I just traded in for a 2020 RDX ASpec. It's great, I love it, but I kind of regret not just holding out for a 2022 ASpec Advance, mostly for the adaptive damping system. I was previously driving a Golf R, so having adaptive suspension was pretty handy. I'm thinking about trying to find an ASpec Advance to see if I can work out a deal with another dealership, but they're apparently real rare, and I'd hold out for a blue model, which is even more scarce.

In any case, I'm most concerned about handling. The SHAWD is awesome, does the adaptive damper system add significantly to handling?

 

No experience with the adaptive dampers, however my 2021 Aspec SHAWD rides nice, a bit stiff for road trips. I like stiff suspension in the city, but on a road trip (1000+ miles), want a plusher ride. Not sure it would be worth the extra $$$$ to trade up, to me I’d only do it if it got way better mpg with a hybrid engine option.

 

It does as far as I'm concerned. Loosens up the rear end and reduces the understeer quite a bit.

 

I suggest you check out POV videos on Youtube to see how the rdx adaptive dampers behave. From what I saw, on pre-MMC model, A-Spec suspension is similar to Advance in Sport/Sport+ mode. I may be wrong, but I believe for 19-21, the calibrations for Sport and Sport+ are the same, and Acura ramp up AHA(brake torque) and rely on the more-readily available torque from higher rpm in Sport+ to erase understeer. So I would say on pre-MMC model, you get the adaptive damper for comfort, rather than additional handling compared to A-Spec. Besides, A-Spec got stiffer rear springs to help rotation, and its rear end does rotate very well if you carry enough speed into a corner (bigger weight shift). IMHO, pre-MMC comfort mode is not calibrated well enough so don't feel bad. The A-Spec suspension will never be silky smooth but as the tires wear out, it will be smoother due to the lighter weight. Or you can get lighter wheels if you really are not happy with the ride quality.

MY22 has brand-new adaptive damper calibrations - Sport+ looks slightly stiffer than pre-MMC A-Spec, but with better damping control on the rebound side. Comfort mode on MY22 is really good, much better than pre-MMC, so if you can do it again for sure go for 22 AAspec. You really get the best best of both worlds.

 

I test drove a 2019 without adaptive dampers, and bought a 2022 with them. Obviously more differences between the years occurred than JUST dampers, but I am extremely happy with how the dampers worked. I could tell instantly even with snow and ice blanketing the road, the difference between modes as well as how they ate bumps going down my gravel drive. I drove in SNOW mode on the way home from the dealer, and I tried to provoke an issue when it was safe, at low speeds. Even on OEM RS-A's (a junk tire, IMO), throttle inputs were so 'soft' that you would have had to truly attempt something dumb to upset the vehicle.

 

Snow mode with SHawd is the bomb, it starts out in 2nd gear and reduces throttle response to tractor through the snow. I drove in a foot of fresh snow before they plowed the road, not one issue - even on hills. Yes, the OEM Goodyears are not the best, but work well in most conditions.

 

Significant difference in ride comfort with Active Dampers for the 20022 RDX ASPEC/ADVANCE vs. the 2019 RDX Advance iIMHO. The comfort level is so much better in Comfort mode. I never need to change to any other mode. I did see the dampers were about $325 each so interesting if someone installs them on their car and if there would be a difference.

 

There is likely more to it than "just add the damper". Also, that's cheap AF. Acura says 0.002s response time, and I fail to see how valving could do this, but they say it's valving, so who knows? I know MRC struts and shocks are NOT $325/ea.

*0.002s of forward motion at 80mph is equivalent to 2.8" travelled linearly. During this time, the tire will have rotated through roughly 3% of its revolution.