This is more of a comment vs a question or discussion topic...

After having the new RDX for 24 hours, one thing that I wish that Acura had included is some type of indicator that the VCM has put the engine in 3 or 4 cylinder operation. A co-worker has a late model Honda Accord V6 with an "ECO" light on the gauge cluster when VCM is activated. Seems like it would be a good way, somewhere on the gauges or MID, to help owners be more aware of their driving. Maybe Acura will flash the MID software to show this in the future...not holding my breath!

 

you can tell by watching the mpg gauge. After a while driving the car you will also be able to feel it change at times

 

You are right. My '12 Accord Cpe. V6 has the ECO light....but, you don't know if you are using 4 cyl or 3.
But, I do kinda miss it on my RDX. It was one of the first things I noticed that was "missing" from the dash indicators.

If you are cruising of a flat road at a steady speed you can assume...hmmm....shouldn't do that right??....LOL!!......that you'll be running on 3 cyl's.
I'm sure it doesn't stay in that mode very often.

But, it is virtually seamless....it's really hard to tell when it's in and out of 6,4 or 3 cylinders.

I'm aware of the differences in my 2 vehicles....but, my Accord...with almost the identical engine....gets up and moves much quicker than the RDX. But, the RDX is no slouch either. I do know that my Honda's took time to really break in....to get better gas mileage and to be quicker.

Follow the break in of all new engines based on the manual guidelines. Later, "don't be afraid to push it...drive it like you stole it".....and the computer will adjust to your basic style. If you putt, putt around all the time and then at some point want to really push the pedal down...it may not respond exactly like you'd expect.

I've been told this many times by the Servcie Mgr's. and the senior service techs.

 

The ECO light isn't tied directly to the VCM, you can be running on all 6 cylinders and still have the ECO light be on.

I agree though, having an indicator somewhere in the MID would be nice.
They could have a little diagram of the engine with the 6 cylinders and show which ones are deactivated. Kinda like they do with the SH-AWD diagram that shows which wheel is getting power.

 

Hey, that would be cool! Better idea than the ECO light. But, maybe, it would distract people driving too much. You'd be staring at the numbers all the time just to see how many cylinders you're running on!! LOL!!

 

I don't feel or notice my VCM, and that's exactly how I like it and that's probably Acura's intention. I think that it is so unnoticeable that people wonder if its really working. When I see the MPG's above the 30 range, I then assume the VCM has reduced the Cylinder count. Very happy with the system that's already in place.