Model Year | 2008 | 2017 |
Model | MDX | SS |
Trim | Base | Base |
Engines | ||
Transmissions | ||
Drivetrains | ||
Tires | ||
Audio Systems | ||
Accessories | ||
Powers devices with a regular home electrical outlet. Limited wattage: forget about using it to power a blow drier. | ||
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available. | ||
Liftgate can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob. | ||
Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket. | ||
Check on car and remotely control various functions (remote start, locks, lights, and/or HVAC) from a telephone or computer. Can require a monthly fee. | ||
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob. | ||
Start the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in. | ||
Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob. | ||
Automatically steers the vehicle into a parking space. Driver operates the transmission, and sometimes also the brake and accelerator. | ||
Homelink. | ||
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | ||
Rear disc brakes. | ||
If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common. | ||
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | ||
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time. | ||
Mirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot. | ||
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes. | ||
Warns of traffic coming from either direction when vehicle is in reverse, to prevent accidents when backing out of parking spaces. | ||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||
Alerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly. | ||
Mandatory, in all cars. | ||
Alerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane. | ||
Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid. | ||
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid. | ||
Torso-level second row airbags, usually contained in the rear door. Some also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags. | ||
Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system. | ||
Deploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others. | ||
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row. | ||
Airbags contained just above the window level. Cover all three rows. | ||
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning). | ||
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire. | ||
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction. | ||
Periodically uploads and emails a vehicle diagnostic check. | ||
Cargo Management | ||
Usually part of an overhead console. | ||
Usually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat. | ||
Large storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized. | ||
Climate Control | ||
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | ||
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | ||
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features. | ||
Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor. | ||
Vents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling. | ||
Maintains set temperature in rear passenger area by providing heated or cooled air through vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Replaces and includes value of rear air vents with manual controls. | ||
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row. | ||
A second evaporator provides cool air to rear vents. Does not include the value of these vents. Includes rear heater. | ||
Drivetrain | ||
Actively splits power between the left and right rear wheels, which generally yields sportier handling. | ||
When one rear wheel spins, the differential locks up, sending power to the wheel with better traction. | ||
Engine / Motor | ||
Valves open in the exhaust at high rpm and/or during brisk acceleration, for power boost and/or richer sound. Valves can also be opened with a switch. | ||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||
Exterior | ||
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust. | ||
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler. | ||
Gas Guzzler Tax | ||
Infotainment | ||
Higher speed Internet connection. Monthly fee after trial period. | ||
Touchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years. | ||
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car. | ||
Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone. | ||
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers. | ||
Includes CD player. | ||
Audio system capable of playing DVD-Audio discs. | ||
A DVD player and ceiling-mounted screen. Often includes a pair of wireless headphones. | ||
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files. | ||
Screen-based navigation system. | ||
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply. | ||
XM or Sirius with one-year subscription. | ||
Activate Siri using button on steering wheel. Make calls, hear and dictate texts and email, manage calendar, turn-by-turn nav. Requires iPhone 4S or higher. | ||
Converts text messages to speech. | ||
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system plus turn-by-turn navigation (no map display). For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months. | ||
Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | ||
Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls. | ||
Phone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported. | ||
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system. | ||
Provides Wi-Fi within the car. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee. | ||
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | ||
Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | ||
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | ||
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights. | ||
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it. | ||
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle. | ||
Projects various instrument readouts onto the windshield. Image actually appears to be floating over the nose of the car. Enables driver to keep eyes on the road. | ||
Clears ice and fog from mirrors. | ||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | ||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | ||
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. | ||
Front row reading lights. | ||
One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb. | ||
Measures and displays lateral acceleration. Some also measure and display 0-60, quarter mile, etc. | ||
Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked. | ||
Includes value of manual remote mirrors. | ||
Reports engine speed. | ||
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats. | ||
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights. | ||
Seats and Interior Trim | ||
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat. | ||
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat. | ||
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette. | ||
Power-adjustable lower back support. | ||
Power-adjustable lower back support. | ||
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | ||
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | ||
Suede-like trim on the door panels. | ||
No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models. | ||
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | ||
Shocks that electrically adjust their firmness based on sensor readings of the road surface. The driver might also be able to select a \"sport\" setting. | ||
Outer surface of alloy wheels machines to yield a bright finish. Replace and include value of reqular alloy wheels. | ||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||
Transmission | ||
Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission. | ||
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2008 Acura MDX
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2017 Chevrolet SS
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