The 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) features the world’s top automakers with their futures on display, and after Acura’s debut of their 2019 RDX Prototype, the future looks brighter than ever.
Launching later this year, the 2019 Acura RDX is a complete redesign of the RDX brand and will serve as the flagship model for the Acura Precision Concept, the company’s signature design. Not only will the luxury SUV feature class-leading cabin and cargo space, it will feature an all-new interior design as previously envisioned by the Acura Precision Concept, in addition to an “A-Spec” treatment, which adds sport styling from top to bottom. This design philosophy becomes most apparent through the inclusion of an all-new powertrain: a 2.0-liter DOHC VTEC® Turbo engine, in addition to a segment-first 10-speed automatic transmission. Coupled with the return of Super-Handling All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), the 2019 RDX promises to be the most powerful and versatile entry-level luxury SUV on the market.
Speaking to that power was the announcement of new details regarding the A-Spec and Type-S trim levels, headlined by an Acura exclusive V6 turbocharged engine. Following the cues of the NSX, Acura is promising a commitment to performance like never before, including the return of the Type-S badge not seen since the 2008 Acura TL. While this variant will not be coming to the RDX, consumers can expect the A-Spec package instead, featuring enhanced sport styling and performance.
Building around the Acura Precision Concept, the RDX adapts a lower, wider presence than other five-passenger SUV’s in the segment. With a wider track, longer wheelbase, and shortened front overhang, it evokes a more athletic and sleek stance, stamped by Acura’s signature diamond pentagon grille. The front fascia is rounded out with all-LED exterior lighting, including next-generation Acura Jewel Eye™ headlights, accentuating the bold and dynamic character lines present throughout the vehicle’s exterior. Additionally, all 2019 RDX models will come with AcuraWatch™ standard, bringing the comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies to every trim in the lineup.
This exterior styling is further punctuated by a modern and luxurious cabin, headlined by Acura’s all-new True Touchpad Interface. Featuring a dual-zone, 10.2-inch full-HD display and an available interactive heads-up display, the key to the interface’s success lies in the positioning of the device itself. The monitor is placed closer to the driver’s natural line of sight, while the remote interface promotes absolute position, or one to one, mapping. What this means is that anytime the top right of the interface is pressed, the top right action selected on the display will trigger, a noted departure from the somewhat clumsy touchpads of the past. This system will be further enhanced through a new natural language voice recognition system, drastically improving the functionality and comfort of voice commands. Finally, an all-new Acura ELS Studio 3D system utilizes four ultra-thin, ceiling-mounted speakers to amplify the listening experience, creating one of the most functionally luxurious SUV cabins to date.
Aesthetically, the interior features a floating center console with design found through the Acura Precision Cockpit, in addition to heated and ventilated front sport seats with 16-way power adjustment. A matching sports steering wheel plus a new, ultra-wide panoramic sliding moonroof accentuates the contemporary detailing seen throughout, which boasts Napa leather, open-pore Olive Ash wood, and brushed aluminum blending together effortlessly to create a new standard of luxury.
Expect to see the all-new 2019 RDX hit the market in mid-2018, and learn more about the car via Acura’s official press release here.
