The priority board at Acura is starting to move quickly. The Japanese brand, traditionally associated with refined and reliable combustion engines, has decided to accelerate its transition to electrified powertrains, and one of the protagonists of this shift will be the RDX, its highest-volume compact SUV in several markets.

Far from being a simple mechanical update, the new RDX will mark the beginning of a completely different stage for the model. The company has already confirmed that the next generation will incorporate a two-motor hybrid system, an architecture designed not only to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, but also to raise the vehicle's technological level against increasingly sophisticated rivals.

Although there are still a few years to go before its official presentation, the project is advanced enough for Acura to have begun outlining its schedule and preparing a phased transition between the current model and its electrified successor.

A historic change in the RDX's mechanics

Since 2019, the Acura RDX has been offered only with gasoline engines. That formula allowed it to solidify its position as one of the brand's commercial pillars, but it also began to fall behind in a context where electrification is becoming the norm, even in the premium compact segments. With the new generation, the RDX will adopt a two-motor hybrid system, aligning with Honda and Acura's global strategy to reduce its environmental footprint without sacrificing performance or ride comfort. Although the company has not yet released official power or fuel consumption figures, everything indicates that the technical setup could be based on the system used by the Honda CR-V hybrid. In that model, the system combines a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine with two electric motors, achieving a total power output of approximately 204 horsepower and a combined fuel consumption of around 40 mpg according to EPA figures.

If a similar configuration is confirmed—although presumably adjusted for a more premium positioning—the new RDX could become one of the most efficient SUVs in its class without sacrificing solid on-road performance.

More robust exterior design and up-to-date technology

Acura has already offered a first visual glimpse of the future RDX through a teaser image. It features a more muscular silhouette than the current model, with more pronounced rear wheel arches, a slightly more streamlined roofline, and a larger rear spoiler.

At the front, the slim, sharp LED headlights stand out, giving it a more technological and aggressive look, in line with the brand's latest design language.

There are no official images of the interior yet, but a significant evolution is expected on several fronts: higher quality materials, larger screens, more advanced connectivity, and more complete integration of driver assistance systems.

The new hybrid powertrain will also require redesigning part of the interior architecture, especially in the floor and trunk area, to accommodate batteries and electrical components without compromising passenger space.

End of cycle and pause between generations

The current generation of the Acura RDX is in its final stages. Its production will conclude in the spring of 2026, ending a chapter that began in 2019 and making the model the brand's second best-selling vehicle, second only to the MDX. Despite its strong sales performance, the passage of time and the arrival of more modern rivals in terms of connectivity and electrification began to highlight its technical limitations. Acura has already confirmed that there will be a pause between the end of the current generation and the start of production of the new RDX hybrid. This interruption is mainly due to changes in the supply chain, as some suppliers will stop manufacturing key components used in the current model. However, the company assures that it will maintain sufficient inventory to supply dealerships for much of 2026, avoiding a prolonged gap in its compact SUV portfolio. According to the brand's internal projections, the new Acura RDX hybrid will not arrive immediately. Its debut is expected toward the end of 2027, as a 2028 model, which implies a long and meticulous development process to ensure the reliability of the new powertrain. This timeline also allows Acura to synchronize the RDX's launch with a broader refresh of its lineup. In parallel, the MDX will receive a major update during the second half of 2026.While the Integra Type S will debut with aesthetic changes and interior improvements.

The most ambitious project, however, will be the RSX EV, a 100% electric model that will use Honda's new 0-series platform, will be manufactured in Ohio,and will debut with the ASIMO OS operating system, developed internally by the Japanese group.

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