Acura will expand its dwindling lineup with two new models, including its first eight-seat crossover, as Honda’s luxury brand pushes into high-demand segments it has long sat out.
“Acura is entering the most popular segments in the market while maintaining a leading position in gateway segments with Integra and ADX, to solidify a strong and sustainable future,” Gary Robinson, vice president of auto strategy at American Honda, said in an Oct. 13 statement after informing dealers of the upcoming products.
The new flagship, positioned above the three-row MDX, is the model known internally as the Acura XL, as Automotive News reported in July. Production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2029, with Acura projecting annual volume of up to 40,000.
Honda is expected to build the XL at a $2.5 billion assembly plant in Ohio, though the statement did not specify a production site or confirm plans for a new factory. The plant also could build the redesigned MDX and a new Honda-branded three-row flagship crossover, with all three vehicles sharing a common platform.
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The XL will receive a new large-vehicle hybrid powertrain promising sporty performance, stronger towing and better fuel efficiency.
While the MDX already gives customers a three-row option, “there’s opportunity in different places, and SUV is the biggest part of the premium market today,” Robinson told Automotive News in August.
Acura retailers cheered the impending arrival of a supersized utility.
“There’s high demand from consumers for larger people movers,” said one Acura retailer who asked not to be identified. “That’s a segment that’s profitable for dealers and for OEMs.”
U.S. sales of large premium crossovers have risen three consecutive years, to a record 194,910 in 2025, according to the Automotive News Research & Data Center. The segment, led by the Lexus TX, was 51 percent larger last year than in 2020.
In Canada, sales of large premium crossovers are up in two consecutive years, to a record 13,767 in 2025, according to the data center. The Volvo XC90 led the segment, which was 41 percent larger last year than in 2020.
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Acura also intends to enter the crowded rugged-lifestyle segment with an “adventure-ready” crossover in the first part of 2028.
The vehicle will share a platform and be roughly the same size as the Honda Passport, according to AutoForecast Solutions.
Adventure-oriented aesthetics have roared back into vogue, fueled by the success of the Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda’s own Passport TrailSport.
“With special off-road trims across a variety of crossovers and trucks, along with dedicated SUVs like the Bronco and [Jeep] Wrangler grabbing a larger share of buyers’ wallets, selling the wilderness is popular among automakers,” Sam Fiorani, vice president at AutoForecast Solutions, said earlier.
Honda makes ‘big commitment’ to Acura
Acura retailers have clamored for more product as the brand shrank its lineup to three nameplates from six in recent years.
Acura paused production of the RDX in April and will reincarnate the compact crossover as a hybrid in 2028. The fourth-generation RDX will debut the brand’s new design language, with ultraslim headlights and taillights and a new lighting signature. The brand discontinued its TLX midsize sedan and ZDX electric midsize crossover last year.
American Honda CEO Eiji Fujimura called the product push a “big commitment” to the luxury brand.
“The Acura business foundation is sharply focused on the needs of the customer, delivering new products that offer value for money on a premium level and increasing our speed to market to ensure that our products are highly competitive and meet the latest market conditions,” Fujimura said.
