Tony Pac

As we all know Acura has been very very loud about marketing TLX, MDX, Integra, ZDX and their respective TYPE S models. But we don't hear anything about RDX. No one has spotted the next generation of RDX either. Acura is silent!

Based on my conversation with someone who works at Honda Canada, he believes that Acura may not come up with ICE - RDX for the next gen. RDX might be their first EV using their own platform as a 2025 model.

Did anyone else hear that? What are your thoughts?

NBPDC505

If that's accurate it's the end of the RDX road for me. I would love a performance based hybrid but will not be interested in full EV currently. Hopefully they do the right thing and put the Type-S turbo 6 in the next RDX, then we have something.

Tony Pac

Totally! I hope Acura keep its ICEs and I cannot wait to see a RDX TYPE S

RDX10

With Acura being such a small company and with the RDX being their top selling vehicle in a very hot segment, I highly doubt Acura is going to fudge around with the next generation RDX and make it fully EV. Maybe have a PHEV version but definitely not EV only.

I actually suspect they're going to eliminate true-touch and with the RDX being the current least up to date Acura in the cue (I.e. the RDX will get the latest upgrades vs older models like the 3G did when the 4G arrives) and that might be why they're delaying the next generation.

Typical product cycle for the RDX is 6 years, I suspect the prototypes should be out and about within the next 2-3 months here.

Tony Pac

Acura should bring this with touch screen or a dial:

RDX10

Honestly I am a fan of buttons, especially for things like radio and climate control (pun not intended haha). Now I don't want 2G MDX levels of buttons though. I do wish they would have expanded on the digital cluster like in that video, i.e. I wish it had the capability for a full map like Audi products do.

I just think the biggest blight on current Acura products is the true touch pad interface. It's clunky and makes interacting with the vehicle much harder than it needs to be. A simple touch screen would have greatly eliminated a significant amount of issues. IMO the old rotary knob made a lot more sense in a moving vehicle (or even something like Mazda/BMW are doing right now).

Otherwise I love everything Acura is doing with their interiors. It's been 4 years since the 3G RDX debuted and I can genuinely say it still looks fresh and very competitive today. Not many vehicles can say that.

Tony Pac

100% agreed! I believe Acura's current lineup is awesome. After a long time, they have this beautiful and coherent design!

RDX10

Right?? I love the flosingflowing lines on the D-pillar/ rear quarter panel area on the RDX. It's just amazing!

anoop

I wouldn't be surprised if they ditch ICE and go to EV for the next RDX.

But even if that is true there are still several questions?
- What will be the last year for the current RDX? 2024 seems too soon, so maybe like the old MDX, the current RDX may live a little longer than normal.
- If EV, is this going to be based on GM joint venture, Sony joint venture, or a pure Honda product?

Any idea on the size of the ZDX is similar to the RDX or the MDX? If it's like the Lyriq, then the dimensions will be closer to the MDX and in that case it wouldn't be a suitable replacement for the RDX.

ross7777

Maybe they will pull a Toyota and stretch out the current RDX for 7 years while they develop the RDX EV.

RDX10

Pulling a Toyota would be stretching it out for 13+ years lol.

JB in AZ

Yeah...NOT promoting Toyota at all, (considering replacing our Highlander as it is too big) but they DO seem to have the reliability thing figured out.

blAcura85

Since everyone seems to be going the EV route, I'll probably just keep the RDX forever then

RDX10

You know it's sad because I used to consider both Honda and Toyota to be the pinacle of reliability, Honda has fallen pretty hard these past few years. The ZF9 was their biggest mistake.

JB in AZ

I traded a 2018 5th Gen CR-V for my 19 RDX. The CR-V had been perfect, so I was excited when the '19 RDX came out. I even waited months before buying, but our RDX still had way too many trips to the dealer during its short life with me.

anoop

Probably doesn't have the reliability for that. Also filled with electronics. I would never feel comfortable owning this without an Acura warranty. Which means 8 years would be the limit, IIRC.

NooYawkuh

Honda seems to be going the EV route much slower than almost anyone. Volvo, Mercades, BMW, etc., have already promised to eliminate the ICEs by a certain date. I think Honda is hedging their bets that it all isn't going to happen as fast as most people think it will.

jmhumr

Please be a PHEV, please be a PHEV...

anoop

I think they have already come out and said they plan to go full EV, no hybrids.

I think that was a mistake in their strategy. They were pioneers with the performance hybrid with the NSX and then let it go.

Personally, I prefer non-plugin hybrids. If I'm going to plug in, might as well be full BEV.

RDX10

I mean in fairness the 2019 RDX represented quite a few firsts for Acura (true touch, own platform, 10At+AWD, Pano sunroof, 16 way seats, 3D ELS, 4th gen SH-AWD...etc) so it was inevitable they'd have some issues with the first year. More telling would be issues with the 2020/2021's.

fiatlux

Honda stands the most to lose when it comes to the move to EV. Their bread and butter is their small-displacement ICE. Once you remove those from the equation, Honda loses a lot of what makes their cars special compared to the competition. For them, the move to EVs is a bit of an existential crisis and is probably why they're dragging their feet hoping it doesn't actually happen (it's like they're sticking their heads in the sand). Plus, they (and Toyota) had already gone so deep into hydrogen that pulling back now will mean they'll lose face with the Japanese government. And for that matter, Japan in general is not pushing for EV adoption; there's very little EV infrastructure there, and their government is not exactly pushing automakers toward EV like the other major markets in the world or incentivizing EVs. On top of all of that, Japanese companies are notoriously conservative and resistant to change; just look at how quickly the Koreans and Chinese have blown past Japan when it comes to consumer electronics and software, an industry Japan absolutely dominated.

Unless Toyota and Honda gets their heads out of their asses, I would not be surprised at all if in 20 years Chinese cars supplant Japanese cars even here in the US.

ross7777

Yeah EV kind of levels the playing field doesn't it? Your interior and exterior design/quality will now set you apart because an electric motor is an electric motor for the most part.

RDX10

Pretty much all they have at that point are range and speed of charging. Otherwise yeah they're basically going to be cars without any real soul.

Tony Pac

I did some more research and I am sure Acura will surprise us once again with an amazing RDX. The car was out in summer 2018, so it's not old but it's getting there. We will see soon the new RDX and RDX TYPE S stay tune!

Slagger

Do you predict a summer release? Planning to turn in my current 21'RDX as the lease is ending.

Tony Pac

Not this summer for sure.

I would say by end of the year we shall see some updates and if anything, it will be in 2024 as a 2025 model.

Slagger

Bummer. Was excited to see a design change this summer. The wait continues.

Tony Pac

yes it's unfortunate but tbh Japanese manufactures, Lexus and Acura are not Genesis and Hyundai, where they update their cars every 6 months to make sales lol jokes aside, Japanese cycle is +/- 6 years.

mrgold35

I would love to see the next Gen +2025 RDX with Gen 2 Sport Hybrid powertrain (I know, wishful thinking). Gen 2 Sport Hybrid can have a larger battery pack with and without a plug in option similar to Lexus RX models. Most consumers and infrastructure are not ready for BEV this decade. Acura has Sport Hybrid tech since the 2014 RLX Sport Hybrid ready to go just sitting on a shelf that is paid off. It is probably one of the best combination of reliability, power, and improved sh-awd tq vectoring/regen braking powertrains Honda/Acura has in its inventory with improved fuel efficiency at a cost of less than $1500 per vehicle. My 321hp 4500lbs 19 MDX Adv Sport Hybrid get the same or better combined mpgs and has greater range with its 19.4 gallon gas tank compared to my old 205hp 3300lbs 06 TSX 2.4L 5AT (The MDX is 1.5 seconds faster to 60 mph). I'm always at 400-425 miles between fuel ups in my MDX with anything from 100% bumper-to-bumper rush hours traffic or 2-8 hour straight hwy runs at 70-80 mph.

Tony Pac

100% agreed! but not sure tbh!

supafamous

Colour me very surprised that Acura stopped shipping their sport hybrid powertrain - it seems perfectly suited for the market, was well reviewed, and delivered on its promise. A RDX with the MDX's sport hybrid drivetrain seemed like a natural and the development costs couldn't have been that much. But now Acura says they're skipping the hybrid phase and going straight to EVs which sorta makes sense from a R&D budget standpoint - they can't afford today to do both, everything must go to EV development.

mrgold35

The only downside with my MDX Sport Hybrid is zero towing with the 7DCT. Works out for me because I don't tow anything. I do have the OEM hitch+harness for a 4 platform bike rack or my StowAway Max swing out cargo carrier with 4-way lights. The Sport Hybrid EV tech comes in about 400lbs compared to around 200lbs for the mechanical sh-awd system (7DCT w/ electric motor, DC inverter with separate liquid coolant, Twin rear Motor Unit, battery pack, electric drive accessories). It was only a 200lbs weight gain for the 3rd Gen MDX once you minus 200lbs of mechanical sh-awd and add 400lbs of EV components.

I can see the +2025 RDX having less hatch under floor storage like they did for the CR-V hybrid for the 300-400lbs of EV components if they decided to make a RDX Sport Hybrid. I would trade in my 18 RLX Sport Hybrid for an +2025 RDX Sport Hybrid (miss the visibility of the high sitting position and utility I had in my old 08 RDX)

JB in AZ

Yes, I understand, and accept that buying a first year is always questionable. However, there were numerous TSBs, which often updated previous repairs from TSBs. It seemed to me that Acura really struggled with fixing some of the things...some are still not resolved four model years later.

RDX10

Completely valid points! I totally agree that they absolutely could have and should have done so much better with the RDX than they did.

I'm actually currently deciding between a CPO RDX and CPO Q5. The cheaper repairs and SH-AWD are really the only thing making me consider an RDX over the Q5 (student in school so need something that will last me). Otherwise the Q5 is incredible, super super fun to drive, VERY quick even without a small tune, and also incredibly fuel efficient! But having been a VAG guy for the longest time, I'm not interested in 5k repairs every other month down the line whereas any Acura products I have owned (even my cursed MDX) were extremely cheap and easy to repair myself.

alpha0

IF (and only IF) this happens, what engine do you think they will put? 4 cyl turbo or a regular V6 used in Pilot? I believe V6 turbo is out of question in sport hybrid configuration for RDX.

I wish Acura gives sport hybrid another chance as they were few years ahead in introducing it while market was not ready for performance hybrids. Now everyone is coming out with performance hybrids and buyers dont see it as a taboo. I still feel Acura should have introduced V6 turbo around 2015 for that generation of RLX, MDX and TLX (Typs S) and sport hybrids now, they would have received better response from market.

mrgold35

My RLX Sport Hybrid is very nose heavy with the 3.5L+Sport Hybrid powertrain mostly towards the front of the vehicle. My MDX Sport Hybrid has a lighter 3.0L V-6 and the extra space+ground clearance can move the battery pack and DC inverter further back in the chassis. Both V-6s fill up the engine bay. Both of my 3.0L and 3.5L have the same issues at high altitudes of running out of power in the 5000-7200ft elevation. The instant TQ of the electric motors from idle fills in the power gaps and I don't even notice compared to my 08 RDX 2.3T (Hondata+ETS intercooler & 18-21 mpg). I would trade in my RLX Sport Hybrid for a RDX Sport Hybrid because I miss the high sitting position and utility of a CUV. The 1.5T and 2.0T seems to be the standard engine for now for the Integra and RDX:

1.5T: 200hp/192tq
Sport Hybrid: 64hp/71hp
1.5T ECO RDX Sport Hybrid: 264hp/263tq, probably +/- 30 mpgs city/combined/hwy for the RDX
Acura can keep the same battery pack, enlarge it, and/or plug-in option for 10-25 miles of EV city range.

2.0T: 272hp/ 280tq
Sport Hybrid: 64hp/71hp
2.0T Sport Hybrid: 336hp/351tq, probably +/- 26 mpgs city/combined/hwy for the RDX

2.0T Type S: 320hp/310tq
Sport Hybrid: 64hp/71hp
2.0T Type-S Sport Hybrid: 384hp/381tq, probably +/- 23-24 mpgs city/combined/hwy for the RDX

Acura can still keep the regular 2.0T 272hp/280tq engine for other models.

mapleloaf

I am two months into my 2022 RDX PMC, and had over two years with my 2021 TLX ASpec, both with the True Touch Pad. Overall, I prefer the TTP to a touch screen, for the following reasons:
1. I hate fingerprints - TTP does away with that.
2. I prefer not to have to reach to touch a very specific spot on a touchscreen, which can be quite distracting.
3. When not in Apple Car Play mode, I find the menus easily accessible with the TTP, again without taking eyes completely off the road.
4. In Apple Car Play mode, the swipe motion is still second nature, but my use of the screens is limited to tunes for the most part.
5. Perhaps because I was born without an Ipad or equivalent attached to me, my ability to adapt, despite being in my senior years, is greater than many here.
6. I think clunky or awkward is a word that most reviewers use with very little time on the system. I mastered in 30 min or less, but then I'm not 30 something with a passion for German stuff.
7. I love different , especially when I find it safer and easier in many respects.

All of that being said, I suspect Acura will move to a touch screen, o perhaps add a rotary knob (remember the two screen - touch & rotary knob? I adapted just fine but that was a little confusing at first blush. If the move to a touch screen, ala the Integra, I suspect there would be a small bump in business.

Tony Pac

Thank you! At least someone has proper reasons and not just bashing because they have heard Joe on Youtube bashing it. That's why I always say try it yourself, don't trust reviewers and random joe who comes here to bash Acura!

Tony Pac

From personal experience, before I purchased my 2020 MDX A-SPEC, I had a very bad impression of dual screen and Acura's gear selector. After 2 years, I can say Acura is always a head of the game.

1. I love the dual screens and it's so practical with the rotary. Also, your top screen is reserved for GPS and you have an entre 7-8 inch screen for the rest. Finally, you can use all the frequent and important features via knobs.
2. The gear selector is very intuitive and logical unlike many other brands. It takes a few days and you will master it. I saw the new Cayenne gear selector or BMW, I literally laughed! Now where are those reviewers or people that used to say Acura's gear selector is no good.


Again and again, Acura sets the trends in the industry and not Porsche from all aluminum body (NSX) to electronic gear selector (across the lineup)

anoop

That gear selector is in a lot of supercars (e.g. Ferrari). Did those precede the NSX or follow it?