supraman317

First post

hi guys,
I’m always in comfort mode but every now and then I like to switch to sport +. Does this have any negatives in terms of additional wear and tear if in this mode? Aware of the obvious mpg drop

for reference 21 Aspec SHAWD

thanks!

RDX10

The vehicle is manufactured to comfortably withstand being driven in any of the factory modes. The only way I could see it being an issue is if had a tune and sport + mode was linked to a significantly higher boost mode vs stock..etc. But otherwise it seems Acura has really overbuilt the RDX from both the engine and transmission point of view. I read a thread on here where the owner who heavily tuned their RDX to like 350-400hp and has driven for more than 75k miles said the factory engine already came built with forged internals...etc.

Super long way of saying drive in sport + as much as you like. I'd say the only caveat (as with any mode) is to obviously let the vehicle get up to temp before hammering away, but I'm sure you already knew that! 😊

anoop

You mean driving the exactly same way or actually changing the way to drive when you change modes? If you punch the accelerator and slam on the brakes, there's obviously more wear on tires, suspension, and brakes. But if you're driving the exact same way aside from mpg there should be no issue. In fact, your starter and potentially battery might last longer since AIS doesn't kick in with sport+.

Twism86

Enjoy sport+ as much as you like! The car really comes alive in that mode (and trans in S). As stated, standard wear items will wear more if you drive harder and the MPGs will suffer (even more than they already do....) but its all worth it to enjoy the car as its meant to be driven.

RDX10

This is a very good point. In my answer I was speaking strictly about the mode itself, but I meam definitely if you're going to drive aggressively in ANY mode you will have more wear on the vehicle.

Texasrdx21

The tune from the factory is so mild - sport + just increase rpm shift points (holding gears longer and not shifting into top gear - will reduce MPG), steering wheel a bit heavier and gas pedal a little more sensitive. Does essentially nothing for wear and tear.

I drive in sport mode 70% of the time and 30% in comfort (mostly on the highway so the steering is not so heavy).

hidperf

Does Sport + also stiffen up the suspension? I thought I read that the A-Spec and Advanced had some type of adjustable suspension damper used in Sport +.

tecwerks

Short answer yes….I have a 2022 A-Spec/Advance which includes Adaptive dampers. Can really notice a difference with the various drive modes. I drive most of the time in Sport + mode other than occasionally in normal when on interstate highways. I live in the mountains, Sport + is the only way to roll…..

RDX10

Not for your vehicle no. The 19-21 models only had the adjustable dampeners on the Advanced model. 22+ added it to the Aspec-Advance models.

quikj

I thought the '22+ models only had Sport, not Sport+?

I have a '23 A-Spec Advance and I have Snow, Comfort, Normal and Sport. Do you have a 5th mode or did they change the modes starting at the '23 model year?

Ron T

I compared the 2020 manual to the 2023/2024 recently and found the following:


Hope this helps.

Ron

hidperf

Good thing I have a 21 Advanced then.

hidperf

I usually drive in Sport because I feel the shift tuning is better than comfort. But when I hit the twisties, it's sport+ all the way.

RDX10

In your OP you said for reference 21 A-Spec?? Regardless, if you have an advanced then you are good to go!

hidperf

I wasn't OP, I was commenting on this post.

Originally Posted by Texasrdx21
The tune from the factory is so mild - sport + just increase rpm shift points (holding gears longer and not shifting into top gear - will reduce MPG), steering wheel a bit heavier and gas pedal a little more sensitive. Does essentially nothing for wear and tear.

I drive in sport mode 70% of the time and 30% in comfort (mostly on the highway so the steering is not so heavy).

But thanks for confirming, I thought it felt stiffer but wanted to make sure it wasn't my mind wishing that was the case.
Just got back from a weekend road trip and got to use Sport + on some winding back roads and it was a blast!

RDX10

Oops! Sorry! I don't know how I didn't notice!

Yes your advanced definitely has the adaptive shocks so I'm glad you're enjoying it dude! Have fun!