Now that SUVs reign supreme and account for a huge chunk of sales, automakers are pushing them harder than a drug dealer pushes crack on the street. And, that’s exactly why Acura’s next big move after updating the RLX is to breath new life into the RDX nameplate. Moving into its third generation, the new RDX will be the first Acura SUV to adorn the A-Spec badge and styling and will be graced with an all-new 2.0-liter, turbocharged, VTEC, and an efficient 10-speed automatic transmission. Acura’s even going all out by bring in an Integrated Dynamics System with some NSX DNA and to make things even better, this baby was conceived, styled, and built right here in the great U.S.A.

What Can We Expected from the 2019 Acura RDX and RDX A-Spec?

Right now, little is known about third-generation of Acura’s resident compact segment fighter, but with the new engine, new 10-speed auto, and the reintroduction of Acura’s awesome SH-AWD system, this RDX will certainly be able to stand its own against BMW’s X2 and X3 as well as Audi’s Q5. The A-Spec Styling will be a first for any SUV in Acura’s lineup, so that’s quite exciting, and Acura promises the third generation will be the quickest and sportiest RDX to date.

With that in mind, it will also feature Acura’s latest design language outside, with the same Precision exterior styling seen on the 2019 RLX and it’ll also receive Precision Cockpit styling inside. We’re talking about stylish, sporty lines along with more screen acreage than the law allows. We covered it quite extensively after it debuted at the L.A. Auto Show, so head on over and see more about that if you wish.

Oh, and that new 2.0-liter VTEC, well it might be dropping a couple of cylinders compared to the second-gen’s v-6 mill, but you can bet that Acura will come to market with more than the 273 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque from the outgoing model. Fuel economy should exceed the 20 mpg rating in the city as well, thanks to the goodness of turbocharging and 10-speed transmission.

The latest styling refresh of the RDX did the model a lot of good, and it’s been highly successful for Acura. It’s even considered one of the leaders of the compact crossover segment. So, expect to see BMW, Audi, and even Buick jump into damage control mode when this baby debuts at the 2018 New York Auto Show – it’s bound to bring gorgeous styling and a true desire to outright kill the competition.

Referecnes

2016-2018 Acura RDX

Read up on what we had to say after Acura updated the 2016 Acura RDX}

2019 Acura RDX

Read what we know so far about the 2019 Acura RDX in our speculative review}