GLASS
Excellent visibility, giving drivers a commanding view of the road ahead and passengers a pleasant open feeling, was a high priority in designing the MDX. To that end, MDX provides an outstanding 286 degrees of outward visibility.
To control the migration of water over the front door glass, windshield side moldings were extended to create a dam that helps channel rain and sleet up and over the roof. Squaring the rear edge of the outside rearview mirror's mounting base benefits air flow patterns and reduces wind noise.
ACOUSTICALLY TUNED GLASS WINDSHIELD
To reduce noise in the cabin the 2004 MDX windshield is made of 4.7 mm thick acoustic glass, which consists of two layers of safety glass, separated by a thin acoustic resin center. The new windshield reduces road noise on smooth asphalt significantly in the higher frequency ranges.
DOOR DESIGN
Many SUVs have plastic cladding on their lower body surfaces. A damage analysis study by MDX engineers revealed that cladding positioned low on the side of the vehicle actually offers little protection from parking lot and garage scarring because contact is far more likely to occur at the mid-point of the door or higher. For this reason, and in the interests of providing customers with a clean, strong, and elegant appearance, MDX is not equipped with side-surface cladding.
Another discovery was that dirt and mud can build up on vertical sill surfaces below the door seals. This is an annoyance because the dirt often soils pants, dresses or other clothes as occupants enter the vehicle. To avoid this problem, an extra seal has been included at the lower interior edge of each door. These seals rest against the side sill garnish and block the build up of dirt and debris, helping to ensure clean and hassle-free entry and egress - no matter what outside conditions might provide.
Special measures have been taken to make MDX highly resistant to intrusion by thieves and vandals. The liftgate is not equipped with an exterior lock cylinder and can only be unlocked with either a remote key fob or the interior switch. Reinforced steel guards have been installed to deflect break-in tools away from the front door lock rod and latch mechanism. Double thick steel around the driver's door key cylinder stops vandals from prying their way into the vehicle - and for added security only the driver's door is equipped with a traditional key-lock cylinder.
The window sashes are equipped with continuous window frame guides that completely surround the door glass and limit access through this sometimes vulnerable area of the vehicle. Rear lock rods are positioned behind the center sashes so they are inaccessible from outside the vehicle.
AUTO ON/OFF HEADLIGHTS
The MDX is equipped with auto on/off headlights. A sensor at the front of the instrument panel senses outside illumination levels; when darkness occurs during automatic mode, the headlights, taillights, and instrument panel lighting turn on automatically for nighttime convenience. When the vehicle is parked at night, the lights remain lit after the ignition switch is turned off, but extinguish automatically when the driver's door is opened.
SIDE MIRRORS
The MDX features "diffuser" side mirrors that smoothly channel air between the mirror and the side window glass resulting in less wind noise and improved aerodynamics. A layer of Thinsulate has been added for 2004 to further reduce wind noise.
The use of blue-tinted side mirror glass greatly reduces sun and headlamp glare to the driver. Owners of the MDX with optional Touring Package receive two keyless remote key fob units that can be pre-programmed so the mirror (and driver's seat) settings automatically match the memory settings of that particular driver.
The MDX Touring Package adds another handy feature - when the transmission is shifted into reverse, the right-side mirror angles down 15 degrees for better visibility near the vehicle. Moving the power mirror adjuster switch out of the center position can disable this feature. MDX engineers provided electrical heating to the outside mirrors not only to defog them in winter but also to reduce the likelihood their surfaces will be damaged by contact with ice scrapers.
WASHER AND WIPER SYSTEMS
As part of the MDX's "defeat winter" goal, engineers invested extra effort in the vehicle's window washer and wiper systems. The MDX with Touring Package features rain-sensing front windshield wipers that, when in the "automatic" position, adjust wiper speed depending on the amount of rain that is falling on the windshield. A sensor located on the windshield behind the rearview mirror monitors the amount of rain on the windshield and adjusts wiper speed accordingly. For individual preference, the driver can adjust the sensitivity of this sensor. The driver can also select either of two pre-set wiper speeds.
The rear wiper arm is a clean, one-piece design. For 2004, a spray-type nozzle replaces the previous jet-type. This new nozzle increases water flow for a quicker and more thorough rear-window cleaning. Fluid is delivered almost the instant the wash button is touched thanks to a check valve in the delivery line.
Single-piece wiper arms are used on the front windows. Fluidic nozzles are fitted here for several reasons: they have a large orifice that covers more surface area, they are less likely to clog than a conventional nozzle and they clean the windshield with fewer wash cycles.
ROOF RACK
Designed to accentuate both the styling and utility of the MDX, the integrated design of the roof rack (standard on the MDX with touring package and available as an option on the premium MDX) consists of two fixed cross bars that mount in the rain channel of the roof. The cross bars are designed to carry items weighing up to 150 pounds when properly loaded. Engineers optimized the location of the bars for loading convenience and the roof rack crossbars have an airfoil-shaped cross-section to avoid wind noise. They are made of plastic-sheathed steel for high stiffness and durability. The adjustable end stays are sturdy zinc die-castings covered with stylish trim. Accessory components are offered to facilitate transporting skis and bicycles or a variety of other items.
RADIO ANTENNA
The MDX's antenna is a short, flexible, damage-resistant design positioned at a rear-center location on the roof. This antenna provides excellent reception, with the security and enhanced appearance roof-mounting as opposed to more common fender or A-pillar type mountings.
SPARE WHEEL AND TIRE
A compact spare tire is carried under the rear load floor and can be lowered by turning a hex-head mounting bolt with the provided lug-wrench. The mounting bolt is neatly concealed under a cover conveniently located inside the rear hatch trim area. This arrangement guarantees the security of the spare and keeps it readily accessible without disturbing luggage or cargo carried onboard. Room is provided to stow a flat or a full-size spare in the compact spare's location. All spare tire mountings and hardware are made of stainless steel and polymer materials to minimize corrosion.
MOONROOF WIND DEFLECTOR
Wind noise can be annoying when the sunroof is open in a vehicle with a large interior volume. MDX engineers solved this problem by providing a wind deflector that automatically rises into the air stream when the glass moonroof is opened. An aluminum blade and composite end pieces are used to save weight. As a result of the wind deflector, the MDX is one of the quietest SUVs on the market with the moonroof in either the open or closed position.