[AAA]

I've had my 2021 RDX for 2 months now and I've noticed that the drive is not very smooth. Whether in the driver seat or passenger seat, I feel every single bump on the road, even when it's a newly paved road. I like to compare it to a shopping cart. Some carts are smooth and others have a wonky wheel that raddles a bit. Has anyone experienced this? Shouldn't this luxury car have a smoother ride?

 

[mrgold35]

What is the PSI set at for the tires? I've noticed the manufacturer ships vehicles at 40-45 PSI "I think" to keep tires from having flat spots if they sit for a long time (and prevent low PSI on the lot for the same reason). It is hit or miss for the dealership to reset the PSI to normal levels for final sell.

Another issue could be the new suspension needing more time to break-in. I upgraded my 06 TSX to the A-Spec suspension after 20,000 miles and it was pretty stiff at first and I thought I made a mistake. It really smoothed out and felt better after +1000 miles of city and hwy driving.

Another consideration is Acura vehicles will usually have a more "sporty" ride compared to Lexus or Infiniti. An Acura will do a better job communicating the road/tire feel with the steering wheel and suspension compared to isolating you from that like other brands. Only the RLX has a soft luxury ride or you need the Adv model RDX with electronic dampers in Comfort mode for a softer ride.

 

[AAA]

I had a 2009 TSX for 11 years and the ride was so smooth. I guess I expected the same thing from this RDX so I'm very disappointed with the purchase. I'm contemplating selling it back to them.

The PSI is around 40, which is less than what I kept the TSX at so that could be something to look at. I actually took the car to the dealer because I thought something was wrong with the car. They looked at me like I was crazy. When I asked about perhaps adjusting the suspension, their looks didn't get any better! I have about 400 miles on it now. Maybe, as you said, after 1000+ miles, it'll smooth out.

 

[mrgold35]

I would try adjusting the PSI in the tires to see if that might smooth out the ride a little bit.

Probably not an issue; but, I live at 5000 ft in NM. My hand held PSI gauge is off by +1.5 to +2 higher than actual pressure. I think this is because all hand held are calibrated for sea level and set to measure the pressure difference between tire and outside air. Not 100% sure if the Acura TPMS adjust for altitude or if this is the actual PSI reading on the M.I.D. since the sensor is inside the tire?

If you live at +2500 feet or more, you might have a larger range to adjust the PSI and still be in the recommended level for the RDX.

 

[AAA]

I would try adjusting the PSI in the tires to see if that might smooth out the ride a little bit.

Probably not an issue; but, I live at 5000 ft in NM. My hand held PSI gauge is off by +1.5 to +2 higher than actual pressure. I think this is because all hand held are calibrated for sea level and set to measure the pressure difference between tire and outside air. Not 100% sure if the Acura TPMS adjust for altitude or if this is the actual PSI reading on the M.I.D. since the sensor is inside the tire?

If you live at +2500 feet or more, you might have a larger range to adjust the PSI and still be in the recommended level for the RDX.

Thanks so much for the feedback! I'll give it a shot.

 

[Kevinmac]

I had a 2009 TSX for 11 years and the ride was so smooth. I guess I expected the same thing from this RDX so I'm very disappointed with the purchase. I'm contemplating selling it back to them.

The PSI is around 40, which is less than what I kept the TSX at so that could be something to look at. I actually took the car to the dealer because I thought something was wrong with the car. They looked at me like I was crazy. When I asked about perhaps adjusting the suspension, their looks didn't get any better! I have about 400 miles on it now. Maybe, as you said, after 1000+ miles, it'll smooth out.

Your TSX had over 40 lbs? The I4 required 32 lbs and the V6 required 33 lbs in all four tires. Read the label on the door jam, it gives you the correct inflation. 40lbs in an RDX is too much.

 

[AAA]

Your TSX had over 40 lbs? The I4 required 32 lbs and the V6 required 33 lbs in all four tires. Read the label on the door jam, it gives you the correct inflation. 40lbs in an RDX is too much.

Yes, when I bought it from the dealer, it was 40 in all 4 tires. But now it's down to 38 with the cold weather. I just looked up the owner's manual online and it does say 33 to 36. I'll get the pressure lower and see if that helps with the ride.

 

[GLI]

Hi,
I bought 2021 RDX 2 weeks ago. I have experienced the same issue- ride not smooth. Wonder you solve the issue by adjusting the Tire pressures? Thanks fir sharing!

 

[AAA]

Hi,
I bought 2021 RDX 2 weeks ago. I have experienced the same issue- ride not smooth. Wonder you solve the issue by adjusting the Tire pressures? Thanks fir sharing!

Hi, Unfortunately, adjusting the tire pressure didn't work. People keep telling me that an SUV will always be bumpier than a sedan. But I still refuse to believe a car this expensive wouldn't be smoother. The silver lining though, you end up getting used to the ride. It doesn't feel as "bad" as it did when I first bought the car. But if you about other things to try that may help, I'd love to hear it! Thanks!

 

[GLI]

Thanks for sharing!
I will let you know once I talk to the dealer.

 

[SoCalRDX]

Are you

I've had my 2021 RDX for 2 months now and I've noticed that the drive is not very smooth. Whether in the driver seat or passenger seat, I feel every single bump on the road, even when it's a newly paved road.

Which dynamic driving mode are you using? Be sure to set it to "comfort." Also, be sure the air pressure in your tires is at the recommended pressure.

Also, if your former sedan had a longer wheelbase than the RDX, by comparison the RDX may feel "choppier" by comparison.

 

[wmupaprmkr]

Your tires will make the biggest difference in the ride. I went with the Michelin Primacy mxm4 for my second set on my 2019 RDX SHAWD and it feels like a totally different car! Keeping them air the recommended air pressure helps also.

 

[Kevinmac]

Not sure what tires are on your vehicle, but if you have run flats, that will also add to harsher ride.

 

[txredhead56]

Hi, Unfortunately, adjusting the tire pressure didn't work. People keep telling me that an SUV will always be bumpier than a sedan. But I still refuse to believe a car this expensive wouldn't be smoother. The silver lining though, you end up getting used to the ride. It doesn't feel as "bad" as it did when I first bought the car. But if you about other things to try that may help, I'd love to hear it! Thanks!

Having owned a 2018 RDX previously, I can tell you that the ride of that car tends to be choppy due to the short wheelbase and the way the suspension system is calibrated. I currently own a 2019 MDX and can tell you that the ride difference between the two is remarkably different. I was reminded of this recently when my MDX was in for service and I was given a new 2021 RDX to drive. I particularly noticed the choppy ride while driving down a street with tar strips on it - the car was very choppy to the point that it was just uncomfortable to drive. I don't know what you can do about this, other than as some have advised to keep the tire pressure at the recommended rate and maybe consider a different brand of tire. You can tell the difference with the ride between say Michelin and Continental tires.

 

[DAG]

I f: 1728419, member: 120330"]
I had a 2009 TSX for 11 years and the ride was so smooth. I guess I expected the same thing from this RDX so I'm very disappointed with the purchase. I'm contemplating selling it back to them.

The PSI is around 40, which is less than what I kept the TSX at so that could be something to look at. I actually took the car to the dealer because I thought something was wrong with the car. They looked at me like I was crazy. When I asked about perhaps adjusting the suspension, their looks didn't get any better! I have about 400 miles on it now. Maybe, as you said, after 1000+ miles, it'll smooth out.
[/QUOTE]

I've had my 2021 RDX for 2 months now and I've noticed that the drive is not very smooth. Whether in the driver seat or passenger seat, I feel every single bump on the road, even when it's a newly paved road. I like to compare it to a shopping cart. Some carts are smooth and others have a wonky wheel that raddles a bit. Has anyone experienced this? Shouldn't this luxury car have a smoother ride?

I feel the same way. Did you keep it or trade?

 

[AAA]

I f: 1728419, member: 120330"]
I had a 2009 TSX for 11 years and the ride was so smooth. I guess I expected the same thing from this RDX so I'm very disappointed with the purchase. I'm contemplating selling it back to them.

The PSI is around 40, which is less than what I kept the TSX at so that could be something to look at. I actually took the car to the dealer because I thought something was wrong with the car. They looked at me like I was crazy. When I asked about perhaps adjusting the suspension, their looks didn't get any better! I have about 400 miles on it now. Maybe, as you said, after 1000+ miles, it'll smooth out.

I feel the same way. Did you keep it or trade?
[/QUOTE]

I haven't traded it in yet. I may give it another year. But I may try changing the tires at some point. Maybe Michelin tires will make a difference.

 

[mvl]

I just testdrove a 22 RDX Advance/Aspec in comfort mode. Seemed similar to my 20 MDX Advance w comfort. And similar to my prior Rx350, all a very smooth ride on bumps.

My area has lots of potholes so I only drive the MDX in comfort mode, other modes are substantially more bumpy.

Acura says the 22 RDX has more exagerrated drive mode tuning than 21 (one of the big changes in the refresh), so I suspect 22 comfort is less bumpy than older models.