D Position and S Position with Automatic Shift Mode
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
In D, the optimum gear is automatically selected from 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th gears; and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th gears in S with automatic shift mode according to conditions such as the balance between the accelerator pedal command or position (engine loading) and vehicle speed.