2019 Acura RDX Shows Some Leg Ahead of Detroit Debut
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 staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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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.