I don't know about you guys, but I really don't care for the "piped in engine noise" that Acura is purported to have done with the 2019 RDX.
Question 1: Is this factual? Did Acura actually do this?
Question 2: Is it reversible? Have any of you asked the dealer if it can be turned off?
IMO if in fact it is true, it is a rather hoaky and bush league thing to do.
It's probably my age, but I don't really need the "vroom vroom" factor with my Acura.
But all in all I love the RDX.

How do you guys feel about the engine noise being piped into the cabin?

 

It’s lame. You can disable by disconnecting the ANC module. Took me 3 minutes to do so - very simple.

Long thread regarding here - https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-rdx-...-976454/page2/

 

On the Advance my wife has I pulled the module and no real difference, it actually sounded like the outside noise was higher as the ANC might actually be doing something on the Advance. On my TLX ASPEC the piped in noise drove me nuts, I pulled module and all good no increase in outside noise. I do think the RDX needs some improved sound deadening as it is very noisy especially the damn engine. Sounds like the 4 banger it is.

 

It's factual that they do it and it can't be disabled. That being said, it's not what you think it is. It's not something you hear routinely, I don't think (or at least, I don't). I think it's just a "rumble" when you accelerate hard. Acura is not alone in doing this, either. I'm actually going to go out on a limb and say I think that most manufacturers do some sort of inauthentic engine noise. Basically, once one company did it, everyone had to follow suit because it wowed customers. In the past, when I've looked at some sedans, they were noted to have piped in or augmented engine noise. Is it bush league? Depends. Auto purists say yes because it's fake. But if it really bothers you, I'm not sure what to tell you because I think it's pretty common.

 

Good points and here is another perspective to consider. Piped in engine noise might exist so people aren’t buying “LOUD” exhaust systems that actually are a noise ordinance violation. That way the driver can still have their exhaust noise without having to ensure everyone else around them hears it. Manufacturers still should have designed a way to turn it off permanently for those that prefer not to have it.

 

It's also sort of difficult for auto manufacturers because consumers both want the "engine noise" sound but also demand a quiet cabin. So then they insulate the cabin and then you really can't hear the engine noise. So they're trying to give the consumer both. It's basically like the way everyone associates the solid, but muted "thud" when you close a car door with premium luxury. So then a lot of cars will give you that thud and you'll get all happy and pay more.

 

I agree completely with OP in hating the synthetic noise. We all went through the phase of flipping the lid on the air cleaner in dads car, but most of us are past that. It would have been simple for Acura to satisfy all of us with a simple "off" switch on the menu somewhere, but nooooo.
I've read a couple folks found ways to disconnect the module as stated, but the problem is this also disables the active noise cancellation function. I was hoping perhaps one of the tuners can offer a way to set things right. Hondata / Ktuner.

 

What did you notice after disabling?
any unintended consequences?

 

Well no more noise cancelling, so you hear the road and actual engine more.

Its a simple switch, unplug for a while and easily plug back in if you want it back.

 

I only notice it in Sport and Sport +; and only when accelerating fairly aggressively. But then again, how do I know what's real and what's not.?

 

Initially I thought the engine noise ( fake or otherwise ) would be a problem for long-distance travel, but my fears were unfounded. Now I only notice it during acceleration, especially from low RPM, and I kinda like the little bit of attitude.

So for me, not a problem on the open highway, and not really a problem around town once I was used to it. YMMV.

 

Same here, I can’t tell which is real and what is fake, it just sounds good and otherwise I could careless

 

My wife has our RDX today, so I was driving our 2001 CL-S and smiled at the sound of her 3.2-liter V6 v-tech as I accelerated on to the interstate. All real, baby. All real!

 

Not a fan of piped engine sound.

I wish V-6 engines would make a comeback. I am in a Murano rental while my car is in the shop and that V-6 is sweet. I haven't driven a 6 cyl (not even a rental since I usually rent small cars) since I sold my 2003 325i that had an I-6 in 2013. I didn't realize how much I miss the 6 cyl till today. Surely it must be possible to build fuel efficient V-6's but for cost efficiency reasons I think most manufacturers seem to have settled on the magic 2-liter turbo 4.

 

You're enjoying a Murano?


I think you have re-claimed your virginity.


(Bad jokes aside) Go drive a new MDX!


I drove a 2018 Odyssey a while back... No words.

 

Just the engine. Otherwise can’t wait to get my car back.

 

I recently rented a GMC Acadia when I was out of town.. I sure liked that V6 and the vehicle as a whole.. has me thinking to look at one when the lease it up on the RDX.. A Denali could be the ticket..... just maybe

 

Piped engine noise can be found in many manufacturer cars. Consumers complain about too much noise and then also complain about not hearing the engine.

You have the flexibility of choosing your driving modes. If you don't want the added sound, then don't drive in Sport+ mode and drive in Comfort. I personally can't even tell that the sound are piped in and frankly I welcome the engine sounds my RDX makes.

 

Read this:

https://www.asburyauto.com/compare/2...ura-rdx/156930

 

Why should I read an apples vs oranges comparison?

Don't get me started on the blatant cherry picking of "test results".

But I especially enjoyed the part where they bragged that GM is 18th in the JD Power survey vs 20th for Acura. That sold me right there!

 

Funny you say that, as my '17 RDX lease is up soon, and I've also been considering an Acadia. I hate the putt-putt sound of the new RDX 4 and of course the Acadia at higher trim levels has the 6. However, I'm not fond of the new 2020 Acadia grill. I still like the '19 (especially with the blackout package) but the headlights and foglights aren't LED. Which is why I was coming back to the RDX....except it still has the 4 that I didn't want. Argghh.

 

I'm not sure what you mean by the "putt-putt" sound. I'm guessing that you drove one? Many would tell you if you didn't know it was a 4 cyl under the hood, you would not be able to tel when accelerating.

I'm old enough to remember when V6s where basically replacing V8s in cars, and many folks still wanted their V8s! Just because. Go figure.

My sister in law has the 2nd Gen RDX, and has said she doesn't want a 4 cyl either when her lease is up, until she drove mine.

 

After I got out of my '82 Subaru DL hatchback with a 1600 cc engine, I swore I'd never get another 4-banger. There's no replacement for displacement. And I never thought I'd ever want a turbo. My thinking may be outdated but I have an open mind and when I first started shopping last year, I gradually began to learn that turbos and 4-cylendars aren't necessarily what they were 20 years ago. I like the sound of the engine just fine (real, imagined or artificial) and the engine doesn't have to be screaming to get enough power and torque. RPMs generally run about the same as my last two V-6s.

 

Yes, I had a 2019 loaner overnight. It definitely had the sound of a 4 to me. I changed it to the "sport mode" or whatever it is where you can change the engine sound, but it didn't help much. I didn't find it slow, per se, I just hated the sound. I've had a lot of 4s in rental SUVs and that's what it sounded like. I mentioned it when I brought it back and the Service guy nodded his head and said, yeah "the little engine that could" sound.

 

Thank you for responding.
I certainly have no reason to convince you to buy an RDX, or any other vehicle, for that matter.

If you changed to Sport mode or Sport+ mode, there is some additional electronic generated engine/exhaust sounds that are added to the cabin... a little. Before buying, when I read that the RDX has extra electronic engine sounds added to the cabin, I was very against it, as I like a quiet cabin as well. After test driving several times, I didn't find the engine sounds objectionable at all...and after 6 months and 7,000+ miles I still don't.

I would encourage you to take some (more than one) long test drives in an Advance trim RDX before deciding whether it serves your needs or not.

 

Do you hear yanny or laurel?

 

Not this again...