AcuraGuy2016

Not sure what Acura has planned for 2018 RDX, but I hope they keep the 6 cylinder engine and NOT implement a 4 cylinder Turbo, especially with the lousy 9 speed ZF transmission or CVT. I understand 4 cylinder Turbo engines are the trend but I REALLY LIKE the smoothness and power of the 6 cylinder RDX with its traditional 6 speed transmission. 4 cylinder Turbos are far less refined and much more likely to cause reliability issues down the road.

Had Acura put Android Auto/Apply Car Play/Garmin GPS in 2017 RDX I would have gladly purchased - VERY disappointed that Honda got better tech first. The 2016/2017 Acura RDX seems to be great vehicle, mechanically speaking. I hope they keep the 6 cylinder and whatever tranmission is smooth and responsive. I have test driven TLX, RDX, and MDX and won't buy anything with that ZF transmission - absolutely kills the driving experience for me. Enjoyed driving the RDX and 4 cyl TLX. I really like Acura but they need to up their game with tech.

musty hustla

The V6 really separates it from the competitors--with minimal impact on fuel economy.

Acura needs to do something about the pathetic tow rating.

BLEXV6

I expect Acura will run with the same vehicle RDX as 17 for 18.

mrgold35

We will probably not see any updates until the all new 3rd Gen RDX hits the road as an 2019 or an early 2020 version. There is a good chance it will look similar to the MMC MDX with the same or less tech level (minus sh-awd and/or 7/8/9 transmission maybe).

If Acura doesn't introduce a small CUV (like the CDX) +2020. I can see them offering a cheaper RDX base/tech version with an I-4 turbo similar to the 2.4L TLX entry model. I think Acura should offer at-least one sporty version of the RDX or MDX since you can find one with every other CUV/SUV manufacturer. Have to see the performance/handling numbers to see if the +17 sh-sh-awd MDX is a contender or pretender.

I doubt Acura would add the sh-sh-awd powertrain to the RDX, ever

ceb

The 2018 RDX will have the 2 cylinder, 2 stroke engine from the Trabant paired with the CVT from the DAF.


Nobody knows anything about the '18 RDX so my guess is as good, if not better, than anyone else's.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

but guise, the CDX slated only for china is coming.

/sarcasm

ceb

Given that the HR-V is selling like hotcakes, I'd suspect that the CDX would sell like snocones in August in Mississippi.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

yes.

but have they started to build or bring an HR-V equivalent to the states????

as of now, no.

acura loses again.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

i mean, im all for the brand changing directions and actually winning, but until we see that they are serious....

Comfy

I think the new RDX will use a one cylinder super duper turbo charged engine generating 500 BHP of power and torque starting at 1000 rpm. the fuel efficiency will be 100mpg. The suspension system will consist of wheels being directly bolted to the frame so that the handling will be supercar like (and they would have no complaints of suspension noise). The transmission will be 15 speed automatic. The brake rotors will be bigger than the wheels.
I think this guess is better than Ceb's .

RDX10

It will also fly and can be used as a water vehicle.

mrgold35

As usual, Acura will be late to the party because Homer Simpson already had a concept of the car of the future with all those features (Acura will still exclude Apple Carplay option):

RDX10

Lol, guys I thought this thread was started by rockyboy, so I started playing along in the trolling shenanigans. But just realized it isn't...aren't we being a little bit mean to an honest question here?

ceb

Perhaps, but the question has no answer.

He might have well have asked "what is the sex of the alien in Area 51?" - we don't know and the people who do know won't tell us.

RDX10

I know, but wouldn't it have been easier to just say we are not yet aware and will have to wait till probably 2018/2019 to know? Or at least give an example of what we think will happen?

Not calling you or anyone else out specifically, just that we pride ourselves as being a welcoming forum...I don't think we have been very welcoming.

ceb

We do? Is that something new? I didn't see that memo. Why didn't anyone tell me?

Dear OP. Welcome. We don't know nothing yet. Wait until 2018 or 19. I think they'll use the 2 cylinder, 2 stroke from a Trabant mated to a DAF CVT. Others may feel differently.

P.S. The OP doesn't sound like a total noob. He has 22 posts and appears to have owned an Acura.

RDX10

Haha fine fine! Just my impression from the forum in general. I am no angel, not trying to be the tea pot calling the kettle black. Carry on lol.

ceb

You're right. We are all warm and fuzzy here.

colt427

With the rising CAFE requirements.
4 cyl turbo with CVT.

mrgold35

Is Acura included with Honda with CAFE mpg requirements?

Comfy

yes, I think so. Unless Acura is spun off as a legally separate company from Honda.
Remember how Fiat spun off Ferrari to do the same thing. Their average mpg improved and the Ferrari owners don't mind the stiff fines.

ceb

They are. Under CAFE, brands like Acura, Lexus and Infiniti are included under the parent company.

RDX10

I sorely hope you are wrong...but somehow would not be shocked

ceb

I doubt the CVT but I could be completely wrong.

AcuraGuy2016

The sole reason why I ask is that I like the current RDX. Only things I don't like is that it doesn't have SH-AWD and better infotainment like Android Auto/Apple Carplay, but I really like it's smooth V6 and 6 speed tranny. The new 8 speed DCT, but I HATE the ZF on the 6 cyl TLX and MDX. Why I ask about engines is that I fear they'll go to a new 4 cyl turbo and a new 'sexy' tranny and reliability/operability/driving experience can go to pot like the 2015 V6 TLX. The 2014 TL was so nice and smooth. I test drove a Civic Touring and did not like the Turbo - I much prefer the V6.

RDX10

Well I mean lexus uses a cvt in the hybrid version of some (all) of its' cars. Infiniti has a cvt in the jx/qx60. So a cvt in a soft luxury suv is not unheard of. If Acura wants to keep going towards luxury, they may go that route. But most likely won't pair to a turbo 4, I think it is an either or deal

AcuraGuy2016

The current 6 speed tranny is smooth, responsive, and most importantly, proven. 2018 RDX needs the MDX direct injection V6, SHAWD, IDS driving modes, and the new Android Auto, Apple Carplay, Garmin GPS. That'd be a winner.

RDX10

Along with the heated steering wheel, pano roof and adaptive suspension. Would seriously be a wolf in sheep's cloths.

techsteveo

I think you just described the Audi Q5. Acura is so darn late to update their vehicles. They should have updated the RDX, TLX and MDX (their best sellers) with the same tech and look. Now you have TLX with new Infotainment and Pentagon grille. MDX with Pentagon grill and no changes to infotainment, and RDX with the beak grille and old infotainment. WHO RUNS THIS COMPANY?

RDX10

This company is like hydra, 9 different heads with one body.

mrgold35

I am ready to jump ship myself if Acura doesn't add sport back into its lineup. I've been loyal Honda owner since the early 90s and since 06 for Acura. My first Honda I drove back in the early 80s was my parent's 1978 Honda Accord 2-door hatch with a 2-speed auto (you had to shift from 1st to 2nd manually, probably the first "sport shift" system). That old car could have been considered the start of "hot hatchback" segment before it became a segment. One thing the early Acura's all had was sporty styling, sporty handling, high rev engines, aftermarket support, and Honda reliability. I'm really can't say that with the current line-up.

I'm waiting for the 4th Gen MDX and 3rd Gen RDX to see if they inject the sport back into its lineup. I already joined the Jaguar F-Pace forum to increase my familiarity if the next RDX/MDX are still just a trim upgrade (sometimes a trim downgrade) to their Honda versions.

rockyboy

The new Audi Q5 has a HUGE problem though: it only offers a 4 cylinder engine. The much more expensive sq5 gives you a 6 cylinder. But the RDX comes standard with a 6. And the RDX has a more reliable engine. But I agree that the RDX needs to update a few things such as infotainment, SHAWD, drive modes, heated steering wheel, and a bit more soft touch material on the interior.

colt427

True on reliability.
However today most luxury vehicles are leased.So long term reliability doesn't come into play.
I'd lease say a BMW but would never buy one one.

BC01191980

The sq5 is more powerful than rdx

Kaputnik

Acura clearly has enjoyed great success with a buttery smooth drivetrain in the 2nd gen RDX. So I can't see them messing with that aspect of the next RDX, whether they stay with a V6 or go to I4 turbo. Outside of this forum, I bet 98% of RDX buyers don't know the difference between a V6 from a hole in the ground, nor could care less as long as they enjoy the driving experience. I suspect most potential RDX buyers are more concerned about child seat compatibility and space for Fido, than about drivetrains.

BC01191980

RDX is a nice looking vehicle so many people will buy it.

RDX10

There is a bit of a balance with sheeple when it come to power trains. 99% could not tell you the difference between a V6 and I4 and V8, however if something is under powered or off (think turbo lag) they can tell immediately, or if the transmission is acting weird they can also tell immediately. Some Turbo 4's are really smooth without discernible lag and the average buyer will not know or care. For example the Ford Escape is a top seller, but the whole lineup is I4's with 2 turbo options.

But by far the number one thing people look at is space, looks, and overall comfort. The 1G was such a poor seller because it had a firm ride with BUSY styling with a somewhat cramped interior. That's why it sold so poorly, it was not the power train directly (well other than the 17mpg city rating). So if Acura can keep the RDX inoffensive, it really doesn't matter what is under the hood so long as it is not underpowered or strange in operation.

mrgold35

I think larger displacement NA V-6 for family haulers may go the way of V-8 in a few years. Even full size pick-ups are offering V-6 force induction with better performance than V-8s they replace (not always better mpgs). I see most car manufactures moving to small displacement with force induction with 7/8/9/10ATs being the norm. The 5AT in the 1st Gen RDX contributed to the turbo lag.

I can see the 3rd Gen +2018 RDX offering two powertrains of the same 3.5L NA and a I4 turbo for a base version. I can see the I4 Turbo getting the 8DCT and 3.5L NA getting the 9AT IF the next Gen MDX 10AT is ready to go by then.

Styling: The +17 MDX will most likely be the exterior styling of the 3rd Gen RDX
Interior: Same interior as the +17 RDX with the addition of CarPlay, +2020 RDX MMC will introduce the precision concept interior
AWD: I think they will use the Honda version of sh-awd without the "sh" for the base and tech. The will add the "sh" to the advance model as an "added" feature along with sport+ and tweaked suspension.

I think we will still be disappointed when we find out what Acura has behind the curtain.

quantum7

Please don't put the ZF9 AT in the RDX (or any other car for that matter). This is why I did not buy a TLX

TNTransplant

THIS. And it's why I traded in my TLX after 6 months - absolutely one of the worst transmission implementations I've ever seen. Started out smooth, but after several hundred miles of "learning" your driving style it became very jolting, literally lagged for seconds on a downshift, and easily became confused during even routine driving. At that time there was no fix, but it sounds like the newer versions ('16 and '17) don't have near the problems.

If they could revise it to handle the increased torque demands of the V6, I would like to see the 8 speed DCT/V6 combination in the next RDX revision.