Acura has been on a roll as the redesigned MDX and TLX have been well-received. The company is looking to build on that momentum by preparing a facelift for the popular RDX. Expected to debut later this year, the updated RDX will feature a revised design that incorporates styling cues from its newer counterparts. The camouflage hides a lot of details, but we can see familiar diamond pentagon grille that is flanked by LED headlights. Little else is visible, but it appears the model will have a new front fascia with vertical air intakes similar to those found on the MDX. The lower intake also appears wider, but it’s hard to certain at this point.
The rest of the crossover largely carries
over, but camouflage suggests we can expect an all-new rear bumper. We can also
see a new dual exhaust system, which trades circular tips for rectangular ones.
Spy photographers didn’t get close enough to snap interior pictures, but
changes will likely be minor as the RDX is only a few years old. That being said,
the model could have an updated infotainment system and possibly even a digital
instrument cluster.
Under the hood, we can expect a familiar
turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine developing 272 hp and 380 Nm of torque. It should be connected to a ten-speed
automatic transmission and an available Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system.
While Acura is preparing Type S versions of the MDX, TLX and ILX successor, the
RDX might not get the high-performance treatment. That remains unconfirmed, but
an RDX Type S was notably absent from a purportedly leaked product roadmap.
However, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine
might not be the only option as there have been rumors about an RDX with a
Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system. Little is known about it,
but the model would reportedly have an electrified transmission as well as two
electric motors powering the rear wheels.
