2015 Acura AcuraLink Navigation and Infotainment System Review

[@JBzez1985]

I've found the navigation and infotainment systems in the 2015 MDX to be quite intuitive and easy to use. When I first test drove the car it was a little intimidating but in the two weeks that I've owned it I've gotten used to it pretty quickly. I like the touch screen, voice and shortcut features. Acura thought this out quite well!

[@nathankarnes5435]

so there is hope... thank you

[@GeorgeKnighton]

The reason you cannot use the touch screen to browse the iPod is because it takes too much attention, and people want to do it while the car is moving. You have to focus and aim when you're using the touch screen, and it's so much easier to do on the top screen, we can allow people to use the functions on the top screen while the car is moving.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

No, the screens are the same, the base model just lacks the nav software

[@2004telle]

I do have a 2010 MDX. The Navigation system works at anytime the ignition is on. So, whether you are in park or motion, just go ahead and use the navigator.

[@dudleyfuddpucker7017]

Thanks Alex. I am on the fence about purchasing a 2020 RLX Sport Hybrid and know the infotainment system is almost the same as this one and was looking for an overview of the it with this level of detail. Very helpful!

[@abcd12348905100]

How can you see the artist and song when listening to a fm station?

[@rengo50]

Great work Alex. Your detail level surpasses anything I've seen on the web. Would it be worth while to discuss how to dump your personal address and phone information in the event you sell the vehicle or if it comes off lease. Thanks.

[@toh3211]

Bring back some more buttons!

[@carlosdominguez660]

can i get to a keyboard for audio xm to change channels by clicking a number instead of scrolling the front and back arrows

[@HildrunUta]

I am about ready to buy the top MDX outfitted model and I also worry about the problem with not being able to fully use the navigation system "inputs & changes" while in motion. My husband is usually driving and I am the designated navigator. Works wonderful on our workhorse, the Honda Pilot, as we are on the road. Hope the voice commands can also be done by the passenger, as my husband doesn't hear that well [ha, ha]

[@shahedhasnat]

I have the MDX and this controls are ridiculous. YOu have to take your eyes off the road and go through the submenus to get to the settings you need.

[@nathankarnes5435]

Thanks. I appreciate your overview. You did move very fast. I am picking up my 2016 tomorrow... it has under 18,000 miles so I will have plenty of time to learn these menus... I am intimidated. Between this and the tech driving features!

[@elianemc]

I purchased a 2016 Acura TLX and can not find a video on how to change the GPS voice from female to male. Any ideas?

[@pamorama]

I was wondering about this myself. Couldn't find an option.

[@cyrilasase2654]

How do you unlock the information system

[@kellendavis2958]

In the 2016 MDX (non-advanced), can you listen to your music (either CD, radio, XM, etc) through the front speakers and watch and listen to the rear DVD at the same time without the use of the included headphones? Thanks!!

[@fraisdegout]

Thank you for the video! I'm looking to purchase a used SUV with good safety and tech features, which lead me to the MDX. I was really interested until I saw the infotainment system. I'm really curious to hear from those who actually own one and have been dealing with this system, but this design is a complete disaster in my opinion, especially in comparison to literally every SUVs out there, including the non-luxury brands. I am now looking at the previous generation of MDXs to avoid dealing with the stupid 2-screen setup. Seriously, Acura should be embarrassed for such a terrible and non-intuitive infotainment system. Problem I have now is that I can't find 2012 and 2013 MDXs that have less than 80k miles on them, which brings me back to the 2014+ models and the silly 2 screen setup: 1. For those who have it, have you gotten used to it and how bad is it really for everyday use ? 2. This might be overkill, but is there such a thing as an aftermarket panel that would replace the lower screen with buttons, just like it was in the previous generation ? 3. Has anyone been able to install apple car play on their MDX ? Thanks!

[@luc7976]

Pretty much the Honda Accord system incl. colors and Honda didn't even try to mask that fact:-(. There are few differences which I think are disadvantages: - Subscription based XM Traffic instead of the free FM traffic - Virtual touch buttons for several A/C functions (why not create physical buttons if lower part is always the same in the screen?). The BMW/Audi systems look visually at least 1-2 generations ahead. And upcoming TLX is probably identical (we can expect reviews of that starting tomorrow?).

[@mrxyz2k]

I found a Divx code in TLX 2015, I believe in audio system, so do you what is that about? And how to play videos using that Divx codec?

[@BigKens]

Can the navigation system be used while the car is in motion? Many car navigation systems can only be used with the car in park, which is very inconvenient when you have a passenger who can safely operate the navigation system for you.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The voice commands can be used but not the rest of the system. In general just the Europeans allow you to fiddle with the nav while in motion.

[@BigKens]

Alex on Autos That's unfortunate since voice operation in vehicles isn't quite there yet; however locking down the nav system while in motion seems to the industry trend. I think the nav system should be able to be used in motion, but only if a front passenger is also present. This could be done relatively easily since there's already a pressure sensor under the front passenger seat to trip the seatbelt warning light/sound.

[@GeorgeKnighton]

BigKens It depends on the functions you are trying to use. You can always use the AcuraLink server while the car is moving. But you might not be able to use all the buttons on the car, depending on what you are trying to do. If you've had the foresight to put an address in the Address Book, you can access the first five entries while the car is moving. You can also set an address if you have put it in the Shortcuts menu. You can also do things like push the Menu button and change the basic route you are using (that is to say, switch from the fastest route to the most direct route, that kind of thing). There's a lot you can do while the car is moving, but things that might take too much focus have been removed. Again, though, instead of trying to type an address, just hit the button overhead and let the AcuraLink Remote Server do it for you, or use the Agent or Concierge to help you if you want to speak with a human being to look for something for which you don't quite have all the information.

[@bauer10943]

+BigKens You can always go to previuos addresses and it works fine when moving

[@mrxyz2k]

Here in Kuwait, unfortunately no Acura link, SOS, nor voice command, however, Lexus and many another brand have so less features.

[@A_guan]

Alex you should do a how to on how to use a stick shift and the good and bad things about it! Because whenever I get another car I'm not limited to just an automatic transmission

[@nathankarnes5435]

they still sell clutch stick shifts?

[@moelover81]

can i mirror my phone to the acura tl 2011

[@chrisstraz5526]

ANYONE KNOWS HOW CAN i BUY THIS APP???

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Is the touchscreen touch enabled during motion?

[@fadiibrahim6622]

Yes

[@howiej488]

Csn the new navigation system be controlled by the touch screen? I have an Acura TL-S 2008 and love the navigation being controlled by touch screen. However, I am hearing that now it can only be controlled by using those terrible mouse wheels. Is that true? Navigation can't be set using touch screen? If so, I have no idea why they would change this up or not at least provide the option of touch screen. I find touch screen nav to be MUCH easier to set and control through touch than having to select menus and mess with mouse wheels. Can anyone confirm? Thanks!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It uses a combination of the control wheel and the touchscreen. You can see more about that in the Acura Link review on my channel.

[@lynnespringer1010]

I have searched high and low for 2015 models. Here we are in the beginning of the fall and all I find are 2016s. Were the 2016s released early?

[@camrynkindred4983]

Is there a difference between the navi models and the base model screens?

[@Eddie5811pdx]

The Acura MDX infotainment system is most difficult system I have ever used. Anyone get mad at typing in an address on the touch screen? It is so hard to type on the old school touch screen. And you have to type the address carefully. First. House numbers. Enter . Street name. Enter and City Enter. Then State. And it ask you one more time to confirm. Whoever designs that interface needs to be fired. I wonder if he/she try the infotainment system.

[@michaelhorgan9525]

The older touch screen Acura system works great. My mom has a RDX with this system and it is a bit complicated to set up.

[@sucapizda]

Ahab the Arab was pretty good. Thanx for the suggestion.

[@bohan9957]

The new dual screen layout is hideous. Bring back the buttons! Yes the previous generation MDX has a lot of buttons, but they offer one-step access to many functions instead of having to dig through multiple layers of menu. Buttons also "feels better" compared to a touch screen, at least for me it is.

[@cukoodukoo]

That sir is the most idiotic Infotainment system I have come across.Wow acura... and to top off your brilliant product .....the Lag is ugh...

[@Eddie5811pdx]

Agree! The Acura MDX infotainment system is most difficult system I have ever used. Anyone get mad at typing in an address on the touch screen? It is so hard to type on the old school touch screen. And you have to type the address carefully. First. House numbers. Enter . Street name. Enter and City Enter. Then State. And it ask you one more time to confirm. Whoever designs that interface needs to be fired. I wonder if he/she try the infotainment system.

[@PL-zy8yk]

I have this car. I absolutely hate this double screen configuration. It is absurd that you can’t dictate an address. It is worse that you have to lay $600 for an interface in order to have Apple car play. I wish I never would have bought this car. And this video really doesn’t make it any easier or intuitive.

[@worldpeace5853]

It is quite intimidating to be frank. Will need patience and time to learn but frankly who has them now a days??? I wonder what a senior citizen will be doing looking at the screens…

[@jimmybeauxarts]

You are speaking too fast I can’t understand

[@JesseJamess]

Sluggish. And Bluetooth is delayed on sound by 5 seconds.

[@AshS85]

Worst system ever

[@lschallert]

Dang, way too fast! Ugh!