2019 Acura RDX Getting Tougher on Competition

With the all-new 2019 Acura RDX going on sale in the US, we certainly wonder if this latest model will do just as well as its predecessor in the market. Can it continue Acura’s previous success with its midsize SUV? We will find out about it pretty soon.

There’s no doubt that Acura wants to keep the RDX’s winning momentum by releasing the new, 2019 version. That’s since the outgoing model has managed to surpass the 50,000 sales mark each year for three consecutive years. So far, there are no other luxury compact SUVs that can beat the RDX in sales. It’s currently the number one in the US.

Compared to its predecessor, the new RDX has a bigger and more rigid frame. It’s wheelbase has also been extended by 2.6-inch, which means that its interior is more spacious than before. Additionaly, the SUV has also benefited from the Acura’s latest design language, giving it a more modern look.

A direct-injected VTEC Turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder is the only available engine option. It’s basically the same engine found in the Honda Civic Type R that has been retuned. Producing an output of 272 HP and 380 Nm of torque, the current VTEC Turbo is more powerful than the previous V6 powerplant.

Each of the new RDX’s trims comes with a Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) option that offers a fully automatic all-wheel drive traction and handling, mated to a standard ten-speed automatic transmission. With the SH-AWD system, the 2019 RDX can get up to 70 percent of its torque transmitted to the rear axle, improving the SUV’s handling like never before.

If you want to get a little taste of driving a 2019 Acura RDX without actually taking a ride in it, you should check out the following first-drive video by Edmunds, which explains what you need to know about the Acura’s third-gen luxury compact SUV.