First RDX Road Trip
#1
rdxsteverino
Thread Starter
First RDX Road Trip
Finally got a chance to take the family out for a little road trip ~220 miles from LA to Fresno, CA and back. Road was generally clear with some rain in Fresno. Impressions below:
Wanted to see how it did fully loaded with two adults in the front and two teenagers in the rear with the cargo area filled to the gills. The trip was on the I5 over a pass called the Grapevine which has some sections with fairly steep grade and peaks a little over 4000 ft elevation (or should I say altitude :wink: ). I was impressed with the passing power up hill with the load. No problem accelerating when I needed to but the boost was getting a good work out. A semi made an unusually sharp lane change in front of me (he was avoiding another semi who pulled out from a slower lane) and the RDX was very responsive to my avoidance maneuver - always felt in full control.
Prior to the trip, I was concerned about the stiffness of the ride and asked the family about it after the trip. Front was fine. Kids in the rear said it was generally comfortable but commented their heads bounced a bit on the head rests while trying to sleep. Both said the ride in the rear of the 05 TL ride was smoother.
Wife who drives the TL had a chance to drive the RDX around town. She was pleasantly surprised that is was nimble, easy to drive and did not feel like an SUV. She noticed a small upgrade to the Navi from her TL. After having programmed in a destination, she stopped at an intermediate location and turned off the car, returned, started the car and the Navi asked "would you like to resume your destination?" which her TL does not do. I like how Acura makes the small upgrades along the way.
The sound system helped make the trip much more enjoyable. Listened to several good CDs and DVD 5.1 audio on the way up and a few podcasts through the Aux input on the way back. The new Beattle's Love album is an interesting mix and great sound.
Averaged 20.8 mpg on the trip. Thought it would be a bit higher but I just passed 1000 miles and I am a little heavy on the pedal.
Got a couple approving nods on the road.
Overall, good experience for my first RDX road trip. I predict there will be many more in my future.
Wanted to see how it did fully loaded with two adults in the front and two teenagers in the rear with the cargo area filled to the gills. The trip was on the I5 over a pass called the Grapevine which has some sections with fairly steep grade and peaks a little over 4000 ft elevation (or should I say altitude :wink: ). I was impressed with the passing power up hill with the load. No problem accelerating when I needed to but the boost was getting a good work out. A semi made an unusually sharp lane change in front of me (he was avoiding another semi who pulled out from a slower lane) and the RDX was very responsive to my avoidance maneuver - always felt in full control.
Prior to the trip, I was concerned about the stiffness of the ride and asked the family about it after the trip. Front was fine. Kids in the rear said it was generally comfortable but commented their heads bounced a bit on the head rests while trying to sleep. Both said the ride in the rear of the 05 TL ride was smoother.
Wife who drives the TL had a chance to drive the RDX around town. She was pleasantly surprised that is was nimble, easy to drive and did not feel like an SUV. She noticed a small upgrade to the Navi from her TL. After having programmed in a destination, she stopped at an intermediate location and turned off the car, returned, started the car and the Navi asked "would you like to resume your destination?" which her TL does not do. I like how Acura makes the small upgrades along the way.
The sound system helped make the trip much more enjoyable. Listened to several good CDs and DVD 5.1 audio on the way up and a few podcasts through the Aux input on the way back. The new Beattle's Love album is an interesting mix and great sound.
Averaged 20.8 mpg on the trip. Thought it would be a bit higher but I just passed 1000 miles and I am a little heavy on the pedal.
Got a couple approving nods on the road.
Overall, good experience for my first RDX road trip. I predict there will be many more in my future.
#4
rdxsteverino
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Jirzlee
So what color did you go with?
#5
Diggin' the RDX!
Thanks for posting your insights. What you said about "always felt in full control" was also my experience on the three test drives I've taken. I am looking forward to getting my Black/Black RDX Tech hopefully in the next few weeks or so. Need to sell my Element first.
#6
Got Boost?Rdx/Base/CGP
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well i did same in october but in canada.from Montreal to Toronto at 3AM:|..my girlfreind at my parents really liked the comfort in the Rdx but..while n the Transcanadian Highyway in Ontario..I was listening music and then i forgot that i puted the subwoofer on +6..and then my dad was like" Holy $hit My Back Is Shaking" loll..nwayz i really like the Rdx..
PS*Do you guys Dealer put a sticker near the sticker of "ACURA"inside of the driver side,that says "Acura Laval(well im from Laval,Maybe you guys is from another one),A Work Of Trust! "than my name and the name of the manager
Rdxowner
PS*Do you guys Dealer put a sticker near the sticker of "ACURA"inside of the driver side,that says "Acura Laval(well im from Laval,Maybe you guys is from another one),A Work Of Trust! "than my name and the name of the manager
Rdxowner
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#8
Missin my TSX =(
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Originally Posted by rdxsteverino
Silver/Ebony with roof rack and chrome 18" wheels. I traditionally go with a black exterior but I no longer have covered parking at work and just can't keep the black clean enough.
#9
rdxsteverino
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by chyllintsx
chrome stock rims? or were u the one wit the ronjons?
#10
Missin my TSX =(
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Originally Posted by rdxsteverino
Although I really like Ronjon's wheels, I went with the chrome stock rims. Got a pretty good price ($600) from the dealer.
oh yea? nice man, i jsut saw ur pics... looks nice =)
#14
Originally Posted by rdxsteverino
The trip was on the I5 over a pass called the Grapevine which has some sections with fairly steep grade and peaks a little over 4000 ft elevation (or should I say altitude :wink: ). I was impressed with the passing power up hill with the load. No problem accelerating when I needed to but the boost was getting a good work out. .
#15
rdxsteverino
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by orbitwhite
Hi rdxsteverino, I am considering the RDX as my next car and also live in Los Angeles,CA. I take occassional roadtrips to San Francisco and Las Vegas where the road can get hilly at times so I was pleased your trip went well. I can see how the RDX can boost over a steep short hill, but how did it do with a long stretch of incline? Since the boost is already firing up the hills, did you feel ample power ready to push up for more or did it feel like beating a tired car? I was worried the RDX would be a "slower car on the right lane, please"
#16
Originally Posted by rdxsteverino
Glad you asked that question since I was specifially looking for the boost behavior during "normal" driving but forgot to post my observations. During level sections the boost only engaged when I was passing or accelerating - otherwise it was at or near zero. While on the hilly Grapevine, the boost was at about 1/4 to 1/2 level unless I was trying to accelerate when it engaged to full boost. There were a couple very steep and long inclines when the boost was maxed out and I needed additional power to pass. The RDX simply down shifted and gave me the passing power I needed, but these instances were brief and rare. This was with a fully loaded RDX. I wouldn't be concerned about being the slow car in the right lane.
#17
Got Boost?Rdx/Base/CGP
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Originally Posted by chyllintsx
hahaha... we didnt race.. he knew i would OWN him
lol ppl are nice when u own a nice car..some ppl..
#18
Missin my TSX =(
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Originally Posted by Rdxowner
haha so sad..u would have won 5000$..that's right? lol nwayz..i was at a grocery store and when i came out i saw ppl who was lookin at the car and puting their face on the windows to chek and then when i started the car from far they like..uh..the engine scared them..srry i dunno how to explain..nwayz i hope u understand..and then i came t the trunk and they looked at me and they said.."this is an really really nice car.."i was like gee thanks
lol ppl are nice when u own a nice car..some ppl..
lol ppl are nice when u own a nice car..some ppl..
yea i got a few ppl asking me to roll down my window when im driving to tell me nice car and how much n this n that
#19
Missin my TSX =(
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Originally Posted by orbitwhite
Hi rdxsteverino, I am considering the RDX as my next car and also live in Los Angeles,CA. I take occassional roadtrips to San Francisco and Las Vegas where the road can get hilly at times so I was pleased your trip went well. I can see how the RDX can boost over a steep short hill, but how did it do with a long stretch of incline? Since the boost is already firing up the hills, did you feel ample power ready to push up for more or did it feel like beating a tired car? I was worried the RDX would be a "slower car on the right lane, please"
#20
Got Boost?Rdx/Base/CGP
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Originally Posted by chyllintsx
haha yea i understnad... u got a remote starter too?
yea i got a few ppl asking me to roll down my window when im driving to tell me nice car and how much n this n that
yea i got a few ppl asking me to roll down my window when im driving to tell me nice car and how much n this n that
#21
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Hi orbitwhite, I drive up and down the Cajon Pass every day and can cruise going up at 80mph and have plenty left to accelerate aroung the 18 wheelers when they make their all to common moves into the fater moving traffic lanes. Very Nice!
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