INTERIOR DESIGN
In the MDX, clean, solid forms on the instrument panel and door areas define a wide open and luxurious space. Positioned within that space are the driver's cockpit and a multi-use console reminiscent of other Acura models. Wood-patterned panels, chrome accents and the generous use of leather trim complement the design. For 2004, extensive enhancements were made to the interior of the MDX, resulting an amazing level of style, comfort and refinement. These changes include:
- A new roof console made from more refined Tricot material housing the moonroof controls, lighting for driver and front passenger, and Homelink controls.
- Standard roof-mounted Side Curtain Airbag System with rollover sensor for all three occupant rows
- Leather grab handles on doors
- Woven pillars
- Power-adjustable driver's seat lumbar support (Touring Package)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Ambient foot lights and welcome illumination
- Backlit meters
- Wood and leather shifter and escutcheon
- Brushed metal-look trim on instrument panel
- Upgraded Acura/Bose" Music System (Touring Package)
- Softer and more flexible leather seating surfaces
- Extended second row seat travel for easier entry and egress to third row seats
The focal point of the instrument panel is the personal computer aspect of the center control panel for climate control, music system, trip computer and, in the MDX with Touring Package, the available next-generation Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition and Acura DVD Entertainment System. The console storage compartment offers a wealth of functional features without diminishing the overall sense of roominess.
Control switches, beverage holders, storage pockets, power outlets, and audio speakers are located throughout the interior to offer a remarkable degree of ergonomic functionality while upholding the desired clean, purposeful theme. Seats are designed with a luxurious, stylish appearance and a sporty image consistent with this product's athletic driving attributes.
Front and side airbags for the driver and front seat passenger are standard, as are a headrest and 3-point safety belts for all seven passenger seating positions. For added safety of front seat occupants, weight sensors are incorporated in the front passenger seat to determine the total weight on the passenger seat. If it is less than 65 pounds (as if occupied by a small child or car seat) the airbag will not deploy. For the driver, a position sensor in the seat is used to determine how the airbag will be deployed in the event of a collision. If the seat is within half an inch of the most forward position, the front airbag will only deploy in the dual-stage mode. If the seat is farther than a half inch from the forward position, the airbag deploys in either single or dual-stage mode based on the severity of the collision.
For 2004, all three rows of occupants are protected by Acura's new roof-mounted Side Curtain Airbag System, which is standard equipment on all MDX models. The side curtain airbags deploy 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. Should the MDX begin to tip, a roll angle sensor along with lateral G and transverse G sensors, located just in front of the windshield determine the rate of roll and deploy the side airbags accordingly.
In the interest of versatility, second- and third-row seats were designed for easy configuration from seven-passenger vehicle to cargo vehicle with a flat cargo floor - or any layout between the two extremes. And to make the most use of the interior volume, an under-floor storage compartment is also provided behind the third row of seats.
The Acura MDX's interior provides more seating and cargo space than any of its key luxury SUV competitors - without resulting in a bulky exterior. This was achieved by taking advantage of its extra-wide wheel-track dimensions and an innovative driveline that delivers robust power, performance, and all-wheel-drive traction without intruding on interior space. MDX's interior has a low, flat floor for the first- and second-row seating positions for easy entry and egress. The lack of a large and intrusive driveshaft tunnel and unwieldy rear-axle intrusion yields room for up to seven passengers in three seating rows, a highly versatile center console, and a cargo area wide enough to accept four-foot-wide sheets of building materials.
In keeping with Acura's tradition of selling fully-featured products, MDX offers a wealth of power accessories, conveniences, and refinements as standard equipment. The MDX was the world's first SUV with a synchronized front and rear climate control system engineered for rapid warm-up in cold weather, expedient cool-down during summer months, and maximum all-around comfort for all seven passengers.
The center console is designed to provide a front-seat armrest, a handy storage compartment, and second-row-passenger's serving tray. A large central LCD display screen houses the standard multi-function trip computer and in MDX models equipped with the optional Touring Package, the available DVD-based satellite-linked Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition and Acura DVD Entertainment System. Climate-control buttons and displays are also integrated within the display screen for easy access, viewing and operation. Both the standard and premium Acura/Bose® music systems play AM/FM/CD, and cassette source material. The premium 225-watt Acura Bose® music system, which has been upgraded for 2004, features an in-dash, six-CD changer and an additional 8-inch speaker. In MDX models with the Acura DVD Entertainment System, the CD changer is relocated under the driver's seat and total CD capacity grows to eight.
MDX's steering wheel uses a thick rim section for a sporty, substantial feel. The leather cover is perforated in grip areas to prevent slippage. Cruise control switches are positioned between the right-side spokes while the music system control switches are in a corresponding position on the left.
New for 2004, the transmission shift lever received wood and leather treatments for a more modern yet luxurious appearance. The shift lever moves through a gate that helps the driver quickly find the desired gear position. The center panels of the leather seating surfaces are also perforated to provide additional ventilation.