At the upcoming 2018 Detroit Auto Show, Honda is planning to debut two new models, the Honda Insight Prototype as well as the 2019 Acura RDX Prototype. For newbies’, Acura is Honda’s luxury brand just like Lexus is to Toyota. The RDX is Acura’s bestselling car; to keep the sales up, the automaker plans to debut a new model at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. According to Acura, the new RDX design is evolutionary as opposed to revolutionary; it incorporates the design elements derived from the Acura Precision Concept that was showcased about two years ago. Acura actually reveals that the RDX will be the first Acura model fully designed under the values of the “Precision Crafted Performance maxim”. Other models have just seen a few updates inspired by the Precision Crafted Performance maxim. The RDX will, therefore, adopt most of the Precision Concept design cues. Unlike past RDX models that were designed and developed in Acura’s native Japan, the 2019 Acura RDX Prototype has been designed and developed in the U.S.
2019 Acura RDX Prototype Exterior and interior design
Acura has also revealed that the new RDX will be the first Acura to ride on a new platform. Although there is not much to tell from the teaser image and video provided by the automaker, the vague image reveals a profile that looks more stylish than the current RDX. The RDX looks to have a low-cut roofline while its entire body seems to have lots of creases. I expect the front fascia to feature Acura’s new 3-D grille which is more angular and wears an Acura logo at the center. This will excite many enthusiasts who long felt that the current chrome “beak” design was polarizing and not suitable for the RDX. The image also suggests striking LED headlights. The hood has aggressive power bulges. The image reveals that the crossover is more muscular as hinted by flared wheel arches. The angular design of the 2019 Acura RDX Prototype will help set apart the RDX as a more luxurious model compared to its Honda cousin, the CR-V.
Inside, the model is set to get its own unique styling rather than continue with the current styling which looks to have been lifted from a Honda. Acura also says that the model will have its own user interface as well as a new operating system. The cabin will likely do away with the twin-screen layout in favor of a cleaner center stack with a huge infotainment screen mounted on top of the dash. Overall, the interior will be redesigned to make the model look more premium. I, however, expect the model to continue offering ample rear seating space as well as sufficient cargo space.
Engine and performance
Little is known in regards to powertrain options that will be used on the new RDX. It is not clear whether the model will defy the engine downsizing trend witnessed in other Acura models and to a larger extent Honda models. The current version of the RDX defied this trend by opting for a naturally aspirated 3.5 L, V-6 also used in the TLX instead of a turbocharged 4-cylinder mill. This time round, the automaker may opt to go for the turbocharged inline-4 mill. We have to wait a little longer until the model debuts at Detroit to know more about what lurks under its hood.
Price and release date
The RDX will be displayed at the Detroit Auto Show in prototype form. A production model is expected later this year and will be sold as a 2019 model. Prices will be announced when the production model shows its face. Get down to the North American International Auto Show which gets underway on 14th of this month in Detroit to learn more about the RDX Prototype.
Competition
This small crossover segment is very competitive with models like the Volvo XC60, BMW X3 and Infiniti QX50 leading the way.
