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Does this affect the sound system when listening to music? Or when on a Bluetooth call? Is this engine sound on ALL the time, even when listening to music on any volume level? I can see how this could be annoying.
...Is this engine sound on ALL the time, even when listening to music on any volume level? I can see how this could be annoying.
The only time I've noticed it (the piped in 'enhanced' effects) is when accelerating in sport or sport+ mode. It would be nice having the option to turn it off but I wouldn't say it's annoying.
The only time I've noticed it (the piped in 'enhanced' effects) is when accelerating in sport or sport+ mode. It would be nice having the option to turn it off but I wouldn't say it's annoying.
What happens when you’re listening to music? Does the engine enhanced effect mix in with music? Or does it shut off when listening to music?
Keep in mind that it's only there in sport and sport+ modes and, as I said earlier, I've only noticed it when accelerating - have not noticed it at all when just cruising. Maybe if I was cruising at 80 MPH in 5th gear it might be there but with normal driving I've not noticed it.
Lets see what can be done when Hondata gets hold of it.....or maybe just unplug the module. Someone posted a wiring diagram the other day. Looks like the offending module is near the power port in the lower center of the console.
I watched a few reviews on the RDX today and numerous ones mentioned the annoying piped in engine sound. So it really got me thinking, a few people on here have mentioned that the 2019 model is quite a bit louder than the previous model and what if the extra noise is from that pumped in sound (in concert with shitty tires, pun heavily intended) vs actual sound. I don't think the 2G had sound insulating windows and this new model supposedly does (especially the elite/advanced models) so it's strange that it's so much louder.
When I get time in a few weeks I am going to try and disconnect the ANC in the wife's 19 RDX. I did it in my TLX and honestly the car is very quiet, not even sure the ANC does much other than pipe in noise and interfere with the ELS sound system.
I watched a few reviews on the RDX today and numerous ones mentioned the annoying piped in engine sound. So it really got me thinking, a few people on here have mentioned that the 2019 model is quite a bit louder than the previous model and what if the extra noise is from that pumped in sound (in concert with shitty tires, pun heavily intended) vs actual sound. I don't think the 2G had sound insulating windows and this new model supposedly does (especially the elite/advanced models) so it's strange that it's so much louder.
I sure don't find my RDX loud at all as a norm. he only time I hear the road noise is when driving on these damned grooved concrete roads. Other than that, it's very quiet. The piped in engine sound does come into play on heavy acceleration, even in comfort mort mode but isn't very loud
I'm someone who was very concerned about this sound as I found it really disturbing in other vehicles I tried, like the Kia Stinger. I felt very sensitive to engine noise and got mild headaches.
I have been driving an Advanced for a couple of months now and it hasn't been an issue for me.
When I get time in a few weeks I am going to try and disconnect the ANC in the wife's 19 RDX. I did it in my TLX and honestly the car is very quiet, not even sure the ANC does much other than pipe in noise and interfere with the ELS sound system.
I'm excited to see the results of this. Please keep us in the loop.
Originally Posted by Stew4HD
I sure don't find my RDX loud at all as a norm. he only time I hear the road noise is when driving on these damned grooved concrete roads. Other than that, it's very quiet. The piped in engine sound does come into play on heavy acceleration, even in comfort mort mode but isn't very loud
Lol what car doesn't make so much noise on those damned grooved roads!! We have a few paved like that here and it's TERRIBLE. I personally can't imagine the 3G being louder than the 2G. They've put in SO MUCH effort this time around, I really doubt it's as loud as is being stated. I have a lot of experience with the 2G and it was quite and comfortable, but it wasn't incredibly quiet so I really need to test drive a 3G asap and see for myself.
In addition to the much-loved grooved concrete, I find 2019 RDX Advance noisy on chip-sealed asphalt, which is ubiquitous in my area. My wife picked up on it right away. She usually drives a 2014 MDX Tech. That vehicle originally came with the same Conti tires as 2019 RDX, but it now rolls on Michelin Defender LTX M/S. ( Those Michelin tires have a somewhat more aggressive tread than the OEM Contis, and if anything they are a bit louder, especially on grooved concrete ).
I'm just presenting this as a data point. I don't find the road noise a deal-breaker. That distinction went to a 2011 Honda Pilot EX-L that was so damn noisy I traded it in after less than a year for a 2012 Honda Pilot Touring. ( I still needed the space for family road trips ). That got traded after a few years for a 2016 Honda Pilot Touring that was quieter still ( but still not quite as quiet as the 2014 MDX ). The 2016 Pilot got traded for 2019 RDX Advance, and if anything RDX may be a bit noisier. But it's a whole lot more fun!
BTW, I find that the engine noise in 2019 RDX settles down during steady cruising on the highway, especially with the IDS in "comfort" mode, so I don't find it a problem for trips. I was worried about that, but not really an issue. Besides, the audio in the Advance is awesome!
It cannot be deactivate, we all know this is one of the features that come with 2019 RDX, either you like it or don't..
This was an insane decision by Honda/Acura. Surely, they must know that they will have plenty of customers who are not Boy Racers and are not interested in doing anything but getting about their business in a quiet way, listening to music, whatever. This should definitely have an on/off switch. If Acura is too dense to understand that, shame on them.
After driving mine for a week, I agree with this sentiment. Maybe I was expecting the worst based on some of the noise complaints, but I think the RDX is plenty quiet, definitely more so than my 2012 MDX. And I only really notice the piped in engine noise when I mash the accelerator. And when I have 5.1 surround cranked up on the ELS system, noise ain't an issue!
In-cabin engine noise? Only when it is real, and not piped in.
I just came back from Italy, where I had the pleasure of driving a Ferrari 458 around Maranello. That 570 HP engine right behind your ears makes some good engine 'noise'.
Car makers can take that piped-in noise and stuff it.
This was an insane decision by Honda/Acura. Surely, they must know that they will have plenty of customers who are not Boy Racers and are not interested in doing anything but getting about their business in a quiet way, listening to music, whatever. This should definitely have an on/off switch. If Acura is too dense to understand that, shame on them.
It doesn't help any, but in fairness to Acura... I drove multiple cars with this noise issue (Acuras being the least intrusive).
None of them had an option to disable (I cannot understand why). In fact, I believe only Acura has a mode you can choose v(comfort) that doesn't have the pronounced noise...
In-cabin engine noise? Only when it is real, and not piped in.
I just came back from Italy, where I had the pleasure of driving a Ferrari 458 around Maranello. That 570 HP engine right behind your ears makes some good engine 'noise'.
Car makers can take that piped-in noise and stuff it.
I really like you lol, you always have some fun input!
Originally Posted by WPJoe
It doesn't help any, but in fairness to Acura... I drove multiple cars with this noise issue (Acuras being the least intrusive).
None of them had an option to disable (I cannot understand why). In fact, I believe only Acura has a mode you can choose v(comfort) that doesn't have the pronounced noise...
The piped in sound is to help transition the old V6 and V8 crowd to I4's. So they want it to always sound good. I mean I understand the purpose. Very few I4's sound good but I think it would have been nice to just offer a silence button. On the flip side it's only really active at high revs so the type of person who values a quiet cabin is more likely to be driving at a more leisurely pace in my opinion. So that may be why they don't have an off button.
The piped in sound is to help transition the old V6 and V8 crowd to I4's. So they want it to always sound good. I mean I understand the purpose. Very few I4's sound good but I think it would have been nice to just offer a silence button. On the flip side it's only really active at high revs so the type of person who values a quiet cabin is more likely to be driving at a more leisurely pace in my opinion. So that may be why they don't have an off button.
I disagree that it's only active at high revs. I hear it loud and clear as the engine grunts its way up from 1500 rpm. ( Which is actually pretty darn impressive for a little 4-banger! ) But it may be less under lighter load and lighter right foot.
BTW the little 1.5L I4 in my 1985 Toyota MR-2 sang a pretty sweet song right behind my head back in the day. Of course, it only produced about 40% of the output of the 2019 RDX, but how many horses does a go-kart need?
I disagree that it's only active at high revs. I hear it loud and clear as the engine grunts its way up from 1500 rpm. ( Which is actually pretty darn impressive for a little 4-banger! ) But it may be less under lighter load and lighter right foot.
I have the Advanced pkg. At first I thought the engine noise was cool, especially shifting up the gears. I see no difference in the 3 dynamic modes.
Now, I truly want to find a way to turn it OFF. I don’t like it and it now hurts my experience with this vehicle. I like most everything else, but this NOT.
Does Acura read these comments? Has anyone found a way to shut this feature off? You would have thought one engineer would have thought “let’s turn this off in comfort mode”!!!!!
Others have reported disconnecting it, and finding the real engine sounds to be inferior to the fake ones. Could be a matter of opinion.
FWIW, I am fine with the sounds as they are. When using Sport or Sport + modes I actually enjoy the extra bit of sound. I rarely use it with passengers, however.
I'm not really sure what's real and what's not. How do you know? Compared to what? I'd have to be able to turn it off to really know. The added engine noise is much more apparent in Sport and Sport+. Not bothersome, but noticeable. It's less noticeable in Comfort mode but the engine sounds very "throaty" to me for a little four-banger and I wonder if they're adding some low-end.
I suspect if we could turn it off, a lot of us might decide to leave it on but never admit it.
Thank you. That’s a big help. I now have some remorse buying the RDX. It’s not the Acura I am used to. I bought the ‘87 Legend Coupe. That V6 was wonderful. And as my handle suggests I have a 2000 NSX.
The question is, how do you disconnect it? Where have you seen these reports? Thank you.
Originally Posted by blueNSX
Thank you. That’s a big help. I now have some remorse buying the RDX. It’s not the Acura I am used to. I bought the ‘87 Legend Coupe. That V6 was wonderful. And as my handle suggests I have a 2000 NSX.
Great picture! My Dealer has a current NSX on their showroom floor, $175,000! Sitting next to it is one like yours.
I hope you read through that whole thread I inked for you. Many have commented about the fake engine nose, and would rather it not be there. I was concerned before I bought, but don't find it to be an issue.
The RDX is a great vehicle, with a few teething pains. I personally believe that Acura is working to address as many issues as possible. It just takes time.
I drove the new NSX on three separate occasions. It’s the most fun since the roller coaster. I came very close to buying one but I’m waiting for Acura’s halo car to have the technology of the RDX. Thank you for the link. I will read it all.
