The Acura RDX is Dying This Year, But the Next One Will Be a Hybrid

Acura will go the "next couple years" without a compact SUV model.

The Acura RDX arrived back in 2007, marking multiple milestones for the brand. It was Acura's first entry into the burgeoning compact SUV segment, and it was the company's very first turbocharged model. So it's fitting that Acura on Wednesday announced the next-generation RDX would usher in the brand's next hybrid era—only before it does that, the RDX badge will go away for a while.

First, the good news: that shadowy teaser above is our first peek at the fourth-generation RDX. From here we already see aspects like the swoosh-shaped, RSX-like headlights along with a pronounced shoulder line. The rear glass is more raked than the current model, and just visible in the shadows is a more traditional D-pillar design. It looks good, at least from what we can see.

Now the bad news: there's going to be a bit of a wait. Acura confirmed to media that the 2026 RDX would be leaving production later this year, but that the next model won't immediately replace it. "The RDX hybrid is expected to arrive at dealerships within the next couple of years, and we're thrilled to share this news as Acura celebrates its 40th anniversary—making this milestone even more special," said Mike Langel, assistant VP of Acura national sales.

The hybrid model will use the two-motor setup that has impressed so much in the Civic, Accord, and CR-V. We suspect it could make more power than we've seen in those models, but Acura wasn't ready to talk figures. We'll know more in the "next couple years."

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