The RDX compact crossover has been a fixture in Acura’s vehicle lineup for nearly twenty years, but acquiring a new one will not be possible next year. The existing, third-generation RDX will be discontinued in just a few months, as confirmed by the manufacturer. And although a fourth generation is in the works—with optional hybrid capabilities anticipated—we won’t see it until at least 2028.
Acura publicized this information along with a profile sketch of the forthcoming RDX, which you can view below, seemingly to ease the disappointment. It certainly appears more sleek, closely resembling the proportions of the current Honda CR-V, featuring a nose reminiscent of the RSX and a distinct decklid. The forthcoming RDX will incorporate Honda’s two-motor hybrid technology, a first for any Acura model.
However, the unexpected end of the current RDX raises a few eyebrows. The SUV isn’t entirely new, having hit the market in 2019. Nevertheless, automakers typically try to prevent lengthy gaps in model availability, particularly in high-demand segments like compact crossovers. It seems that Acura couldn’t avoid this situation.
“We have multiple suppliers who are no longer able to continue providing essential components for the existing RDX,” a representative stated. Thus, 2026 will mark the final model year for the third-generation RDX. Production is set to cease in the spring, but Acura anticipates having ample stock to cover most of 2026. We inquired whether they could provide more precise timing for the next generation, but all they indicated was that it’s expected “in a couple of years.”
The RDX had its record best year in 2018, selling 63,580 units, according to Good Car Bad Car. In fact, from 2015 to 2021, Acura consistently sold no fewer than 51,000 units of the SUV. The chip shortage stemming from the pandemic definitively brought that trend to an end in 2022, resulting in sales dropping to just under 25,000 units, and the nameplate has yet to fully rebound. Acura sold 30,235 units last year, with the more affordable, newly introduced Acura ADX likely encroaching on its market share.
The ADX serves as a practical entry-level luxury crossover but does not particularly shine in any area, failing to represent Acura’s full potential when performing optimally. We will have to wait and see if the upcoming RDX can rejuvenate the momentum for the brand’s smaller SUVs.
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**Acura RDX Production Suspended as Next-Generation Hybrid Model’s Development Delayed**
In a noteworthy turn of events in the automotive sector, Acura has revealed a temporary suspension of production for its well-regarded RDX model. This choice comes as the company encounters holds ups in the development of the next-generation hybrid version of the RDX, a decision that has sparked concerns among enthusiasts and prospective buyers alike.
The Acura RDX, a compact luxury SUV, has been a cornerstone in the brand’s roster since its launch in 2006. Recognized for its blend of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology, the RDX has established a devoted customer base. However, as the automotive sector moves towards electrification and sustainability, Acura has been developing a hybrid option to accommodate shifting consumer preferences and regulatory demands.
The production pause is mainly due to challenges in the hybrid model’s development process. These obstacles may encompass issues related to battery technology, disruptions in the supply chain, and the incorporation of advanced hybrid systems. As manufacturers globally grapple with similar challenges, Acura’s situation mirrors broader industry trends, wherein the transition to hybrid and electric vehicles often faces technical and logistical difficulties.
Acura’s choice to halt RDX production carries several implications. Dealers and customers have voiced worries regarding the current model’s availability, which could create a short-term shortage in the marketplace. Additionally, the delay in the introduction of the hybrid version could affect Acura’s competitiveness in the luxury SUV sector, where competitors are swiftly expanding their hybrid and electric lineups.
In light of the production halt, Acura has reaffirmed its dedication to delivering a high-caliber hybrid vehicle that meets consumer expectations. The company is reportedly investing in research and development to overcome the present challenges and ensure that the upcoming next-generation RDX hybrid will feature state-of-the-art technology and performance capabilities.
As the automotive environment continues to change, Acura’s focus on creating a hybrid version of the RDX aligns with the industry’s increasing focus on sustainability. Consumers are becoming more environmentally aware, and the demand for hybrid and electric vehicles is rising. Through investments in hybrid technology, Acura aims to establish itself as a leader in the luxury SUV market while addressing growing concerns about climate change and fuel efficiency.
In conclusion, the temporary suspension of RDX production underscores the complexities and challenges faced by automakers in transitioning to hybrid and electric vehicles. While the delay of the next-generation hybrid model may present short-term challenges for Acura, the company’s commitment to innovation and quality could ultimately result in a stronger and more competitive offering in the luxury SUV domain. As the automotive industry adapts, the future of the Acura RDX remains a subject of great interest for consumers and industry observers alike.