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Dive Brief:
Acura confirmed that it has three new SUVs on the way, including an 8-passenger SUV in development, to be positioned above the 7-passenger MDX, as well as several new, next-generation hybrids coming soon. It laid out some of the details in a business roadmap released Tuesday.
While the Honda Motor Co. brand didn’t give a timeline for the largest of the upcoming models, an “Acura adventure-ready SUV” is set to arrive in the first part of 2028, followed later that year by a redesigned, fourth-generation RDX.
The RDX will be the first from the brand to get a version of the Honda two-motor hybrid system. And building on a Honda Hybrid roadmap released earlier this week, the brand confirmed that a new V-6 hybrid powertrain is in development for D-segment models and “will deliver sporty performance, improved towing capabilities and environmental efficiencies.”
Dive Insight:
Acura’s business roadmap was shared with its U.S. dealers on Oct. 13, it said in the release. And the new path forward may help remedy two glaring omissions in the Honda luxury-performance brand’s lineup: the lack of hybrids and a 3-row SUV.
Acura once had multiple hybrid models and built its modern-day performance heritage around electrified powertrains, with its 2017-2022 Acura NSX supercar. The MDX and RLX Sport Hybrid models also were offered in three-motor Sport Hybrid versions through the 2020 model year that emphasized on-road traction and handling prowess over off-road ability.
Honda last week reiterated that its next-generation hybrid will build on its two-motor hybrid system, but it will likely add electric all-wheel drive, with an emphasis on better roadholding while boosting fuel efficiency and cutting cost. It’s planning to launch 15 next-generation Honda Hybrid models by 2030.
Although Acura hasn’t yet confirmed which models will receive the upcoming V-6 hybrid powertrain, the three-row MDX is generally considered to be part of the D-segment the brand mentioned in Tuesday’s release.
Eiji Fujimura, president and CEO of American Honda, said that its three new SUVs “will meet customer needs across a range of life stages, which will create a sustainable long-term direction for the brand.”
With the cancellation of its RSX EV earlier this year, there’s no EV on the roadmap in the near future for Acura either — another gap in its lineup the traditionally technology-focused brand will likely need to address in the near future.
“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,” said Gary Robinson, VP of auto strategy at American Honda.