Are you guys that got the SH-AWD noticing a difference in terms of handling? I got the SH-AWD in the hopes that it would offset the move from a sedan to a crossover, but it still handles like a crossover (yes I know, obviously). I'm wondering if there is a trick to it, my sales guy said you just need to go into the turns a bit faster (but safely) and let the SH-AWD do its thing.

Admittedly, there's little to no difference in handling between FWD and AWD in dry conditions with "normal" driving.

The advantages of AWD become apparent as you approach the tires' limits of traction.

Even on some dry roads, a FWD RDX will spin one or both front tires in 1st and 2nd gears with moderate acceleration as weight is transferred from the front wheels to the rear wheels. An AWD RDX sends power to the rear wheels on take-up virtually eliminating any loss of traction even at full throttle. Floor a FWD RDX from a stop on dry roads and you'll just grind bits of rubber off the tires as you're greeted by a flashing VSA indicator.

Even with more gentle acceleration in a sharp turn, a FWD RDX will spin the inside front tire. an AWD RDX will just pull right through.

When coasting or braking through a sharp curve or corner at higher-than-prudent speeds, a FWD RDX will tend to plow as the front outside wheel is overwhelmed. An AWD RDX will apply the brakes to the inside front and rear wheels to help bring the vehicle through the corner taking some of the load off of the front outside tire.

When accelerating through a sharp curve or corner at higher-than-prudent speeds, an AWD RDX will send more power to the outside wheel to help bring the vehicle through the corner with less plow.

Tire squeal can be fun in a juvenile sort of way, but it also attracts unwanted attention, wears down the tires more quickly, and puts a strain on the front differential pinion gears.

There's significantly more advantage to AWD on wet or snowy roads. Floor a FWD RDX on a wet road and you won't be going anywhere very fast.

Interesting and great info. I did put the AWD on the display screen and it's fascinating, of course I have to watch the road sometimes!

Would be smart of them to implement the SH-AWD display into the HUD.

Guys,

For those who have had it done, how much is it to purchase a spare tire from Acura and have them install it on the RDX?

Also, is it the same spare tire that would have come with an AWD RDX?

Thanks!

I can't tell you how much a spare tire from the dealer costs, but I paid $212.87 + $19.10 shipping for the kit (06421-TJB-A50 ) from Acura Parts Warehouse. BTW that is the A-spec part # and it worked fine in my advanced. I ordered the tire from tire rack for $97.71.T155/90D-17 KUMHO SPARE TIRE T131 SL

At your age, I would tend to agree. Come talk to me in 40 years.... scratch that! ...come talk to my grandson in 40 years and see if you still feel the same way.

I'm sure glad I don't live where it gets snow and ice! Other than if I wanted to race around corners, I have no need for SH-AWD or otherwise. Now, if I lived in snow country I would have it without question.

I'm totally with you here. If I lived in Minnesota I would absolutely get SH-AWD.

Cant say that I'm with you here, though. Different strokes I suppose.

And similar boat here. My Gen1 Pilot was more than big enough for any of our needs. But we've never needed the 3rd row and now they've stretched it, widened it and lowered it a little. I'm 6'2" and there's at least 4" headroom. I would have to STUFF a new Pilot or MDX into my garage. I'm not looking for more vehicle. At this stage of my life, I'm looking for a little less vehicle but a lot nicer vehicle. The RDX is one of the most enjoyable vehicles I've ever driven. And I see the benefits of the SH-AWD in any weather.

@tsxowner1 , If it's your wife's car and she won't ever appreciate the difference, then save yourself a couple grand. But If you want to convince her because you'll be driving it too, tell her ... "If you do, you'll be glad you did. If you don't, you'll wish you had." That might work.

If you have it and don't need it - 'no problem', if you don't have it and need it - 'problem'.

Acura says there is a 1 mpg difference between fwd and awd. Has anyone seen stats for what the actual real life difference is? or any guesses?

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Fuelly.com is the largest and most comprehensive source for real-world fuel economy. Unfortunately, there's no selection for drive type for the 2019 RDX so there's no way to differentiate between FWD and AWD models unless an owner specifically describes the drive type. Few, if any, currently do.

"Based on data from 41 vehicles, 540 fuel-ups and 147,880 miles of driving, the 2019 Acura RDX gets a combined Avg MPG of 21.41 with a 0.35 MPG margin of error." - 2019 Acura RDX MPG - Actual MPG from 41 2019 Acura RDX owners

Honda rates the FWD RDX at 24 MPG combined and the AWD RDX at 23 MPG combined. Approximately two-thirds of all 2019 RDX's are AWD resulting in a weighted average rating of 23.3 MPG or about 1.9 MPG less than Honda's combined rating.

Based on the actual test data available from the EPA, I'd say the real-world difference between FWD and AWD will be very close to 1 MPG.

Based on an average of 12,000 miles per year at today's national average price per gallon of premium gasoline of $2.941, the extra fuel cost for AWD should be about $5.33 per month.

ok. thank you

I'm always on the fence with AWD vs FWD. I really think AWD is a luxury unless you live in a place that gets a ton of snow. I live in Utah and I don't consider the snow to warrant AWD, even with this wet winter we've had (currently at 170% of normal). But....it sure is a nice luxury to have - both in the snow as well as dry, especially the SH-AWD system which is exceptional.

There are certainly times I've wanted AWD on my '12 TL but not enough to have paid the premium, put up with the bugs (3.7L engine oil consumption and propeller shaft bearing problems) and deal with the extra weight which is a speed and agility killer. However, with an SUV like the RDX, I think I'd opt for the AWD because I wouldn't mod it and wouldn't care about speed. Even without AWD, the 4G TL is plenty sporty. I can easily drift with it and it does 0-60 in 5.4, now about 5 with all the bolt-ons and Ktuner. But I wouldn't be interested with that in the RDX. I know it's not gutless but I wouldn't but an SUV for speed. It'd buy it for utility. And in that case, I'd want the AWD just for good measure.

I have a FWD and I've had my car for about 7 months now. I'm kind of regretting my decision since I just found out my husband and I are getting stationed in Germany (right now in California) and feel like I'm definitely going to need it going there since we are going to be relying on my vehicle alone. So now, I'm contemplating trading my car in for an AWD. Just don't want to make any bonehead moves. When I originally went to look, there weren't many AWDs on the lot and I never thought I would need it (or that we'd be going to Germany).

It may be a grid, but you probably make turns on that grid. And, maybe the AWD will encourage you to take your wife on a trip to some place with fun roads? Just trying to help.

You just had to jinx yourself, didn't you?

Yep. Which I don't, 98 or 99% of the time I'm driving.

YEAH! LOL We sure got some yesterday. Kinda fun once every 4 or 5 years.