2018 Acura RDX Release Date, Price, Specs

Latest News (May, 26 2017.) regarding 2018 Acura RDX come from various sources, (autoguide.com, prnewswire.com, and Acura official website) and they gave us official pricing for this model. Additionally, this vehicle will be powered by a 3.5-lite i-VTEC V-6 engine. This unit comes with 279 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The FWD variant comes with fuel economy numbers standing at 20mpg in a city, and 28mpg on a highway. These two combined give the 23mpg rating. At the same time, all-wheel-drive version gives 19mpg city rating and 27mpg on a freeway. Combined they offer a 22mpg rate. AWD comes as an optional feature on all models. You only need to pay additional $1,500 to have it on you RDX.

Technology vise 2018 Acura RDX comes with AcuraWatch tech package which is an option on base model and Technology Package. You can have it for additional $1,300. With Advance Package it comes as a standard feature. This package (AcuraWatch) includes features such as adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist system.

Like we mentioned at the beginning the most important information regarding 2018 RDX crossover comes in announced pricing and it comes as following.

Trim    /   MSRP1   /  EPA MPG Rating3  (city/highway/combined)
RDX (FWD)	$35,800	20/28/23
RDX (FWD) with AcuraWatch Plus Package	$37,100	20/28/23
RDX (FWD) with Technology Package	$39,500	20/28/23
RDX (FWD) with Technology Package and AcuraWatch Plus Package	$40,800	20/28/23
RDX (FWD) with Advance Package	$42,500	20/28/23
RDX (AWD)	$37,300	19/27/22
RDX (AWD) with AcuraWatch Plus Package	$38,600	19/27/22
RDX (AWD) with Technology Package	$41,000	19/27/22
RDX (AWD) with Technology Package and AcuraWatch Plus Package	$42,300	19/27/22
RDX (AWD) with Advance Package	$44,000	19/27/22
Competitors: Lincoln MKC, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac XT5, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Volvo XC60

UPDATE Apr 25, 2017/ The RDX has always been praised for its great interior quality and comfortable ride. However, it lacked the driving dynamics or the power to rival some of the top selling models in its class. This is expected to change with the 2018 Acura RDX update. Even though Acura is still keeping the car a secret, there are some interesting known facts about it. For starters, the new model is going to use the same chassis as the newly revised CR-V. This means a high strength steel chassis that is more than 50% more rigid than before which also has a lower center of gravity.

2018 Acura RDX Release Date and Price

With this model, Acura is more than likely going to focus on making it better to drive. Because of that, we can expect a completely revised running gear, larger brakes and likely a new steering rack. The feedback towards the driver is likely going to be improved without affect the comfort of its passengers. The car is more than likely going to be showcased in the late 2017 or early 2018 and go on sale shortly after. The price is still going to be north of $35,000 which is quite a bit more than its sibling. This is because the Acura will also offer considerably more kit for the price.

If we take a look at Acura’s latest models, then it becomes clear how the RDX will look. The car will more than likely share the elongated wheelbase of the new CR-V as well as the wider and taller body. In the front, it is expected to share its fascia with the newly released CDX with the highly impressive grille, LED headlights and large air intake in the bumper. The rear of the car will likely be based on the outgoing model, but with a touch, more sportiness added into the mix. Inside the cabin, the awful dual-screen infotainment system will be gone and replaced by a much-improved unit. Some also suggested that the car could receive a digital instrument panel. Things like adaptive cruise control, frontal collision avoidance and lane assistant are expected to be standard.

Specs and Engine

The 3.5 liter V6 is more than likely going to be gone. In its place, the 2018 Acura RDX update is expected to receive Honda’s new 2-liter turbo-four powertrain. This is known to make in excess of 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, so it shouldn’t have a problem replacing the 280 horsepower V6. On top of that, the 2-liter engine would provide more low-end torque, so it would help the RDX feel like a true luxury crossover. The transmission of choice will likely be Honda’s new ten-speed automatic coupled to either the front or all four wheels.

Feb 25, 2017 The RDX is the very first Acura’s compact luxury crossover. Since the entry-level crossover, MDX, was radically changed (it is now larger and more expensive), the RDX has come in its place. The five-door SUV debuted at the 2006 New York Auto Show and was released the same year. It was powered by turbocharged gasoline engines and had over 23,000 units sold the next year. The sales have been growing steadily, and it reached the peak in 2016 with 53,361 units. Honda hopes it can continue this trend with the 2018 Acura RDX. The new model of the Japanese crossover still hasn’t been released, but there are many interesting rumors about it.

2018 Acura RDX Redesign

The new platform will definitely cause some modifications of the current design, but unfortunately, there are no indications what these changes might be. There is a high possibility the car is going to be wider and even longer than its predecessor. Perhaps it will even get larger wheels and a lower suspension system, but these are only guesses. As soon as we get actual info from the Japanese automaker, we will publish it on our blog.

Rumors

Thanks to this platform the 2018 Acura RDX will get a front-wheel drive. However, the most important improvement is the lower level of NVH. The NVH stands for noise, vibration, and harshness and is one of the most important features of the vehicle, although it is often neglected. This will significantly increase convenience inside the cabin and is a big plus for the new model. There are even rumors telling it can come as a seven-seat crossover, but Honda hasn’t confirmed these allegations. It will be interesting to see what of these rumors will come true thus stay tuned with us. We will update this article as soon as we get new information.

Platform

The current model is based on the same platform as the Honda CR-V. However, it is possible the new model is getting a new platform. Allegedly Honda is planning to add a Civic modular platform to the RDX. This one is lighter and more rigid than the previous one. There are beliefs Honda will solve some flaws of the previous models with this move and the car will be ‘more connected’ during the ride.

Engine Lineup

The current version has a 3.5-liter six-cylinder under its hood, but nobody sees it in the 2018 model. People expect two new units and perhaps even a hybrid. It is possible to see a 2.0-liter combined with electric motors as a base powertrain. This combination should deliver around 350 hp which is a significant increase comparing to the current model. It’s a long shot, but many believe this will actually come true.

On the other hand, speculations are centered around a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder which should generate the same amount of power. A 3.0-liter is used in the Chinese variant of the RDX, thus we suppose the second choice will be available only on the Chinese market. When it comes to the transmission system, the six-speed automatic gearbox should remain in the 2018 Acura RDX.

Although new engines are expected, it is most likely the Acura RDX 2018 will not be more expensive than the previous model. This means the price will be somewhere around $36,500 which is a great deal. The main competitors are not below $40,000 which makes it one of the cheapest cars in the class. At the moment nobody knows at what auto show this car will debut. It is possible to see it somewhere at the beginning of next year which means it can be presented in Detroit or even Geneva. There are still unknown things about the new RDX and we can’t wait to see whether these rumors will come true or not.

References:

https://www.neit.edu/blog/index.php/2020/08/the-difference-between-a-mechanic-and-an-automotive-technician/