From what understand with other car brands, adding a performance package to a vehicle may also increase maintenance cost over time for replacing special parts that go along with the performance tuning versus the standard model.

Does anyone know if this would apply to the new RDX A-Spec?

Aside from the bells and whistles, what real performance benefit would you get for shelling out an extra $3,000 for the A-Spec package?

 

None.

 

 

 

Over the past two weeks I've driven A-Spec SH-AWD, base, and advance models. I noticed that the engine and exhaust noise in the A-Spec seemed louder while driving, even droning at times.

Did anyone else notice this when test driving? I was under the impression that the only difference in the exhaust would be the tips.

 

Yes Yes Yes!

The A-Spec exhibited what is a new trend in cars trying to be "sportier" - the piped in, pre-recorded engine noise.

Some people like it but I hate it. The over-enhanced droning noise actually gives me a headache, and I have already crossed the Kia Stinger (which I otherwise loved) and the A-Spec off my list because I just cant sit in the cabin with that noise going on.

 

Is there some internal software setting that can disable this "feature"?

 

Is that feature present in every mode? Or is it disabled in Comfort/Snow Mode?

 

I'm not sure. On the ASpec it seemed to me like it was present in Comfort Mode. It was certainly very present in Sport Modes. I believe on other models it may not be present in Comfort Mode but not positive.

Regarding disabling... There is no setting to turn it off. On some prior Acura models there have been electrical ways to disable. My dealer told me he believes his Service guys can find a way to disable it but that have been confirmed.

 

disabled in comfort/snow mode, at least in the advance

 

That's good! I hope it's that way in the A-Spec, too. It didn't seem like that the first time I drove the A-Spec last week. I am test driving again tomorrow at a different dealership.

 

You might want to try both A-Spec and the Advance. I didn't bother with test driving the A-Spec because I do want most of the Advance's features. I'm particular with the cabinet sound isolation. From my experience, I would be surprised if the RDX Advance isn't on par with the CL350 which is the leader in this segment.

I do wish however that they would allow the users to disable/enable engine sound piping. Why go through all the acoustic glass, thick carpeting only to artificially pipe in the engine sound.

 

Would be great if someone can verify this.
I agree, when I drove the ASpec it did NOT seem like the engine noise was disabled in Comfort mode.

 

One would think that the piped in fake engine noise could be disabled via software. It might be worth complaining to Acura about it.

 

I started up an A-Spec this week (but wasn't allowed to drive it for claim that it's a "limited" car and I'd have to buy it first). I can confirm it is noiser in all the modes. I did hear that sentiment as well in a review online and from the two dealerships. However, after going for a drive in a non A-Spec model immediately afterwards, I think, as a performance-minded mid-20s guy it would be bearable and welcome sound. It just was unexpected during my first test drive a week ago.

And hopefully, someone does come up with a way to lower the volume or disable the system temporarily.

 

That's interesting that you guys have mentioned that the A-Spec is louder. I have driven all the 2019 RDX models over 50 miles and I have not noticed a difference in engine and exhaust noise. I mainly drive the RDX in Sport+ Mode. Maybe it's because I have the radio turned on at a high volume. I will pay closer attention next time I drive an A-Spec model.

 

Would also be interesting any other thoughts you have comparing the drive between ASPec and Advanced...

 

I tried having the radio on yesterday and with sufficient volume the sound can be missed. The sound is noticeable with the radio off and at lower volumes.

 

I would say they drive the same. The car handles great, acceleration is solid. ASpec is basically a tech RDX that looks sportier. You can't go wrong with either one, it just comes down to what features you would rather have in your RDX.

Both packages have ventilated seats, which is one of my favorite features. The advanced has a display on the windshield that tells you how fast you are going, along with the speed limit of the road you are on. I personally do not like this feature and find it distracting at times. I'm sure there is a way you can turn it off, I just don't know how. It also has a more advanced birds eye view rear view camera, which is useful if you have to parallel park. Also, the ASpec's seats are not all leather. The middle part of the seat is a different material, I think suede. And the ASpec comes in a Blue Pearl exterior color, which looks fantastic and reminds me a little of the Subaru blue.

 

The two featured if the Advanced I was most interested in are the Adaptive Dampers and the additional soundproofing.

Doesn't seem like either made an impression on you...

 

I honestly did not know those were features specific to the Advance package RDX. Not saying that they aren't there, but I was not paying attention to them, therefore I did not notice anything different.

 

I didn't mind the sound and actually liked it much more then when I test drove a BMW X3M, Mercedes AMG GLC43 and the Audi SQ5. Those are a noise I can do without. All the German models have their own unique sound and they all sound terrible although the AMG was the better of the bunch. The one thing they all got right that Acura made a big swing and a miss on is the Suede interior on the A-Spec. Can't wait to see pictures of nasty stains after a few kids spill something or lay their dirty hands on that Suede. Good grief it ruins an otherwise awesome vehicle with an amazing sound system, upgraded tech package and very responsive shifters.

 

Update: Now an owner of a A-Spec AWD and it is more than livable.

 

 

 

Yes, there is a greater chance of damage because there is less height in the tire sidewall. How much greater the chance? Who knows.