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When is the new model coming out? The current one is very long on the tooth. Anyone have any spy shots?
My guess, it that you will not hear from Acura till the summer on if the RDX will be redesigned for 2026.
Personally, I like to avoid the first couple years of any new model or heavily redesigned - till the issues, bugs and quality of the new parts are worked out. Especially when it appears everything is getting recalled for major issues these days.
Methinks Acura spent most of their R&D budget on the RSX (and to a lesser extent the ADX). I wouldn't expect a new 4G RDX anytime soon. Acura kept proudly touting how the RDX was built on an Acura-exclusive platform. It was just refreshed for the 25MY, and I'd expect them to ride that for no less than 3 years. So, at the earliest I'd think 2028 we might see the next gen RDX.
Considering that Acura is a relatively small operation, I suspect that they're going to stretch out the RDX and TLX generations beyond what we'd normally see from H/A models. It's similar to how Volvo stretches out their generations as well since they're also a small operation and there are fewer sales to amoritize the costs over. Whereas cars that are built on Honda platforms like the ADX, Integra, and MDX can get new generations in accordance to Honda's timeline.
Dealer told me 2026 RDX will be carryover of the 2025 model. Redesign will be the 2027 model. We know dealers don't always know the exact dates of introduction but this seems likely based on the mild MMC the 2025 received.
Dealer told me 2026 RDX will be carryover of the 2025 model. Redesign will be the 2027 model. We know dealers don't always know the exact dates of introduction but this seems likely based on the mild MMC the 2025 received.
Dang, that will be 8 years in the gen 3 RDX platform, with minor updates in 2022 and 2025. There are a lot of options out there, and then again - there are a lot of big recalls for all mfg's with new platforms and drivetrains. Probably a lot to do with the uncoupling of the mandate to go 100% EV by the old administration. Hopefully the new RDX will be a performance Hybrid system - that seems like the best of both worlds these days. Though, having two different type of energy drives does create more costs long run - I'd rather just have one - ICE or EV.
IMO, the Smart money is on a gently used RDX from 2023+ with the mfg warranty still in place. I'll keep my 2021 RDX reliable tank for many years to come! Reminder - keep your maintenance up - as the SHawd system is super expensive to fix by premature wear of not changing the fluids.
I agree that 8 years is way too long. The RDX is really starting to look 'old'. I bought in '22 because I liked the refreshed front and I love driving my RDX. I will hang onto it a few more years.
Agreed! The rear needs a major update as well as the interior. The front isn't that bad. But we all know what happened to RDX redesign. This whole EV and ADX delayed it. Acura started working on the redesign later than expected. We will probably see the new RDX in summer or fall 2026 as a 2027 model. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong in terms of dates....
Agreed! The rear needs a major update as well as the interior. The front isn't that bad. But we all know what happened to RDX redesign. This whole EV and ADX delayed it. Acura started working on the redesign later than expected. We will probably see the new RDX in summer or fall 2026 as a 2027 model. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong in terms of dates....
Based on that assumption - 2028 or 2029 will be the model to get, after the issues, hiccups, kinks and real life testing problems have been addressed.
Based on that assumption - 2028 or 2029 will be the model to get, after the issues, hiccups, kinks and real life testing problems have been addressed.
wow! that's insane. Although RDX sales numbers are still very good considering it's 7 years old. But new GLC, X3 and Q5 are there. It will be hard to compete...and the MMC GV70 is out as well which gives a lot of value for the price point. Anyway, hope we see some thing new from Acura soon!
Dealer told me 2026 RDX will be carryover of the 2025 model. Redesign will be the 2027 model. We know dealers don't always know the exact dates of introduction but this seems likely based on the mild MMC the 2025 received.
This seems most logical to me given the 2025 refresh.
The current 3rd generation RDX came out in 2018 as a 2019. We are on the 8th year of this car. Anyone who bought in 2018 must be getting really tired of their RDX right now. This is corporate neglect. The RDX is an orphan.
Until what month is covered for 2025? I think it's doing OK. The car industry itself hasn't been doing all that great the last few years. https://www.statista.com/statistics/...es-since-1951/
and RDX sales are pretty much in line with the graph for all vehicles.
The electronics have been upgraded quite a bit since MY2019.
The fact that they're still moving 43K units in 2024, and so far in 2025 it's only down 6.7% YoY is proof enough that they can keep milking the 3G RDX while deploying their (limited) budget on other segments that demand more resourcing. In years past, Acuras could get a free meal by riding on the backs of Honda platform updates, which enables them to have more regular redesigns. If it weren't for that, they'd be in the same boat as Volvo, who likewise stretch out their generations because of how small they are.
Had the 3G RDX still been based on the CR-V, it'd still be on a normal 6-year lifecycle timeline. But if it truly is a bespoke platform (as Acura liked to brag about) then not so much.
Anyone who bought in 2018 must be getting really tired of their RDX right now. This is corporate neglect.
To be honest, I think RDX has aged really well. I wanted to move on when it was my daily, but now with ZDX in companion, I really appreciate that Acura did not try to cover all grounds, but focused on areas they knew they could execute well.
The exterior still looks good, I still enjoy driving the car for its relatively direct steering/chassis response and the magical SH-AWD, the interior is still as functional as it ever has been. Ignoring powertrain shortcomings like the helpless fuel economy, occasional hesitation, and 1-2-3 upshift response, the only thing that feels really dated is the slow 19-21 infotainment. This is not a problem on 22+, the updated infotainment is still refreshingly responsive.
Corporate neglect... I guess that is an unfortunate chain of events. For whatever reasons, Acura ends up in a position with no existing powertrain that is suitable for 4G. Pure ICE is a dead end, EV/Hybrid neither powertrains (or maybe more likely, the batteries) are not ready. ADX faced a similar issue, but it got by because K-series is probably the only pure ICE engine that will be kept alive.
It is sad to see Honda Motor Company without a proper powertrain for their larger size cars.
Last edited by sonyfever; May 31, 2025 at 11:39 AM.
To be honest, I think RDX has aged really well. I wanted to move on when it was my daily, but now with ZDX in companion, I really appreciate that Acura did not try to cover all grounds, but focused on areas they knew they could execute well.
The exterior still looks good, I still enjoy driving the car for its relatively direct steering/chassis response and the magical SH-AWD, the interior is still as functional as it ever has been. Ignoring powertrain shortcomings like the helpless fuel economy, occasional hesitation, and 1-2-3 upshift response, the only thing that feels really dated is the slow 19-21 infotainment. This is not a problem on 22+, the updated infotainment is still refreshingly responsive.
I'd agree with this - the looks are still sharp, the practicality is still class leading. It would have been nice to see them switch to the touchscreen like the MDX is but otherwise it's still a pretty competitive car.
Originally Posted by sonyfever
Corporate neglect... I guess that is an unfortunate chain of events. For whatever reasons, Acura ends up in a position with no existing powertrain that is suitable for 4G. Pure ICE is a dead end, EV/Hybrid neither powertrains (or maybe more likely, the batteries) are not ready. ADX faced a similar issue, but it got by because K-series is probably the only pure ICE engine that will be kept alive.
It is sad to see Honda Motor Company without a proper powertrain for their larger size cars.
A scaled up version of their hybrid powertrain is coming in 2027 so I assume the RDX will get that as an option when the new model comes out.
Re: Corporate neglect - It's true that Honda has, in the past, underfunded Acura but I don't think that's the case at all here. This is about limited R&D dollars and an industry wide focus on EVs that has proven to be wrong. Other than Toyota, every car company headed down the EV path so the R&D dollars for ICE/hybrids disappeared. I would say that the lack of a large platform hybrid powertrain is the biggest hole in the lineup - it would have made a lot of sense to at least refresh the hybrid powertrain from the RLX/MDX and keep it around as it was at least competitive. Even better of course would the large HEV powertrain that's coming now.
The current 3rd generation RDX came out in 2018 as a 2019. We are on the 8th year of this car. Anyone who bought in 2018 must be getting really tired of their RDX right now. This is corporate neglect. The RDX is an orphan.
Here are the annual sales:
lots of brands are stretching the redesigns these days. A lot has to do with the crazy mandate to go pure EV by a certain date, that changed with the new economy worldwide. With all the recalls for major items on most mfgs, I’m happy to keep my super reliable RDX for years to come, adding a Tesla M3P and a motorcycle to the stable.
Any updates on the trackpad going away? 2026 RDX needs a touchscreen like everyone else!!!
Definitely not happening till the new model comes out.
On this topic...Honda has said there's going to be a large platform hybrid powertrain coming out and after thinking about it more my money is on the next RDX moving onto the large car platform that the MDX/Odyssey/Pilot/Passport and Ridgeline are all on. The RDX basically becomes the "twin" to the Passport in the same way the Pilot and MDX are twins. This makes the hybrid powertrain easier to integrate into the RDX, increases refinement and performance (I assume DWB in the front like the MDX), and puts some room between it and the almost same size ADX. It's probably slightly cheaper to develop a scaled down MDX than it is to scale up the CR-V/Accord platform (getting the NVH to a luxury level would be much easier) and gives Acura a head to head competitor to the RX (the best selling luxury 2 row in the US).
Any updates on the trackpad going away? 2026 RDX needs a touchscreen like everyone else!!!
Definitely not happening till the new model comes out.
On this topic...Honda has said there's going to be a large platform hybrid powertrain coming out and after thinking about it more my money is on the next RDX moving onto the large car platform that the MDX/Odyssey/Pilot/Passport and Ridgeline are all on. The RDX basically becomes the "twin" to the Passport in the same way the Pilot and MDX are twins. This makes the hybrid powertrain easier to integrate into the RDX, increases refinement and performance (I assume DWB in the front like the MDX), and puts some room between it and the almost same size ADX. It's probably slightly cheaper to develop a scaled down MDX than it is to scale up the CR-V/Accord platform (getting the NVH to a luxury level would be much easier) and gives Acura a head to head competitor to the RX (the best selling luxury 2 row in the US).
Any updates on the trackpad going away? 2026 RDX needs a touchscreen like everyone else!!!
Definitely not happening till the new model comes out.
On this topic...Honda has said there's going to be a large platform hybrid powertrain coming out and after thinking about it more my money is on the next RDX moving onto the large car platform that the MDX/Odyssey/Pilot/Passport and Ridgeline are all on. The RDX basically becomes the "twin" to the Passport in the same way the Pilot and MDX are twins. This makes the hybrid powertrain easier to integrate into the RDX, increases refinement and performance (I assume DWB in the front like the MDX), and puts some room between it and the almost same size ADX. It's probably slightly cheaper to develop a scaled down MDX than it is to scale up the CR-V/Accord platform (getting the NVH to a luxury level would be much easier) and gives Acura a head to head competitor to the RX (the best selling luxury 2 row in the US).
The current 3rd generation RDX came out in 2018 as a 2019. We are on the 8th year of this car. Anyone who bought in 2018 must be getting really tired of their RDX right now. This is corporate neglect. The RDX is an orphan.
Here are the annual sales:
Still a nice vehicle but getting a bit long in the tooth. Maybe not new info but dealers have $1500 in loyalty and another $750 for financial through AFS. Plus, whatever you can knock of the sticker.
Still a nice vehicle but getting a bit long in the tooth. Maybe not new info but dealers have $1500 in loyalty and another $750 for financial through AFS. Plus, whatever you can knock of the sticker.
Is that $1500 only for the RDX or all models?
Inventory is very low at local dealer, so I doubt they would be willing to deal much. They are usually very stingy.
Only 15 RDX (including cars on the way) compared to 41 ADX and 33 MDX. 0 in the color/trim I would want (white/grey/tech).
The RDX in Aspec or Aspec Advanced version 2022+ still looks really sharp compared to the competition. Not sure why people say its long in the tooth. I mean it's old, but they have done updates and it still works.
Mazda updated a perfectly fine CX-5 in 2026 and people hate it (compared to the 2025). Don't be Mazda, sales are pretty strong, keep the train rolling.
The RDX in Aspec or Aspec Advanced version 2022+ still looks really sharp compared to the competition. Not sure why people say its long in the tooth.
Generally speaking, I think the RDX exterior I think RDX just "blends in" and doesn't stand out in any way. This is a very GOOD thing in this day and age where so many are super ugly like e.g. the black cladding all over the Solterra/bZ4X, the grill of the RX, the black plastic wheel arches that are now in vogue, etc. I prefer an understated design, and other than the taillights (which IMO should have been updated to match Acura's chicane design across the lineup), the RDX feels totally fine. Even the taillights I can live with.
I think the tweaks they made to the Advance make it look worse (painted skirts). I think the wheel update for the Tech was bad (should have stuck with the old ones).
I have never been a fan of black handles and black mirrors. It reminds me of the DX & LX versions of Civic and Accord in the 90's where you had to upgrade to EX to get body colored handles and mirrors.
I have never been a fan of black wheels. They remind me of cars with steel wheels where the hub cab fell off.
As far as interior goes, other than the touchpad, I think it is fine. I would hate for them to follow current design trends of too much screen, haptic control gimmicks, night club style ambient lighting, etc. The could get rid of some of the piano black. I'm not a fan of the suede inserts in the ASPEC/ASPEC Advance because those look really hard to keep clean. Also interior color choices with those are not to my liking.
Generally speaking, I think the RDX exterior I think RDX just "blends in" and doesn't stand out in any way. This is a very GOOD thing in this day and age where so many are super ugly like e.g. the black cladding all over the Solterra/bZ4X, the grill of the RX, the black plastic wheel arches that are now in vogue, etc. I prefer an understated design, and other than the taillights (which IMO should have been updated to match Acura's chicane design across the lineup), the RDX feels totally fine. Even the taillights I can live with.
I think the tweaks they made to the Advance make it look worse (painted skirts). I think the wheel update for the Tech was bad (should have stuck with the old ones).
I have never been a fan of black handles and black mirrors. It reminds me of the DX & LX versions of Civic and Accord in the 90's where you had to upgrade to EX to get body colored handles and mirrors.
I have never been a fan of black wheels. They remind me of cars with steel wheels where the hub cab fell off.
As far as interior goes, other than the touchpad, I think it is fine. I would hate for them to follow current design trends of too much screen, haptic control gimmicks, night club style ambient lighting, etc. The could get rid of some of the piano black. I'm not a fan of the suede inserts in the ASPEC/ASPEC Advance because those look really hard to keep clean. Also interior color choices with those are not to my liking.
Interesting. I love the dark wheels and the suede down the middle. Tail lights could be better...well...to each his own
The RDX is a nice looking vehicle but where it falls apart for me is when looking directly at the rear, looks cheaper than the rest of the vehicle and blends in with many others...some LEDs would have gone a long way.
The current 3rd generation RDX came out in 2018 as a 2019. We are on the 8th year of this car. Anyone who bought in 2018 must be getting really tired of their RDX right now.
Not especially, no. But I must admit I'm a bit of an outlier; I don't drive much since I retired in 2020. I'm still a few dozen km short of 40000 after 7+ years.
The current 3rd generation RDX came out in 2018 as a 2019. We are on the 8th year of this car. Anyone who bought in 2018 must be getting really tired of their RDX right now. This is corporate neglect. The RDX is an orphan.
My 2019 Acura RDX Tech still feels new to me. I'm inching my way towards 25,000 miles. Happy motoring y'all.
I agree that 8 years is way too long. The RDX is really starting to look 'old'. I bought in '22 because I liked the refreshed front and I love driving my RDX. I will hang onto it a few more years.
If I were you, I would hang on to it until the new model came out. Lucky you getting to drive the current model for such a long time,
The RDX is a nice looking vehicle but where it falls apart for me is when looking directly at the rear, looks cheaper than the rest of the vehicle and blends in with many others...some LEDs would have gone a long way.
It's October and no announcements and no leaks. Any idea what's happening? I thought the factory retooling was earlier in the year. Even if they were keeping the same car, why would they not transition to giving it a new model year?
