A-Spec Suspension and Ride ?
#1
A-Spec Suspension and Ride ?
Hey guys, heading to the dealer this weekend to test drive and hopefully order my RDX. I'm down to 2 options. 2020 RDX, Tech, ASPEC, SH-AWD...OR 2020 RDX Tech, SH-AWD. All of the reviews I seem to find on these forums about ride quality are comparing the A-SPEC and the Advance. I can't seem to find anything on the base w/ SH-AWD compared to the A-Spec. From everything I've read, it seems that the only difference between the base RDX and A-spec (ride quality wise) is the wheel/tire package. The suspension/sway bars, etc seems to be exactly the same. That said, are the 20" wheels and lower profile/wider tires really making THAT big a difference in the overall ride? I'm going to test drive both, but would love some feedback. Thanks!
#2
Burning Brakes
I didn't get to drive the two models back to back but I'd say the A-Spec is definitely firmer and if you're coming from a Lexus or similar then you may find it a bit much. The heavy wheel/tire setup (67lbs) make the ride more brittle on high frequency washboard type surfaces. I don't mind it as I come from sporty cars (Miatas and a lowered TSX) but it would have been nice if Acura put more work into the dampers and used a lighter wheel/tire setup.
#4
User Awaiting Email Confirmation
If you're looking for a "nice" ride, get the Advanced or a different car. The A-Spec handles well, but the ride isn't exactly anything to write home about.
#5
Suzuka Master
#7
Pro
I would agree! Love the way my A-Spec drives and handles! I would rather drive the A-Spec than Advance, it’s too plain looking in comparison. I get a lot of compliments in mine.
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devilex (08-22-2021)
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#8
User Awaiting Email Confirmation
I said it handles well. The ride quality isn't all that great. The thinner sidewalls contribute to it a bit, but even my friend's base RDX doesn't have the nicest ride either (and he agrees). Plenty of the competition rides noticeably better, even non-pseudo-luxury brands. But, the RDX handles better as well. It's generally a trade off unless you start using air suspension.
#9
Suzuka Master
I said it handles well. The ride quality isn't all that great. The thinner sidewalls contribute to it a bit, but even my friend's base RDX doesn't have the nicest ride either (and he agrees). Plenty of the competition rides noticeably better, even non-pseudo-luxury brands. But, the RDX handles better as well. It's generally a trade off unless you start using air suspension.
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devilex (08-22-2021)
#10
Burning Brakes
what is your definition of ride quality? when I test drove aspec I felt the ride was more firm and sporty vs tech model. I also felt that 20” provide better cornering and steering. I feel that aspec wheels have better handling. If you looking for some soft and quiet grandma’s ride, obviously RDX is not the car.
re: better cornering and steering - possibly correct on one and wrong on the other. The Eagle RS-A tires are so old they actually grip WORSE than the 19" Continentals (based on lateral grip) - the Eagle RS-A is so bad that the Kia Telluride, the base X5, the Audi Q7, Mercedes GLE (all 400-800 lbs heavier) pull more lateral g's than the A-Spec. With a better tire the problem goes away though.
#11
The Aspec is firm confident but loud ride.Its the best looking trim so I live with the tradeoff. The fake engine noise should be turned off in comfort mode and more sound deadening would be nice.
That's one thing I miss about Lexus. Sometimes its nice to drive in complete silence.
That's one thing I miss about Lexus. Sometimes its nice to drive in complete silence.
#12
Suzuka Master
The Aspec is firm confident but loud ride.Its the best looking trim so I live with the tradeoff. The fake engine noise should be turned off in comfort mode and more sound deadening would be nice.
That's one thing I miss about Lexus. Sometimes its nice to drive in complete silence.
That's one thing I miss about Lexus. Sometimes its nice to drive in complete silence.
louder is not bad, thats what some people are looking for in a sport car, more realistic driving experience vs quiet ride. It all depends what you want in a car.
#13
User Awaiting Email Confirmation
what is your definition of ride quality? when I test drove aspec I felt the ride was more firm and sporty vs tech model. I also felt that 20” provide better cornering and steering. I feel that aspec wheels have better handling. If you looking for some soft and quiet grandma’s ride, obviously RDX is not the car.
#14
User Awaiting Email Confirmation
This is not, and nowhere in the same galaxy as a "sports car." It does 0-60 in 6.6secs. It gets beat handily by a goddamn Toyota Avalon ... the most vanilla of vehicles. The RDX is a soccer mom mobile that isn't completely boring to drive, that's IT. Jesus H Christ ...
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devilex (08-22-2021)
#16
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#17
Drifting
Brat.
#18
Drifting
Back to the subject at hand, the adaptive suspension on the Advance trim is a benefit.
I didn't test drive other trims, but my Advance RDX handles much more crisply than other crossovers I have owned, yet it still has a supple ride quality. I don't think this is just a matter of tires and wheel size.
I would say the handling feel of Advance RDX compares favorably to sporty cars half its weight that I installed Koni adjustable racing struts into "back in the day". 0-60 acceleration isn't the only metric of how "sporty" a car feels.
But I don't think it's all adaptive suspension. Acura engineers did a lot of work to stiffen the chassis, and that's the key to precise handling; this applies to all trims of RDX.
I didn't test drive other trims, but my Advance RDX handles much more crisply than other crossovers I have owned, yet it still has a supple ride quality. I don't think this is just a matter of tires and wheel size.
I would say the handling feel of Advance RDX compares favorably to sporty cars half its weight that I installed Koni adjustable racing struts into "back in the day". 0-60 acceleration isn't the only metric of how "sporty" a car feels.
But I don't think it's all adaptive suspension. Acura engineers did a lot of work to stiffen the chassis, and that's the key to precise handling; this applies to all trims of RDX.
Last edited by Wander; 12-07-2019 at 11:54 PM.
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