Say goodbye to an old friend—the Acura RDX is officially retiring after nearly two decades of dominating the roads. But here's the twist: it's not gone for good. Acura has confirmed that while the RDX will cease production later this year with no 2027 model in sight, a hybrid successor is already on the horizon, slated to arrive 'within a couple of years.' This move marks the beginning of the RDX's fourth generation, rumored to feature a cutting-edge two-motor hybrid system similar to the one found in the MDX. Acura even teased a sneak peek of what this futuristic SUV might look like, leaving fans both nostalgic and excited.
And this is the part most people miss: While the RDX takes a brief hiatus, Acura isn’t leaving buyers stranded. The subcompact ADX and the upcoming RSX EV, launching this year, are stepping in to fill the void. The RSX, in particular, is being positioned as a fresh alternative for those who’d miss the RDX’s versatility. But let’s be honest—replacing a beloved model is no small feat, especially when the RDX received a major refresh in 2024 with sleeker styling and upgraded tech. Yet, despite these improvements, sales dipped sharply last year as buyers gravitated toward the larger MDX and the more compact ADX.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Was the RDX’s decline inevitable, or did Acura misstep by not pushing its unique selling points harder? Some argue that the RDX was overshadowed by its siblings, while others believe it simply couldn’t keep up with evolving market demands. Either way, its departure feels bittersweet for fans who’ve cherished its blend of luxury and practicality.
From our perspective at Motor1, the RDX’s retirement isn’t entirely unexpected—it was starting to show its age in a rapidly evolving SUV market. With the ADX and RSX holding down the fort, Acura should weather the transition smoothly. Still, the real question remains: Will the hybrid RDX live up to its predecessor’s legacy? Only time will tell.
What do you think? Is Acura making the right move by going hybrid, or is this a risky gamble? Let us know in the comments below! And while you’re at it, take our quick 3-minute survey (https://www.motor1.com/survey/2025/) to help us bring you more of the content you love. The future of Acura is unfolding—don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation.
— The Motor1.com Team
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU: Stay tuned for more updates on the hybrid RDX and other Acura innovations!
