Acura is preparing the redesign of its mid-size SUV. The MDX will receive special treatment and it is a hot topic. On the other hand, the compact 2021 Acura RDX will be unchanged. The current design is only two seasons old, so there is no need for the mid-cycle update yet. Honda will focus on other segments and the small SUV comes with only minor changes. The only surprise fans could see is a hybrid engine. Besides that, the styling and powertrain options remain the same.
Recently, more speculations about the upcoming crossover leaked from company sources. According to these rumors, the 2021 Acura RDX might also introduce a new package. The performance-oriented Type S is possible as well. Besides the key changes, the crossover SUV will definitely bring more features for info-entertaining and safety systems, and colors for the paintjob palette.
Turbo Engine Specs
The engine room holds only one drivetrain at this moment. The 2021 Acura RDX will carry over a 2.0-liter turbo-four drivetrain with 276 hp. It is not too far away from the MDX and its 290 ponies coming from a V6. A ten-speed automatic transmission sends power to front wheels. Optionally, you can select the all-wheel drive. The Super-Handling system is one of the best upgrades you will find in the segment. Fuel-saving technology uses a start-stop system, and the 2021 RDX will return 24 mpg combined. Acura recommends premium gas, and the towing capacity of this crossover is 1,500 lbs.
2021 Acura RDX Hybrid
We are following traces of speculations. The 2021 Acura RDX hybrid is not impossible, especially now when its non-premium sibling Honda CR-V is using the same technology. Well, the total output drops to 212 hp. But, engineers could tune it to create more power, and it will cost buyers a few miles per gallon. Either way, the electric support will make the crossover more economical and provide you a budget-saving option. Still, we don’t have the confirmation of this move by Acura. But, most of its rivals are already using hybrid technology, including Lexus NX and Volvo XC40, which is also getting the all-electric version.
Performance-Oriented 2021 Acura RDX Type S
There are several opinions about this matter. The 2021 Acura RDX Type S will be a muscle crossover. However, we don’t know what kind of a drivetrain it could use. According to some rumors, engineers are upgrading the hybrid system of the MDX SUV and Acura’s models are going to get the PHEV technology. The main change will be the power output jump from 320 hp to nearly 400 ponies. In that case, we can talk about the Type S version. Still, a 3.0-liter V6 might be too large for the RDX. On the other hand, the vehicle is 186 inches long and the company already advertises it as the mid-size SUV. The 2021 RDX is definitely on the verge between two classes.
2021 Acura RDX Release Date
The 2021 Acura RDX will be out in the second quarter of the next season. The company is not in the rush with this crossover since there are other priorities. Honda is redesigning its flagship model, Pilot SUV and the Ridgeline truck is also getting a new shape. The luxury segment is in the background for now. Still, the carmaker will launch sales right after the debut.
We will see a revisit of the 2021 RDX A-Spec package, which should get more features. Also, infotainment and technology upgrades are expected. However, do not expect some huge things from the upcoming small SUV.
Price
Without big changes, there is no reason for the price to go up. The MSRP should start again from $37,800, which is the average price paid for the entry-level model in the premium segment. A hybrid engine will bump the price, while the Type S could push it above $50,000. Both Technology and A-Spec packages will cost you $3,000 and the biggest upgrade comes with the Advance bundle. All the accessories from the Technology package are included and you pay $1,900 on top for extra features – damping system, 19-inch wheels, and LED fog lights.
Competition
All three major Japanese carmakers have representatives in the premium segment of small SUVs. Lexus NX and Infiniti QX50 are big rivals to the 2021 Acura RDX. However, the best-sellers in this class are coming from Germany. Mercedes GLC, BMW X3, and Audi Q5 are serious competition. Of course, domestic vehicles are always popular. Ford is out with the Lincoln Corsair, while General Motors is offering the all-new Cadillac XT4.
2021 Acura RDX: Final Word
The task for the 2021 RDX is not easy. Honda is not expecting from designers and engineers to maintain the position of the crossover, but to make it even more popular. With such a big competition, the company will need to make something special. This is the main reason why we believe in the Type S or Hybrid package, which could turn the attention to the upcoming RDX.
Read more about 2021 Honda SUV models HERE
