The New 2028 Acura RDX Design Is Already Getting a Lot of Hate.

It seems every time I post about the next generation 2028 Acura RDX it is followed by a wave of negative comments about the design. many even hope the Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype we saw might be redeigned before it becomes the new RDX. Well, it won’t. This is it.

At least to me, these illustrations look more modern and cleaner than the current version. Which is now over 8 years old. The Acura RDX has actually stopped being produced a few months ago. It seems Acura dealers still have enough of them at dealer lots to last until the new one comes out.

The new design is quite generic. Which could explain the hate. I guess this is a new face for Acura. But it could also be a Buick. Or almost anything from a number of other brands. From anywhere.

The next-generation RDX will share its platform with the Honda Hybrid Sedan prototype. Which will probably become the next Honda Crosstour and Civic. This will obviously help Honda save costs at a time when the company really needs to recoup some cash after spending billions on EVs they won’t even produce.

Honda is also expected to replace the current Pilot later 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 the new sedan will continue with a 4-cylinder setup.

 Last November, 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 means the Civic will get it first. Unless the RDX comes out before.

Honda also claims a 10% MPG improvement. Which might not sound dramatic for the Accord or Civic since they’re already available as hybrids. But it could completely transform the RDX. The current model is not exactly known for its inspiring fuel economy. Averaging around 18 MPG in the city and about 25 MPG on the highway in real world driving. A modern hybrid setup could improve those numbers significantly and make the RDX much more competitive.

Still, a regular hybrid SUV does not sound especially ambitious. There are no plans for a PHEV or EREV model, and obviously, no new EVs for the U.S.

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. They don’t seem to be working on any kind of EREV or PHEV. And of course, no EVs for quite a while…