Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Production of the current third-generation Acura RDX has come to an end, as announced would happen earlier this year. Dealers aren't exactly happy, given the fact that the RDX was still selling quite well. Meanwhile, there's no model that occupies the luxury compact slot for the brand. There's a very apparent hole between the new ADX and the best-selling MDX. Remember that this compact luxury segment has competitors that are newer, namely the BMW X3 and the Lexus NX.AcuraThat big hole in the lineup for Acura isn't doing it any favors. They could lose buyers before the replacement arrives. Acura plans to introduce a new RDX for the 2028 model year, and it should be all new, motivated by a hybrid powertrain. Acura's next-generation Hybrid SUV Prototype (photos), is just one of 15 new Acura and Honda hybrids that will arrive globally by 2030. As impressive as this news is, the 2028 Acura RDX is still more than a year away. The 4th-generation model is set to debut in late 2027. Can Acura and its dealers weather the storm?Why Did Acura Kill the RDX?AcuraThe RDX was still selling quite well, although on the decline (a 32% drop from 2024 to 2025), and the well-reviewed RDX certainly hit the sweet spot for many customers. It was a sort of Goldilocks of the Acura SUV lineup. The gas-powered RDX Acura was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and available AWD. Sadly, Acura annnounced in January of this year that it would end production of the RDX this year with no immediate replacement. The reality of matters were a bit more complex than declining sales, as the RDX was aging.AcuraThe brand had little choice because Ohio-based suppliers could no longer produce some of the important components for the RDX, a model which has been around since 2019. It would've been expensive and laborious for Honda/Acura to find replacement parts to keep the RDX going, especially in light of dropping sales. The electric RSX was supposed to be part of the move forward, but that model has since been cancelled due to declining EV demand in the U.S., tariff policies, and stiff competition in the space.The Next RDX Promises Hybrid PowerAcuraAdvertisementAdvertisementThe biggest news surrounding the 2028 Acura RDX is the addition of a hybrid powertrain. Acura has confirmed the next-generation RDX will feature Honda's new two-motor hybrid system, making it the first Acura SUV to utilize the company's latest hybrid technology. Unlike the current turbocharged RDX, the 2028 model will embrace hybrid technology while riding on an all-new platform.Honda recently revealed that its next-generation hybrid system is designed to improve both efficiency and performance. The new setup reportedly expands the engine's most efficient operating range while improving the efficiency of the electric drive unit. The 2028 RDX is expected to ride on Honda's next-generation vehicle architecture. Reports suggest the platform will be lighter and stiffer than the current chassis, helping improve ride quality, handling, and efficiency.AcuraIndustry observers expect the powertrain to use a version of Honda's 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors. A more compact battery pack and lighter components are also expected. Expect the latest version of the brand's famous Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) to be available across the trim line.Acura has already released a teaser image of the upcoming RDX, and it suggests a more aggressive and athletic appearance. Early previews indicate the SUV will feature a wider stance, sharper LED lighting, a more sculpted body, and a prominent rear spoiler. Expect Acura to evolve its Diamond Pentagon grille and Chicane LED lighting signature while improving aerodynamics to maximize hybrid efficiency.Final ThoughtsThe 2028 Acura RDX appears poised to become one of the most significant vehicles Acura has launched in years, but the wait could harm the new hybrid SUV's initial success. A new platform, modernized styling, upgraded technology, and the brand's first next-generation hybrid SUV could help the RDX remain competitive against rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus NX, but it the brand will have lost precious time against these established models.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf Acura delivers the driving enjoyment buyers expect while substantially improving fuel economy, the next-generation RDX could become one of the strongest entries in the luxury compact SUV segment, but the enemy of time may very well diminish that strength.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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