For the 2006 model year, the MDX receives an assortment of stylish and sporty additions to the interior. High quality ebony-colored Zebra wood garnishes the center console and door switches and refined Satin Chrome accents are added to models equipped with the Touring Package. The MDX also adds a new exterior color, Amazon Green Metallic.

Outstanding performance has always been a fundamental Acura character trait. The development of Acura's first in-house designed and engineered SUV presented the opportunity for the engineers to sidestep the shortcomings of products already on the market and begin with a fresh approach to the SUV equation. That approach was to create the first no-compromise SUV - melding attractive design, unmatched versatility, driving exhilaration, social responsibility, and value in one neatly wrapped package.

The MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine, tuned to deliver an outstanding 253 peak horsepower SAE net (8/04)* at 5800 rpm and 250 lbs-ft of torque SAE net (rev 8/04) at 3500 rpm. Providing V-8-like power, this engine is coupled to a compact 5-speed automatic transmission and a drive-by-wire throttle system (DBW) that deliver precise shifts and reduced shift shock. The MDX's standard VTM-4 four-wheel drive system works seamlessly with the DBW and the standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system to enhance performance on low traction surfaces, and enhance stability in all conditions.

The MDX's 4500-pound boat towing package (3500-pound for trailers) was achieved by tuning the powertrain and chassis systems to manage heavy loads with confidence. This vehicle's wider-than-normal stance, high-torque engine, wide-ratio 5-speed automatic transmission, and powerful brakes yield a highly competent tow vehicle.

For the 2006 model year, horsepower and torque specifications for all Acura models have been updated in press materials to reflect the revised Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1349 (Rev 8/04) net calculations. These new specifications reflect a number of significant differences from the old test procedures and may cause horsepower and torque totals published in 2006 media materials to differ from the figures published in previous years. To avoid confusion, all 2006 Acura press materials will specify SAE net (Rev 8/04) after all horsepower and torque figures to denote adherence to the new standards.