I'm looking at a 2024 A-Spec Advance and the adjustable suspension is the only additional feature over the A-Spec that I would really need. For those that have driven both, and for a long road trip car, is the ride that much better in Comfort Mode?

 

Never driven an Advanced with the adjustable suspension, however the regular Aspec with 20” wheels and non adjustable suspension is great for road trips. It’s a plush/firm well controlled ride. Tire pressure has a lot to do with comfort and noise. However, the advanced also come with a HUD, 360 camera and thigh seat adjustments with the adjustable suspension would be nice,

May be try to drive a Aspec and Aspec Advanced back to back to feel the difference yourself. That’s the best test.

 

I can’t speak to the RDX lower trims, but in comparison to the loaner MDXs I briefly had (both Tech) and the 2019 Accord Touring, I will say that it does have a great range and that Comfort is definitely suitable for road trips, and is more compliant than the normal/eco setting on the Accord (which also had adaptive dampers for that generation). Taking it to sport significantly firms up the ride and the car has better body control in that setting. You won’t be taking corners at the same speed as the Accord, it’s still an SUV, but it’s fun to drive. I found opting for a trim with the dampers to be a worthwhile upgrade, along with the other tech features.

Like Texasrdx21 said, definitely take both trims for test drives if you are not sure.

 

Picked up an A Spec Advance a few months ago and both the adjustable suspension and heads up display were factors in my decision. I prefer normal mode and have taken several long trips and find that setting to be ideal for me (with steering in sport). Car is ideal for long trips.

 

'23 A-Spec Advance owner here. I test drove an A-Spec model when I was making a similar decision and concluded that the adaptive dampers might just justify the price delta alone.

Comfort mode is what I use on road trips and generally when cruising on the highway. On the other end of the spectrum, Sport significantly firms up the ride.

Even though the HUD is relatively simple, I'll never own another car without one. Potentially an underrated feature and worth the upgrade imo.

 

How are you able to change the suspension and steering settings independently?

 

I have a 2023 Aspec Advance. I liked the feel of the Sport mode on the Advance. Switching between Sport and Comfort, it feels like two different cars. Pretty amazing IMO.
Looks wise, I also preferred the rims on the Advance, but beyond that, don't sleep on one of the best features of the Advance-the 360 degree cameras.
I pretty much use them anytime I am parking in a tight spot or parallel parking, it is great to get an overview of where you are in your spot, how close you are to the curb, how close you are to other cars.
This pretty much guarantees me not getting any curb rash on my rims . Another great thing is, anytime a car is in your blind spot, you get a little subtle indicator on your door.

 

I haven't tried an Advance but have had an A-Spec loaner. I was surprised that the A-Spec did not feel any more stiffer or harsher in normal driving when compared to my Tech.

I think the Advance (either regular or A-Spec) would be better for long trips because it's supposed to be quieter.

 

There is about a $4,100 difference between the Aspec and Aspec Advanced (new - probably the difference is a lot less used). The latter you get HUD, adjustable suspension, thigh seat adjustment and a 360 surround camera (plus a different 20" design wheels). Either way - both are solid models with refinement and a good build quality.

I've taken my 21' Aspec SHAWD on several thousand mile road trips in all weather conditions - the RDX eats up miles easily with comfort, driving tech, traction, performance and cabin quietness. Add the amazing SHawd go anywhere system and gets 26-27mpg on the hwy (using regular gas). 22k miles and 38 months later - not one issue.

Maintenance wise - about $550 so far:

• 4 oil changes (Dealer)
• 1 differential oil change (Dealer)
• 1 brake fluid change (Dealer)
• 5 tire rotations (tires still have 80% tread left)
• 3 engine air filters (Amazon)
• 3 air cabin filters (Amazon)
• 1 bottle of injector cleaner

 

Are you sure the suspension is magnetic? I thought they were adjustable dampers but neither magnetic (Cadillac) nor air (MB, Volvo).

 

You are correct - I meant adjustable dampers.

 

To subtle imho…..In my previous 2019 ASPEC the audible alert was loud enough to overcome very loud music. In my 2022 not so. Can hardly even hear it with the music playing real soft. And no, you cannot fine tune it to your liking as my 2019.

 

Yes the 360 camera would be super helpful. I'm blind in my right eye so the lack of depth perception in parking lots is a challenge.

 

There is an individual setting that allows this rather than choosing entirely one setting like Sport, Comfort, or Normal for all functions.

 

Individual setting on a RDX? MDX Aspec and Type S have a customizable setting.

 

Yeah according to Acura.com the 2024 RDX does NOT have an individual setting as it is not referenced. So is the Acura site incorrect??

 

We have a 2019 A-Spec; in-laws have 2021 Advance. I find myself liking the Advance more because
1) Seats are more comfortable
2) Heads-up display is really good as mentioned above
3) Interior is nicer although the seats in the A-Spec look nicer
4) I don't notice a great deal of difference in the suspensions. We drive in Sport mode.

 

Sorry - my bad , my previous TLX and MDX both had this feature, I set the RDX a few months ago and forgot that it is not on the RDX , so all my settings are in Normal,

 

You can see the orange warning light on your door though....honestly I never even noticed if it makes a sound because I always have either music or a podcast on or someone in the car talking... I always see the orange indicator though...

 

And I'm the opposite in the sense that I tend to drive in silence and am always paying attention to beeps, especially when changing lanes and backing up.