Acura RDX

Latest model pictured

The **Acura RDX** is a compact luxury SUV marketed by Acura since 2007, as the second crossover SUV offering from the brand after the mid-size Acura MDX. Competitors include the INFINITI EX35 and later the INFINITI EX37 and INFINITI QX50, and the Lexus NX 300 and later the Lexus NX 250 and Lexus NX 350.

## History

### 2007-2012 (TB1/TB2)

Originally previewed as the Acura RD-X concept car, the production RDX had its debut at the 2006 New York Auto Show and went on sale on August 11, 2006. A facelifted 2010 model went on sale in August 2009, which featured the addition Acura's "power plenum" grille and a front-wheel drive option.

The first-generation RDX is powered by a 2.3-litre straight-4 turbocharged gasoline engine, rated at 237 hp at 6,000 rpm with a torque peak of 260 lb⋅ft at 4,500 rpm. At the time, this was uncommon among Honda vehicles.

The first-generation RDX featured a version of Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive and a five-speed automatic transmission with Acura's SportShift sequential shift capability, activated by paddles mounted on the steering wheel for 2007-2009 models. The paddles can be used in Drive to make a gear change with the transmission returning to automatic mode as soon as the vehicle resumes a steady-cruise state. The Sport setting has higher shift points and quicker downshifts, and using a paddle in “Sport” immediately puts the transmission in fully-manual mode. The four-cylinder engines in the first-generation RDX all use a timing chain, whereas the V6 installed in subsequent years all use timing belts.

### 2013-2018 (TB3)

The second generation RDX was revealed during January 2012 at the North American International Auto Show going on sale in April. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine was replaced by a 3.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic, improving gas mileage to an EPA estimate of 23 mpg combined, by using variable displacement. The SH-AWD system was replaced with a simpler and less costly AWD setup

#### Facelift (TB4)

The refreshed 2016 RDX was introduced at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, sales began in mid-April. The updated RDX uses a slightly more powerful revised 3.5-liter V6 that produces 279 hp and 252 lb⋅ft of torque. The exterior adds LED headlamps and LED taillamps. Additionally, the 2016 RDX includes several driver assists in the AcuraWatch package including Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist System. AWD was also updated to send up to 50% torque to rear wheels on wet surfaces opposed to up to 25% in the previous model.

### 2019-present (TC1/TC2)

Acura debuted the 2019 RDX Prototype, on January 15, 2018, at the North American International Auto Show. Production of the RDX began in May 2018 at East Liberty, Ohio. The 2019 model arrived at dealerships across North America on June 1, 2018.

An A-Spec trim was offered which added aggressive body modifications, metal paddle shifters, larger wheels, and optional red leather interior with black alcantara inserts.

The 2019 RDX is powered by a direct-injected turbo 2.0-liter engine used in the Honda Accord, producing 272 hp and 280 lb⋅ft of torque. The front-wheel-drive 2019 RDX received an EPA fuel economy rating of 24 combined mpg; the SH-AWD model, a 23 mpg combined rating. It is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission that's also used in the Honda Accord. According to Honda, this allows the RDX to take the turbocharged engine to its maximum capabilities during low-end torque. There are wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

#### Facelift

The RDX was facelifted in 2021, for the 2022 model year.

## Gallery

2007-20122013-20182019-present

Vehicle list

**Current models**

Integra · MDX · **RDX** · TLX

**Former models**

CL · ILX · ILX Hybrid · Legend · MDX Sport Hybrid · NSX · RL · RLX · RLX Sport Hybrid · RSX · SLX · TL · TSX · ZDX