How do you use paddle shifters on an Acura RDX?
In an Acura RDX, paddle shifters let you manually control gear changes when the transmission is in Sport or Manual mode. The right paddle upshifts and the left paddle downshifts, and you can return to full automatic shifting at any time by exiting Sport/Manual mode.
Getting into manual control
Paddle shifters are designed to give you direct gear control while preserving the automatic transmission's convenience. To access them, you must enable Sport or Manual shift mode on your RDX. Depending on the model year, this is accomplished by pressing the dedicated Sport button on the center console or by moving the gear selector into the S position (sometimes labeled D/S) to activate manual control.
To operate the paddles, follow these steps:
- With the engine running and the car in Drive (D), enable Sport/Manual mode by pressing the Sport button or shifting the lever to the S position.
- Grasp the paddles behind the steering wheel with both hands; the right paddle controls upshifts and the left controls downshifts.
- Pull the right (+) paddle to upshift to a higher gear as RPMs and speed require more power.
- Pull the left (−) paddle to downshift to a lower gear for stronger acceleration, engine braking, or better control on hills and corners.
- When you want to return to fully automatic shifting, either stop using the paddles, shift the lever back to D with auto mode, or press the Sport/Manual selector to exit sport mode.
Using the paddle shifters allows for more direct control over engine speed and response, but the car's transmission will still operate within its programmed limits. You can switch back to automatic shifting at any time by returning to D or turning off Sport mode.
Right vs Left paddles: what they do
Right paddle (+): Upshift
The right paddle raises the transmission to a higher gear. Use it to keep the engine in its power band when you want quicker acceleration or when you are approaching the redline for peak performance. The system will prevent upshifting beyond the highest gear or into a gear that would stall the engine.
Left paddle (−): Downshift
The left paddle selects a lower gear for engine braking or stronger acceleration on demand. Downshifting is useful when entering corners, descending grades, or needing immediate power without pressing the accelerator pedal hard. The transmission generally protects against downshifting to a gear that would lug the engine.
Safety and driving tips
Keep these guidelines in mind to get the most from paddle shifting while staying safe on the road:
- Paddles are typically active only when the vehicle is in Sport or Manual mode; in standard Drive mode, the car shifts automatically.
- Use paddle shifts for controlled acceleration and engine braking, not for everyday city driving.
- Avoid excessive downshifts at high speeds to minimize engine strain and wheel slip on slippery surfaces.
- Pay attention to the instrument cluster, shift indicators, and the tachometer to know when shifts are advisable.
In practice, paddle shifters give you a more engaging driving experience while preserving the smoothness of an automatic transmission. When you're done, you can switch back to full automatic shifting without any special steps beyond returning the selector to Drive or deactivating Sport mode.
Summary
To use paddle shifters on an Acura RDX, enable Sport or Manual mode to unlock manual control, then use the right paddle to upshift and the left paddle to downshift. You can return to automatic shifting at any time by exiting Sport/Manual mode. Paddle shifters provide precise control for spirited driving while maintaining the convenience of an automatic transmission.
