MDX with Technology Package models can be equipped with the AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. These include Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor. In addition, the Advance Package comes as a standard with AcuraWatch.

At the heart of AcuraWatch is the combination of camera and radar technology.

Working together, the camera and radar can sense the roadway and objects within it, including other vehicles and pedestrians, thus helping avoid or mitigate the severity of a collision.

Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning are offered as standard equipment on the MDX with Technology Package. All MDX models come equipped with a Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines.

Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) uses a Monocular Camera that is mounted on the upper portion of the windshield. It identifies solid or dashed painted lane lines, Botts' Dots and Cat Eye markers. RDM utilizes both steering force, via EPS, as well as braking force, via VSA, to help the MDX stay a detected lane. Versatile visual and audible warnings alert the driver when the RDM system is taking corrective action.

Rear Cross Traffic Monitor is the next new assistive technology which is featured in the AcuraWatch. RCTM works in conjunction with the Blind Spot Information (BSI) radar sensors. Both improve driver's confidence when parking.

Next, the 2016 MDX also adds frameless rearview mirror, Siri Eyes Free voice recognition and an easy-entry/exit driver's seat that moves 35 mm rearward when the driver's door is opened. There is also a TPMS fill assist that applies audible alert in the case when the driver inflates the tire to the correct pressure.

2016 Acura MDX has a starting of $42,865 USD.

Acura MDX (2016)

Source: Acura