Good day AKJ. Thanks in
Good day AKJ. Thanks in advance for your civility. With apology: We find many Acura brand detractors, here(mostly competing brand personnel or sales people) it's difficult to discern the genuine consumer concern from the planted online Troll at times.
In answer to your questions: #1. The 9 speed ZF manufactured transmission emulates the "downshifting" pattern of a close ratio manual transmission, effectively "engine braking" the vehicle.
Also, the 9 speed transmission features a down-grade "hill control" feature. It doesn't operate in the same manor as a conventional 5 or 6 speed automatic transmission. 2. The 2015 Acura MDX doesn't feature the 9 speed ZF transmission, thus the transmission, shift pattern, hill braking, and downshift transition when coming to a stop is much different than the 5 or 6 speed automatic.
It's a "personal preference." For me, spending 2,000 miles driving between the 2015 and the 2016 model, (I) personally prefer the performance of the 9 speed transmission in transitional traffic situations. It enables me to engage "Sport Mode," when exceptional acceleration is called for in maneuvering; then, I go back to "normal" mode driving.
Note: I rarely engage the "Sport" mode. And when doing so, shift it in and out of mode via the drive button. I'm assuming that your reference to "jolt" is pointed to an aggressive or "hard" shift between gears? Unfortunately for you and other's used to driving a smooth-transition-long-legged-automatic, the 9 speed transmission may not be for you. Wish to soften up your shift points? Drive MDX in "Comfort" or normal mode.
In closing: The 9 speed transmission is not mechanically flawed, simply different! As with all new technology, it will take a bit of getting used to. Thank you for your though provoking comment, and best of luck.