This model is totally long on the tooth. Why is Acura neglecting the update of the RDX? I am looking for a new RDX but refuse to buy an old model. Acura is about to lose my business.

 

Keep on hearing rumors of Acura bringing back hybrid tech for the next gen of vehicles. Don’t know if it will be existing Honda hybrid, updated 2nd gen Acura sport hybrid tech, plug in option, or a combination of all three depending on model/trim level. Might be the reason for RDX delay?

The 19 RDX was first out the gate with the current design language. It took Acura a few years to work out the bugs for a smoother rollout for the MDX and TLX. Sounds like Acura is going to repeat the same formula with the 4th gen RDX in 2027/2028? Even if a brand new redesigned RDX was out today, I would still wait until closer to the MMC +\-3 years later to pick between them.

 

I honestly don't mind it, the facelift was a bit minor but still a great looking car and the motor/trans setup is fantastic.

Seems they are working on something, let's see how it plays out

 

I think there is two reasons why Acura is staying with the current design through 2026.

1. EV's Failed to Deliver: While there was an initial push to move to EV, that has stalled, and Acura is rethinking the next few models. My guess (as other stated) is that we will see a period of Hybrid cars/SUVs for the next 10 years before EV's begin to take over. Battery Tech and infrastructure should be in a better place in 10 years.
2. RDX Design: While some might say it is a bit long in the tooth, the look (exterior and interior) is still much better than many current/newer models available. For example, I test drove the Lexus NX350 recently and then test drove the 2025 RDX. The RDX was better in almost every way. And not just my opinion, I had my wife, Son and other with me during the test drives and all agreed that the RDX was better looking, better driving, better handling, etc... Which is probably why the sales of the RDX are so high.

I can see why Acura leadership opted to stay with the design a bit longer to focus on 2027 (likely a Hybrid Model) of the RDX.
NOTE: I owned the 2019 RDX and recently traded it in for the 2025 RDX.

 

I hope they keep physical buttons for climate and other stuff with new rdx. Looking at new x3 and q5 it’s just screens now, no buttons. Do not like that.

 

I def agree with that but I am old school too, I hate all the screens and more stuff to break.

 

The recent Honda business briefing mentioned that the next gen hybrid would be launched in 2027. That tells you everything you need to know - 4G is not coming anytime soon.

 

I really think this generation has aged well. Sure its not as elegant as the Volvo XC60, but its still a pretty modern design. If your going to criticize Acura for the RDX, you also have to do it to Volvo for the XC60, and Toyota for the 4Runner. I still can't like the interior of the new X3. I'm still deciding on the new Q5.

 

Automakers don't need to pump out a new gen/design so soon, this gen RDX is doing well and still looks great.

Well said, look at stuff like the 4 Runner and Toyota's lineup, you have a 60k SUV with cloth and shit interiors still in 2025! Acura is doing fine

 

Pretty sure any 26 RDX redesign news is fake clickbait. Acura already announced their 26 changes and the Integra MMR and the new electric RSX were the only things on the list.

Honda did announce a new focus on building large Hybrid's for 2027, but were silent on whether Acura was going to get any.

 

I don't know about the motor, but the transmission does not by any means fit the definition of fantastic. It is the Achilles heal of the RDX and probably what makes the motor feel worse than it is. It hunts for gears, stays stuck in gears, has a high failure rate (I had problems with my 2019 which couldn't be reproduced and my 2023 had to have the transmission replaced).

 

I would like to see a hybrid but otherwise I am OK with the design of the RDX. I don't think it will be redesigned until MY2027 at the earliest. If it was going to be redesigned for MY2026, we would have seen test mules by now.

One change in the 2025 I don't like is they dropped the beige interior. And with Advance, the grey has black piping which I don't like the look of. I don't like piping in general. But with the prior Advance in beige, the piping was white so it was very subtle.

 

the 10 spd has issues? That’s news to me, works well in the Accord and some of those are making major TQ too.
sounds like you didn’t change fluid possibly or had some other mechanical issue?

what are these high failure rates you speak of?

 

Probably then just my bad luck that I had trouble with both RDXs. There were many threads here on hesitation, limp mode, etc. but maybe those are isolated incidents. Still, no way I'd call this a fantastic setup. It works great as long as you're not pushing the car.

 

What exactly were the issues you've faced with the trans in both of yours?

I have 130k on my 19 and 0 trans issues or questions about it, But that's routine fluid changes for drivetrain and all too.

know a few people with 10sp Accords making like 350 Ft/lbs and no issues, local tuner recently had an RDX on the dyno that made like 350 Ft/Lbs too.

 

With the 2019, it got stuck in a gear and wouldn't shift. Was very scary. Pulled into a parking lot and the problem persisted until I shut the car and restarted. But dealer was not able to replicate the problem.
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-rdx-...-stuck-998722/

With 2023, I would get a loud whistle on the highway. Demonstrated to tech. I thought it was a wind leak type issue. When he investigated he said transmission failure and they replaced it. This was at < 10K miles.
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-rdx-...ostly-1005367/

 

Yikes, that would be awful, glad you were in a parking lot at least!

Sounds like you somehow got some lemons all around, that sucks and would def put a bad taste in my mouth.


Gonna stick with Acura for something newer or try another manufacturer?

Having this talk with my wife now of what's next, we only have 1 kid and a small dog, so mid size is def fine for us but I LOVE the MDX Type S but again, way too much car for us.... Might see what the 4th Gen RDX looks like whenever it drops. If I keep up on maintenance, I'm sure our 19 will be fine

 

All brands have their problems. As long as I like something in the Acura line up, this wouldn't keep me from staying with the brand. I would still buy another RDX even today. I like it better than anything else on the market. NX hybrid would be my next best alternative, but I don't like the RFT and excessive screen use in that case. Hoping Lexus will refresh it and fix those 2 issues. If RSX is any good, that may be an option.

 

It looks great. But I don't want to buy a vehicle about to be changed.

 

The current transmission is a Honda designed and built 10 speed. I have not heard that there are issues.

 

The RDX had a 6 speed up until 2018. The 6 speed had issues if not properly maintained (i.e. fluid changes).