2028 Acura RDX Shares More Than You Think With The Next Accord.

While Honda was busy previewing the next-generation Hybrid sedan, Acura quietly showed the upcoming Acura RDX. Interesting timing since the company had just canceled the all-new Acura RSX only months before production.

From some angles, the new design could easily pass for a Mazda, Toyota, or even one of the many new SUVs coming from China. There is very little personality here and almost nothing that immediately says Acura. But at least, it looks different from the current, aging model. And it’s actually quite good looking.

The next-generation RDX will reportedly share its platform with the future Accord. This obviously helps Honda save development costs at a time when the company appears to be rethinking many of its long-term plans after several confusing product decisions.

Honda is also expected to replace the current Pilot with a new hybrid model using a larger platform. That platform will also be used for a next-generation Acura MDX. That SUV will apparently use a V6-based hybrid system, while the RDX and Accord Hybrids will continue with a 4-cylinder setup. Last Novemeber, Honda already mentioned that the new Hybrid system would use an updated 2.0 Liter engine with a new cooling system. With a more compact direct-drive motor and generator motor. The new drive unit will also not use any rare-earth materials. There is also a new battery that will be shared between the new Civic Hybrid and larger mid-sized models, like the next Accord and the new Acura RDX pictured above.

At the time, Honda was mentioning an early 2027 US launch for the new System. Which menas the Civic will get it first.

Honda also claims a 10% MPG improvement. Which might not sound dramatic for the Accord since it’s already available as a hybrid. But it could completely transform the RDX. The current model is not exactly known for great fuel economy. In real-world driving, averaging around 18 MPG in the city and about 25 MPG on the highway is pretty common. A modern hybrid setup could improve those numbers significantly and make the RDX much more competitive.

Still, a hybrid SUV that is reportedly two years away does not sound especially ambitious. There are no plans for a PHEV or EREV model, and apparently no new EVs for the U.S. market either.

At this point, Honda and Acura seem fully committed to betting billions on traditional hybrids and hoping consumer tastes remain exactly where they are today for many years to come. We’ll see…