A newbie here to the Acura world - got a 2014 RDX fwd w/ tech last fall with 18K. I had been
driving a 1994 Volvo 850 since 1998. Sold it in Oct with 244K on it. I wanted something different
so I didn't look at the XC60. In addition to the RDX I also checked out the
Q5, X3, RX350, RAV4, CR-V, and NX. After looking, test driv

 

Sorry...after multiple test drives and researching I got the RDX. I've really been
enjoying it! One thing is that the brakes are somewhat sensitive
and grabby compared to the old Volvo. Anyone else feel that way?
When it comes time for new pads is there a choice for pads that
will make the brakes less grabby and more linear in response?

Ive been checking out this site for the past few months and it's kind of
addictive!

 

Yes, the brakes on a 2014 RDX are going to be more grabby vs. a 1994 Volvo. You're talking a 20 year difference. When I got my 2016 RDX I let my brother test drive it and he hit the brakes and he was like, whoa! these brakes really grab! I forgot what real brakes feel like he said. He was comparing it to his daily driver, a 1998 Ford. There is no problem with the RDX brakes. Just learn to feel them out.

Matter of fact, some people mod the RDX brakes so they grab ever more!

 

Thanks! I was the same way - when I first drove it and stepped on the brakes I almost hit the windshield. I must admit it's better to have a stronger feel than a mushy one with more brake pedal travel.

 

when i first test drove the 2016 rdx, i felt like an idiot driving it because it felt like i was stomping on the brakes and the salesman kept giving staring at me with that, "did he just get his license?", kinda look.
i've been used to driving a 2012 tl and i couldn't believe the difference in braking.

that feeling quickly went away after buying the rdx and couldn't be happier

 

Congratulations for your new ride and welcome to the club. Post some pictures of your new car please.
Yes, you are now officially an Acurazine addict. .

 

The RDX has "brake assist".The harder You push the faster You stop.Designed for emergency stop situations.As You get used to Your new car it will be easier to manage braking.It's the electric steering that I find too sensitive.

 

They do seem to be more sensitive than others. The CR-V we traded for our RDX was pretty much the same. You'll get used to them pretty quickly. Problem then is, when you drive another car it'll feel like you have to really stand on the brakes.

 

Here is the new ride - forged silver metallic and parchment:

 

yes they do, more grabby...

 

Very nice. We're on our 2nd RDX. The '17 seems to be grabbier than the '13 (which went to my son). I notice a big difference after driving my TLX. Since the RDX is my wife's car, she wonders why I brake so suddenly and hard at the first stop sign. Just enjoy the car and put on lots of miles. It looks like an appropriate car for your neighborhood. (Where are you? Put it in your profile.)

 

Thanks! I've added to my profile - I live in a suburb of Atlanta - Dunwoody. There at least 3 RXs in this neighborhood but no other RDX that I've seen. Although I have seen more than a few of both RDXs and MDXs around town - pretty popular around here! How about where you are, CanTex - how common are RDXs compared to other SUVs?

Yes I expect to keep it for a good number of years and rack up the miles. Maybe I can even beat the 244K I put on the old Volvo?? Whaddya think?

 

D/FW, TX. In my new-ish subdivision, geared to up and coming young professionals*, the most predominant CUV is the RDX in black. A couple of MDXs and Mazda CX-5s. Then it's Audi, Mercedes, BMW, RX, CR-V, Rogue and Volvo. Then in trucks the F150 and Ram 1500 are about tied.

i drove a Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring at a Ride and Drive event in Dallas today. The brakes were quite linear and reassuring, no surprises. (The rest of the car is very impressive, worthy of future consideration.)

* We're the cute old retired couple that neighbors kinda watch out for.