I took the RDX in for service today, and they gave me an '08 RDX loaner, and I immediately noticed several differences.

-Acura very clearly recalibrated the suspension. Much softer, no jarring or crashing over bumps. Overall, it feels more refined, but it does squat more under hard braking. I have to admit, I like it.

-The steering has also changed. It feels like they increased the power steering boost, I can easily turn the wheel with one finger, even at highway speeds. My '07 feels a lot heftier and planted. The '08 doesn't feel as sharp to me and a little more darty.

-The driver's side memory seat is a nice touch, Acura should have had this from the beginning.

I realize these are all subjective observations, but let me know what you all think.

 

i posted something somewhat exactly like this when i went from the 07 to the 08. i miss the 07, felt much more sports tuned. i dont like the 08 softness and lighter steering, it feels less ready to get after it, the 07 took corners better, its stiffness was great. the 08 is a better city driver and the ride is less busy tho, so im sure it pleased some critics of the 07's harder ride.

 

I wonder if this was a mid-08 change. My 08, built in Aug 07, is quite firm. Any idea of the build date of the 08's you drove?

 

The RDX loaner I'm driving was manufactured 11/07 which is only three months later. The ride is still firm, but the '07 is noticably firmer.

 

2007 is the sh&t!

 

Anybody ever check to see if the OEM springs and shocks are the same?
That would probably give a clue. I am stunned that they played with the steering. I like the feel.
Perhaps they are trying to get more ladies to buy?
Almost every RDX I have spied on the road is driven by a woman.

I have an 07 that I biught lay May, so its a mid year car. MFR in April,

 

I find less wind noise in my 08 than I remember from my 3 test drives of the 07. Maybe they added some more insulation? Anyone else noticed that?

 

I didn't notice any difference in wind noise, but I only has the '08 loaner for half a day, so not really sure.

 

Can the PS valving be programmed? I know on my '07 GTI, you can program the amount of desired assist.

 

I doubt it. The RDX does not have electric PS like the GTI, which can have the power to electric motor assist varied programatically. I think it would take a re-valving of the RDX's hydraulic system.