If you thought the new Acura RLX looked good, you’re going to fall out of your seat when you see Acura’s Precision Crafted design language plastered all over the new RDX. It’s got that Diamond Pentagon Grille, NSX-inspired Jewel-Eye headlights, and one of the sharpest design styles we’ve seen this decade. Acura designed it to stand out in the segment and stand out it does while keeping things more efficient than ever thanks to a new chassis architecture, and an all-new four-cylinder with damn near the same horsepower and more torque than the outgoing V-6 mill. Add to that the longer wheelbase, extra cargo room, and a completely revamps AWD system and you’ve got what could become the most desired compact SUV on the market.

2019 Acura RDX Design

If the design of the RDX you see here looks familiar, it should. It is about 99.8-percent the same as the RDX Prototype that Acura showcased at the last Detroit Auto Show. The only difference that we can spot, even when looking under a microscope, is the reduction of LED elements in the headlights. More specifically, that LED bar that ran across the top of the headlights has been removed. Otherwise, the design carried over with the same stout lines, Jewel-Eye headlights, Diamond grille, aggressive front fascia, and those beautiful LED taillights.

The RDX sits low but comes with a wheelbase that’s just over 2.5-inches longer than the outgoing model. This ultimately leads to an extra 3.5 cubic-feet of cargo space behind the rear seats as well as 1.7 cubic-feet of underfloor storage. Even more important is the flat floor in the rear which ultimately leads to more legroom, especially for passengers in the middle of the rear bench. Acura redesigned the chassis for better handling and rigidity, also contributed to by the high-strength steel used in the body.

Even the interior carried over from the prototype, which means you get something that’s undeniably Acura thanks to the sharp points and overly supercar-like cues. The center stack actually looks fairly clustered and confusing but, for some reason, reminds of the Acura NSX. There’s an infotainment screen sitting atop the dash with a German-like presence while the center console sits high to provide a storage area below and the perfect angle for the touch-pad controller.

2019 Acura RDX Performance

The interior and exterior design are quite interesting but what’s really provocative here is what Acura has placed under the hood. That old, thirsty V-6 is flung out the door with the old generation to make way for an all-new four-cylinder that displaces just 2.0-liters. Before you let fear kick in too strongly, this four-cylinder doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a serious drop in performance from the new-generation. This turbocharged mill delivers 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Now, before you jump to conclusions, yes – that’s one horsepower less, but it’s also 28 pound-feet of torque more, and it’s coming with two fewer cylinders to suck down that precious liquid gold. In short, you pretty much get the same power with better economy, and that’s what we like to call a winning combination.

Final Thoughts

The 2019 Acura RDX gives a strong sense of encouragement for the future of the compact SUV segment. It’s got the style, luxury, and technology to keep up with the competition while not being overly aggressive. With that said, having the updated AWD system (the RDX is the first to get it) will certainly provide better handling than before especially now that up to 70-percent of the engine's torque can be sent to the rear, all of which can be vectored to either tire for the best handling. Obviously, we haven’t had a chance to see or feel this new system in action, but after testing the old SH-AWD system on several occasions, we’re strongly encouraged and hyped to experience what it has to offer.

References

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

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

Read more Acura news.

Read more New York Auto Show news.