SH-AWD worth it for warm climate?

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Aug 30, 2021 | 03:33 PM

#41

mlody

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 774

Likes: 90

From: Chicagoland

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funz51

I remember last year I had a rdx rental while my was in shop. FWD. I spun in around every corner without much effort. I would not feel comfortable driving it hard. Maybe I was a bit hard on it, but I was just driving it like I drive mine.

Last year I had FWD V6 TLX as a loaner and the car was embarrassing to drive when making any stops and turns, unless you are super gentle with the gas pedal. I am guessing the RDX might exhibit similar behavior. When I had my 2006 TL 6MT, it was a totally different experience as the car had LSD, but without it, I would not touch FWD car.

Aug 30, 2021 | 03:36 PM

#42

mlody

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 774

Likes: 90

From: Chicagoland

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyanideDN

We are looking at purchasing a new RDX when the 2022 model is available. However I'm debating whether SHAWD is worth getting since we've only had FWD cars (CRV & TL)

Upside: better handling, distribution of power.
Downside: we live in California (no inclement weather), might go skiing a few times a year where AWD would be helpful but that's about it. Slightly worse MPG.

We haven't gone to the dealership to test yet because of COVID surge in our community, and model year 2022 isn't out yet.

For those of you who have tested both FWD & SHAWD models, is there a significant difference in the way the car handles? I'll be upgrading from a 2010 TL base model FWD. The extra cost isn't going to break my bank, but wouldn't want to overpay for a gimmick either.

Do you find yourself spinning front tires when you drive your TL? does it bother you? if NO, then by all means go with FWD might be a good choice for you and your driving style. I had few Acura loaners in the past and some of them where FWD and I found that the way I drive I would spin front tires all the time, to the point it was no fun so in my case, I know I would not consider FWD only SH-AWD model.

Aug 30, 2021 | 11:23 PM

#43

JB in AZ

Drifting

Joined: Jan 2019

Posts: 2,278

Likes: 805

From: Arizona

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlody

Some folks here have complained about poor fuel mileage...I'm NOT saying you do. or have...BUT... IF they drive like you apparently do, that MIGHT explain their poor fuel mileage.

Again, just saying....

Sep 1, 2021 | 06:39 AM

#44

mlody

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 774

Likes: 90

From: Chicagoland

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB in AZ

Some folks here have complained about poor fuel mileage...I'm NOT saying you do. or have...BUT... IF they drive like you apparently do, that MIGHT explain their poor fuel mileage.

Again, just saying....

We don't really complain about MPG, because both my wife and I have heavy foot and we get it that our driving style kills fuel efficiency and leads to poor MPG, but we expect that and are realistic about it. We don't drive is sport modes, but we are quick off the line and like fast acceleration most of the time.

Dec 15, 2021 | 06:23 AM

#45

wizardjjr

Instructor

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 134

Likes: 59

Picked up a used 2021 RDX Tech with SHAWD. I tend to drive in a spirited way. I absolutely love the SHAWD and would not go back to FWD. Driving around in my old 2013 RDX with FWD was embarrassing because my wheels would always spin out when starting from a stop or going around clover leafs in the parking garage at work. I feel like SHAWD should be standard these days especially in luxury cars.