I have tried the sports mode a few times. I can't change gears when I want to. For example, 6th gear only allows to kick in around 50kmh or 60kmh, I can't remember which. I do understand gears (99% driving for over 15 years was stick), and I am not throwing it in high gears at ridiculously low speeds or situations (constant speed, no acceleration). But the limit seems about 10kmh too high. Anyone got a mechanical explanation for this?

 

I'll have to speak (er, write) mostly theoretically, as I haven't had the need to play with sport mode since I got the vehicle last year.

From my understanding, there are two ways to use S mode.

If you just select S, the car will still change gears itself, but using more performance-oriented shift points. If I remember correctly, in this mode, 6th will not engage.

The other reason to select S (actually sequential) mode is so that you can shift for yourself using the paddles.

You can also use the paddle shifters without S mode for a quick downshift. The car will take over shifting as soon as you start to cruise. I have actually used this feature a few times.

You might want to take a look at your owners manual (starting on page 244) to make sure your perception of what should happen is what suppose to happen.

 

Out of curiousity, why would you want to use top gear at under 30mph (50km/h)?

 

The only time I find "S" mode handy is driving in the mountains/steep hills or towing. Haven't found the advantage of using paddles in normal driving conditions or even during hard acceleration.

 

S Mode can also be used to do a 2nd gear start when it's snowy/icy outside. 6th gear, IMO, has no use unless you're cruising at highway speeds. As soon as you even tap the gas, it would need to downshift.

 

Fuel efficiency. I've driven cars before (Lexus and Audi) and it's been fine when cruising at that speed to just throw it in to 6th gear.

Iirc in S mode it does let me put it in to 6 but it just restricts when.


I've tried S to try and have a bit more fun in the car. I know 6th at 30mph isn't fun but just something I noticed while playing around with it.

 

It's not letting you go into 6th at that low of speed so it doesn't lug the engine (aka running at too low of rpm). Take a look at what speed it shifts into 6th when you are in "D". In a manual transmission you can put it into high gear at whatever speed you want, but you can still be lugging the engine which is not recommended per the owners manual (in cars equipped with manual transmissions).

 

The problem with the RDX is the major delay when using the paddles. It's among the worst lag time I've seen on shiftable automatic cars. So much lag, I don't bother with it. If you start in 1st, it shifts to 2 way too soon, even in S mode selecting gears manually.