This week, Acura teased the prototype of its third-generation RDX ahead of its world debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Claiming its to be the “most extensive Acura redesign in more than a decade,” the brand believes it will usher in a “new era” for the company.
While the shadowy images hint at more aggressive and angular styling, the RDX needs more than a pretty face to compete in an increasingly crowded segment. It seems as if every luxury automaker fields a midsize crossover these days, though often at higher price points than the RDX. However, Acura isn’t going to bunt here and hope a freshened model boosts this years’ weaker sales. It’s bringing an entirely new platform that’s exclusive to the brand.
Designed and engineered within the United States, the model’s silhouette strongly resembles 2016’s Precision Concept — only lifted. Honda Motor’s premium division says the similarity is not coincidental. It wants a form worthy of what it claims is a better performing and more premium RDX.
Acura isn’t saying much more, but we’re willing to bet the production version will make use of the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder used in Honda’s updated Accord and is likely to be followed by a plug-in hybrid variant.
We’ll find out more on January 15th when the wraps come off in Detroit.
[Images: Acura]
A new era? It still has the horrible squished diamond grille.
But it’s better than the beak?
I’d argue the beak, in finer iterations, was a better design. The outline of the squished diamond points in too many conflicting directions, making the design “slow” when you’re trying to look at the whole picture. You get hung up on it because it doesn’t flow through with the rest of the car and looks like it’s been impacted rather than cutting through forward.
The V6 is the primary reason the RDX stands out from its competitors. Go 2.0T and we’ll shop elsewhere.
The RDX has been a handling dud for some time. The removal of SH-AWD to a more CR-V based AWD that only swnds 50% rearward doesn’t help.
A handling dud? Come on man, it’s a mommy wagon CUV. No one cares about handling. But load it up and point it at an on-ramp, and power matters. That’s why we have an RDX and not a CRV.
But the Accord 2.0T out powers the Accord V6….
Yes S2k Chris AND a cog-transmission.
The 2.0 turbo is a detuned Civic type R engine! It much faster then the current RDX V6 engine!
The 2017 RDX does 0-60 in 6.1 seconds. Plenty fast. Plus, the V-6 delivers smooth power and idles nicely. Honda 4 cyl’s aren’t known for smooth idling. That is the big reason we are considering the RDX vs CRX and the price difference is almost negligible.
The old 2.0T RDX with SH-AWD was a hoot to drive; it just got crap mpg for a 4-cyl because it wasn’t DI. The NA V-6 is nose-heavy and soft, not to mention no more powerful at my altitude. I’m very interested in seeing how this one pans out!
A new dedicated platform for Acura? Talk about burying the lede. Then again, what does “platform” even mean these days.
Just a reskinned Honda.
Why do a new platform at all? Unless they’re going to do a RWD one or resurrect the Legend’s longitude-FWD architecture, there’s no good reason. The Honda platforms are more than refined enough to underpin the RDX.
always wondered why they didnt v6 model sh-awd?
Because they didn’t need to. After the interesting but unsuccessful first-generation RDX, Acura decided to go where the market was and create a totally-soft compact crossover with basic AWD, but a V6—undercutting the RX quite a bit. And, as they calculated, sales increased dramatically. The RDX is a car that few celebrate, but it’s competent and it sells well enough.
At least the MDX still gets SH-AWD. I would say it’s too big, but it drives a lot smaller than it is. Handling is easily the best of the large transverse-FWD luxury crossovers so far, including the XC90, although I haven’t driven the version of the new Enclave with the better twin-clutch AWD system.
Looks like a GMC Terrain to me especially the rear quarter panel window design. No sure if I like more angled shaped crossovers. Nissan Murano shrunk? What wrong with Acura now a days in their car design language? I like to see Acura succeed but this is totally wrong!
I love how they try to tease it, but you know exactly what it’s going to look like — a cut and paste job of the exact grill on every other vehicle they sell. oh, well.