Acura RDX crossover updated in the style of the older MDX and became quieter

Last updated Apr 15, 2022

The exterior design of the premium SUV has been tweaked, the interior has also been finalized, but in a different way. The list of available equipment has also been expanded, in addition, customers will be offered a limited special version.

The current, third generation Acura RDX SUV debuted in 2018. At the end of the quarantine last year in the States – and this is the main market for the model, as well as for the premium sub-brand of Honda as a whole – sales sank 16% to 52,785 units. In 2021, the cross is in the “plus”, despite the global shortage of microchips: from January to August, 39,321 copies were sold in the United States, which is 19% more than a year earlier. Well, planned restyling should help to strengthen the position.

Updated crossover Acura RDX and pre-reform model

Acura emphasizes that the appearance of the RDX is inspired by the flagship MDX crossover that has just changed generation: the younger SUV received a similar front bumper with vertical inserts on the sides, and the grille trim became thinner. The standard SUV now has rectangular exhaust pipes (the sported version of the A-Spec still has round ones). The body color palette has also been expanded. As before, the models are equipped with 19- or 20-inch wheels.

New trim options are available for the cabin, the multimedia system now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity, plus the RDX A-Spec now has a “truncated” steering wheel. But most importantly, the sound insulation has been significantly improved. So, the windows in the front doors were replaced, additional insulation appeared in the front fenders, and a new absorbing material was used in the front panel. In addition, SUVs with the Advance Package have enhanced sound insulation of the rear doors, trunk and central tunnel. Finally, the crossover received a new active noise cancellation system.

The limited special version PMC Edition remained in service, its main difference from other versions is that such cars are “assembled by hand” not at the main plant, but at the Performance Manufacturing Center site in Ohio, where Acura NSX supercars are produced. Moreover, if the pre-reform RDX PMC Edition was orange, then the restyled cross will be offered in bright blue (both colors are included in the coupe palette). And the circulation of special series cars has also been cut: only 200 copies will be made, while the previous special RDX was released in the amount of 360 units.

Acura RDX PMC Edition

Regardless of the version, the crossover is still equipped with a 2.0 petrol “turbo four” with a capacity of 276 hp, which is paired with a ten-speed “automatic”. At the same time, the idle speed is reduced from 1100 to 950 rpm (in order to increase acoustic comfort). RDX comes with both front-wheel drive and Super Handling AWD (with individual rear wheel couplings). The driving mode selection system has received new settings, and the adaptive suspension, available for an additional fee, has also been reconfigured.

In the United States, the start of sales of the restyled Acura RDX crossover is scheduled for early November, prices have not yet been announced. The pre-reform model today costs from $38,400 (excluding shipping), which is equivalent to about 2,799,000 conventional units at the current exchange rate.