Safety has always been an Acura strongpoint. The MDX reflects this philosophy with the use of three-point seat belts at all 7-seating positions. The sport utility also protects the driver and front seat passenger with dual-stage front airbags. These occupants benefit from side airbags mounted in the seat bolsters closest to the doors as well. Acura is aware that airbags can be fatal to

Side curtain airbags with roll over sensors are standard MDX equipment. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

children, therefore the front passenger's seat is equipped with a system designed to disable side airbag deployment if a small child, or small-stature adult, leans into the side air bag deployment path. Once the child returns to an upright seating position, the side airbag will reactivate and continue to provide side impact protection. Acura hasn't overlooked the safety of the middle and rearseat passengers either. Side curtain airbags with roll over sensors are also standard MDX equipment. Vehicle safety doesn't just include crash protection; it also includes crash avoidance. All 2004 MDX's are equipped with 4-wheel antilock disc brakes and a Vehicle

The navigation screen doubles as a monitor for a rearview camera that engages automatically when the transmission is placed in reverse. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Stability Assist system with traction control. Acura's Stability Assist works by controlling brake pressure, engine power, or both to help maintain traction, especially when entering a corner at excessive speed. Another safety feature that is part of the Tech package is a navigation screen that doubles as a monitor for a rearview camera that, incidentally, engages automatically when the transmission is placed in reverse. This system provides a wide-angle color picture on the navigation screen. While backing up, the driver, and passengers for that matter, can monitor what is taking place behind the vehicle and scan for children or obstacles in the rearward path.