D and D3 Positions
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Acura MDX, 2008 Acura MDX, and 2007 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
In D and D3, the optimum gear is automatically selected from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th gears in D; and 1st, 2nd, and, 3rd gears in D3 according to conditions such as the balance between the throttle plate opening (engine loading) and vehicle speed.