CardinaleWay Acura Las Vegas - Is Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ the Right Choice for Your 2025 Acura RDX in Las Vegas, NV?
The 2025 Acura RDX is built to make every drive engaging and confident, powered by a 272-HP VTEC® Turbo engine and available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™. At CardinaleWay Acura Las Vegas, we help shoppers decide whether SH-AWD® is the right fit for local roads, from smooth I-215 commutes to Red Rock Canyon switchbacks and sudden summer downpours. If the goal is stable, responsive performance without sacrificing refinement, the RDX with SH-AWD® deserves a close look.
Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ does more than send power to four wheels. The system is engineered to actively distribute torque for cornering precision, helping the RDX rotate smoothly through turns and maintain traction across changing surfaces. Paired with the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) — Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Snow — and available Adaptive Dampers, the RDX can feel composed on Sahara Ave., surefooted on US-95, and relaxed on long stretches out toward Mount Charleston.
Here is a quick, high-impact look at what SH-AWD® brings to daily Las Vegas driving and weekend escapes.
- Instant torque transfer: SH-AWD® can send up to 70% of available power to the rear and then distribute up to 100% of that rear torque between the left and right rear wheels for confident traction and rotation.
- Confident cornering: Torque vectoring helps the RDX carve through on-ramps and winding roads with a more planted, precise feel.
- All-season assurance: From dusty intersections and loose sand to brief but intense rain, SH-AWD® adds a layer of control that inspires confidence.
- Smoother getaways: Pulls away cleanly from angled driveways and inclined garages common around Summerlin and Henderson.
- Ride-and-handling synergy: Available Adaptive Dampers tune ride compliance in real time — great for rougher city patches and canyon roads alike.
Deciding if SH-AWD® is right for a particular lifestyle is easier when mapped to driving needs. Use this quick self-check as a guide before a test drive at our showroom.
- Commute pattern: If daily routes include higher-speed merges, freeway ramps, or crosswinds on US-95 or I-215, SH-AWD® can add stability and response.
- Weekend plans: Frequent trips to Red Rock Canyon or Mount Charleston benefit from torque vectoring in curves and on variable surfaces.
- Driving style: If an engaging drive matters — sharper turn-in, eager exits, balanced feel — SH-AWD® aligns with that preference.
- Home terrain: Steep, gravel, or sandy driveways and parking areas reward the added traction and smooth takeoff.
- Peace of mind: For unexpected rain or construction debris, extra grip and composure deliver year-round confidence.
Availability is straightforward. SH-AWD® is offered across the RDX lineup and is standard on the A-Spec with Advance Package. Our team will walk through the RDX, Technology, A-Spec®, Advance, and A-Spec® Advance configurations to help match performance, comfort, and features to the right package — without overbuying or missing key capabilities.
To experience the difference, schedule a back-to-back drive of an RDX with and without SH-AWD®. Our location at 7000 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89117 makes it easy to sample real-world roads near our store. Call Sales at 702-835-7711 and our team will set up a route that highlights how the system behaves in everyday conditions and during quick maneuvers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is SH-AWD® recommended for daily driving in Las Vegas?
Yes — even in primarily dry conditions, added traction is valuable when dust, sand, or oil build-up meets a sudden shower. SH-AWD® also enhances on-ramp confidence, lane changes at speed, and stability in crosswinds. The system operates seamlessly, so the RDX retains a refined, quiet ride for everyday commuting.
How does SH-AWD® interact with the Integrated Dynamics System on the 2025 RDX?
IDS tailors the vehicle’s character — throttle response, steering feel, and shift mapping — and complements SH-AWD® behavior. Comfort and Normal emphasize smoothness, Sport sharpens responses and takes fuller advantage of torque vectoring in corners, and Snow helps maximize traction on low-grip surfaces. With available Adaptive Dampers, ride firmness is tuned alongside these changes for a cohesive feel.
Does SH-AWD® change maintenance needs on the RDX?
There is an added rear differential that requires fluid services at recommended intervals. Our Acura-trained technicians use Genuine Acura parts and fluids and will keep maintenance on schedule. The Owner’s Manual lists specific intervals, and our service advisors can create a plan that fits driving habits and mileage.
Will SH-AWD® affect efficiency compared to front-wheel drive?
All-wheel-drive hardware adds weight and mechanical components, so a modest difference is normal compared with front-wheel drive. The RDX balances this with smart powertrain tuning and a responsive 10-speed automatic. Real-world results vary by route, speed, traffic, and cargo — a same-day comparison drive is the best way to gauge the difference for a specific commute.
At CardinaleWay Acura Las Vegas, we aim to make the decision simple and transparent. If precise handling, year-round composure, and confident acceleration are priorities, SH-AWD® on the 2025 Acura RDX is a compelling match for Las Vegas, NV. Call 702-835-7711 to book a personalized test drive, or visit us today to explore the RDX lineup in detail with our product specialists.