Acura unveiled an almost-production-ready prototype of the 2019 RDX at the Detroit Motor Show this week. The next-generation luxury crossover will feature a new design language, an improved platform and dimensions as well as the latest technologies.
According to Honda's luxury marque, their new design language was inspired by the Acura Precision Concept — first introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2016. The redesigned RDX will be the first production vehicle to embody the concept vehicle's design elements.
As previewed by the prototype, the 2019 RDX adapts the Precision Concept's low, wide and sleek appearance. The front fascia, which features Acura's signature diamond pentagon grille, blends seamlessly with the vehicle's sculpted body with sharp and dynamic character lines.
The third-generation luxury crossover uses a new platform that Acura said will not be shared with Honda. This allows for a lighter and dramatically stiffer body. This also translates to a more athletic stance and proportions. Compared to its predecessor, it is 1.2 inches wider with an elongated wheelbase, a shortened front overhang and with wheels pushed to the corners.
The improved dimensions translate to a more spacious cabin. Inspired by the Acura Precision Cockpit, the five-passenger interior features a floating center console, power sports seats, a sports steering wheel and a panoramic sliding moonroof. The cabin also looks sophisticated thanks to the use of high-grade materials such as Napa leather, brushed aluminum and open-pore wood.
Acura's True Touchpad Interface will also launch with the 2019 RDX. The Android-based operating system powers a 10.2-inch touchscreen display, a touchpad on the center console and an interactive head-up display.
Under the hood, the 2019 RDX is powered by a 2.0-liter VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Acura has not released performance numbers yet but the same powertrain delivers 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque in the Honda Civic Type R and 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque in the Honda Accord. The 2019 RDX's powertrain will be mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and will come with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system.
The 2019 Acura RDX is scheduled to arrive this summer. An A-Spec variant, which features sporty styling inside and out, will be available at launch.
