Acura RDX History

Compact crossover SUV · 2007–present

History

The RDX debuted as a 2007 model at the 2006 New York Auto Show, filling Acura's compact SUV slot with a distinctive turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder — the first turbocharged Honda engine sold in North America. Its sport-tuned chassis and SH-AWD torque-vectoring system distinguished it from softer luxury-oriented competitors. The second generation (2013–2018) swapped the turbo four for a smoother 3.5-liter V6 and widened the model's appeal.

The third generation, arriving as a 2019 model, returned to a turbocharged powertrain — a 2.0-liter i-VTEC turbo producing 272 hp — paired with a new 10-speed automatic. It received consistently strong sales and reviews, becoming Acura's best-selling vehicle in several years as SUV demand eclipsed the brand's sedan models.

Generations

First generation · TB1 / TB2 (2007–2012) (2007–2012)

Photo: “2009 Acura RDX in Polished Metal Metallic, front right” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

2.3L turbo four — first turbocharged Honda engine in North America; SH-AWD.
- 2009
  Photo: “2009 Acura RDX in Polished Metal Metallic, front right” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Second generation · TB3 / TB4 (2013–2018) (2013–2018)

Photo: “2016 Acura RDX, Slate Silver Met., front right” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

3.5L V6 replaced the turbo four; broader mainstream appeal.
- 2016
  Photo: “2016 Acura RDX, Slate Silver Met., front right” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
- 2018
  Photo: “2018 Acura RDX in Lunar Silver Metallic, front left” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Third generation · TC1 (2019–present) (2019–present)

Photo: “2019 Acura RDX SH-AWD 2.0L front 4.13.19” by Kevauto / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

2.0L turbo (272 hp); 10-speed automatic; brand's top-seller in recent years.
- 2019
  Photo: “2019 Acura RDX SH-AWD 2.0L front 4.13.19” by Kevauto / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0