The 2019 RDX shows off Acura's new True Touchpad

Acura's latest SUV previews the brand's new design direction

Nicholas Maronese

Jan 15, 2018 • November 13, 2020 • 2 minute read • Join the conversation

2019 Acura RDX

What is it? The prototype 2019 Acura RDX five-passenger SUV, now in its third generation and fully embodying the brand’s new design language.

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Why does it matter? Besides moving to a new Acura-exclusive platform, for 2019 the RDX will boast several firsts. Perhaps most importantly, its the debut vehicle for the brand’s new True Touchpad Interface, which meshes a touchscreen and a remote-based interface. The Android-based system displays on a 10.2-inch screen high on the console.

A tap on the touchpad mounted lower on the console maps exactly to that center high-def display, for an experience Acura is hoping feels super-intuitive. A new natural language voice recognition system lends an assist to the car’s control suite.

The Acura RDX is also the first in its segment to offer a 10-speed automatic, which comes mated to a 2.0-litre VTEC turbo on one end; and out the other end routes power to all four corners. That’s right, the 2019 RDX marks the return of Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD), the company’s advanced torque-vectoring AWD system, to the nameplate.

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2019 Acura RDX
2019 Acura RDX
2019 Acura RDX
2019 Acura RDX
2019 Acura RDX
2019 Acura RDX
2019 Acura RDX
2019 Acura RDX

It’s the first Acura SUV to come optional with the brand’s sporty A-Spec trim, to be offered from here on in on all core Acura models.

Finally, it’s the first Acura model fully styled around the brand’s new design language and its bold pentagon-shaped grille and Jewel Eye headlights. The sharply sculpted character lines mark the beginning of a new era of Acura design you’re liable to see on the rest of the line moving forward.

When is it coming? The production version should land in Canadian dealerships mid-2018.

Should you buy it? All of this new tech adds up to one heck of a luxury SUV, so definitely add it to your to-test-drive list if you’re shopping in that segment. Prices have yet to be revealed, so talking about value is out. Styling is up for debate, though: while the aim might have been for “dynamism,” to some eyes it might come off as over-designed, especially the front and rear fascias.