I just got a 2014 q5 2.0 as an upgrade from a 2011 accord lx, but when comparing the steering to the Acura RDX that I test drove, and after driving the q5 for more than a week, I like the audi in many ways, but the one thing I prefer on Acura is the steering. The audi is notably loose in comparison to the Acura. Does anyone know about the technical difference between the steering between the two cars?

When I was car shopping, I test drove a Mercedes GLK350 as well as a BMW x3 and I can say that at least in my view, x3 and audi both had loose steering while Acura and Mercedes has some more tightness in the steering when turning so that you can "feel" your turn as you turn, as if the steering wheel is giving you feedback. In terms of steering I preferred the Acura and the Mercedes.

I don't know a lot about the mechanics of cars, can someone tell me what accounts for the difference in steering between audi q5 and Acura?

 

^^ I can't provide you the specifics but I am surprised by your finding. People always say that German vehicles have better steering feel than Japanese. I have the RDX and I am fine with the steering feel although it does feel a wee bit over boosted but its still precise and accurate. Once you have driven the vehicle for a little while, you become quite comfortable with the feeling and know what its capable of doing

 

Like Weather, I won't try to give you a technical answer, but steering feel is mainly influenced by the amount of boost dialed in by the mfr. It seems that mfr's believe SUV owners want less steering "effort" more than they want steering "feel", so they add more boost to make steering easier and to make the vehicle feel smaller and more nimble. Apparently Mercedes - and to some extent, Acura - are trying to preserve a sportier feel, so they have applied a little less boost to the power steering.

That said, and coming from a TL, I agree with Weather that the RDX's steering is pretty light. Maybe a little too light in many ways.

 

I actually find the steering in the RDX to be more on the lighter side. I've had two Acura TL-S' and RL and prefer the steering feel of them over the RDX.

 

same here steering on 02 cl type S > new RDX. Not saying RDX is bad, it's quite good just not as good as the CL-S or newer TL (04-08) steering... IMHO acura variable assist hydraulic > electric...

 

My previous vehicle was a 2008 Honda CR-V. By comparison, the Acura seems lighter and quicker. I like the quickness but would have liked a little more resistance. The Honda had a hydraulic system while the RDX is electric. Overall I prefer the Acura's more responsive steering. Some of the difference may be due to the Michelin Primacy MXMs on the Acura vs the Defenders on the CR-V.