Test drove a 2019 RDX Advance with SHAWD. First 10 minutes were exhilarating as I zoomed through curves with the pedal down and the stereo blasting. But after just 15 minutes I started to feel every bump and my arms were getting tired. I found myself wanting to just sit back and drive with 3 fingers like I do in the Sienna minivan. I did try the RDX in the different driving modes but the majority of the drive was in "Sport". After the RDX drive I drove a Lexus RX350 and I greatly preferred it's ride. But the RX350's acceleration, visibility, and cargo space were abysmal. Not to mention it was just God-awful ugly.

My question is, will the RDX's ride soften up over time? Are there mods I could do to make the ride as soft (or nearly as soft) as the Lexus? Does the 2wd RDX have a softer ride?

 

Comfort mode will increase the steering assist, and in the Advance trim soften the suspension a bit as well. Also, many dealers don't have the tire pressure set correctly, if that's the case the ride will be harsher.

 

 

I wanted a cushy SUV too, but can't get past the RX front end either. I've often wondered what Lexus stylists were thinking when they cranked out that grill.

 

Sure an MDX isn't atleast worth a look? Just sayin'...

 

I would suggest using comfort mode as that would soften the dampers the most along with the most steering assist. Also if possible, check the tire pressure as manufacturers usually overinflate the tires.

Having said that if you prefer the ride and steering in a RX or sienna, I'm not sure if the 2019 Rdx will suit you. May be you should try the 2018 one.

 

Funny you should say that...

I did drive the MDX and liked the ride much better. Only thing was, it's basically the size of my current minivan and the whole point of a new car was to downsize.

 

 

Comparing it to a Sienna van lol.

 

It seems to be love/hate thing with that design but they sure sell a ton of them.

 

Unfortunately, comfort and size (and even luxury) go hand in hand. The RX slots between the RDX and the MDX.
Lexus RX 192.5″ L x 74.6″ W x 67.7″ H
Acura MDX 196.2″ L x 77.8″ W x 67.4″ H
Acura RDX 186.8″ L x 74.8″ W x 65.7″ H

I don't like the interior design of the MDX, especially the steering wheel.

 

Maybe if you hit the gym a few times a week you would have more stamina when driving.

 

I saw your other post on the Ridgeline Owner's Club forum.

The RDX's ride is what it is. The dampers ("shock absorbers") are just one component of a system of many that determines ride quality. The ride will eventually soften in a couple hundred thousand miles when the dampers are worn to the point they no longer can control suspension travel, but handling will suffer.

I took a 1,000-mile trip in my RDX as well. The ride didn't bother me, but the constant, minor steering corrections required when driving in a straight line for long distances was tiring. I tried using LKAS, but it interferes more than it helps just like on my other Hondas as it weaves from side-to-side like a drunk driver.

Rude, unnecessary, unhelpful, and off-topic post. Hopefully, a mod will remove your it and issue you a warning.

 

I think IFORYOU was on the money....tires not adjusted from transport. Big miss for most dealers, and such an easy fix.
My test drive had pressures ranging from 36 lbs to 46 lbs.....waited for them to adjust. Manufacturers spend $$$$ to engineer suspensions, and the morons at dealers to lazy to check pressure.
My neighbor took delivery of new RX, had pressure off by up to 13 lbs. Morons.

 

Oh my bad I didn't realize being exhausted after driving for 15 minutes was normal.
Try to remember this is the internet and its best not to get offended by every little comment you don't like.

 

Did you drive with the Lane Keeping Assist on or off? If you are driving on a road with extraneous markings or through old construction zones the LKAS will tend to pull a little from side to side trying to stay between what it thinks are lane lines. The pull is nothing that you can't easily steer through, but it may feel uncomfortable if you are on long stretches of road like this. If you take another test drive, don't turn this feature on to see if it drives more even on roads with extraneous markings.

 

Isn't subtle joking part of our forum? Why do we have the emojis and hide text option, then?

 

I think the RDX is designed as a more sporty SUV so by it's very nature the ride will be a bit harder. Two things I would look at to improve the ride would be to check the tire pressure as mentioned above. I dropped about 3 PSI from what the dealer had in it and the ride seems better but mostly I notice much less road noise. The more important factor would be how well the seat was adjusted for YOU. Too often on a test drive we just make sure we can reach the pedals and adjust the rear view mirrors and off we go. If you drive another one, really take the time to adjust the seat first and get comfy.

 

To each his/her own of course, but I could love the ride any more than I do. It seems a perfect balance between comfort and sport. SUV's are generaly known for sometimes ponderous handling ( I also own a LR LR3---the king of giant marshmallows on wheels). Maybe an acquired thing for some, but I love the ride/handling. (2019 A-Spec RDX)

 

Yea Mine was set to like 46psi when I picked it up. I think it's supposed to be 32-35psi or something like that.

 

Believe me, that will make a huge difference>>>

 

 

sienna van ...lol if I wanted to drive a rolling couch I'd just borrow my parent's RX350... no thanks.

 

My Advance running 34 psi in comfort mode and with Lane Keep assist and cruise control I can almost take a nap.

 

That's my finding the handling is imprecise and requires constant attention.