Honda Unveils Next-Gen Acura RDX Featuring Dual-Motor Hybrid Technology

Honda has revealed that the upcoming Acura RDX will be the brand’s first SUV equipped with a two-motor hybrid system. As this next-generation platform is being developed, Honda has announced a halt in production of the current RDX, which debuted in 2018 and has seen nearly 740,000 units sold in the US.

Production of the existing RDX will wrap up this year, followed by a break before the new model hits the market. However, Honda hasn’t specified the exact timeline for its release. In the meantime, the production of the all-electric Acura RSX is on schedule for the latter half of this year, along with the Honda Zero SUV.

The Acura RSX is set to be the brand’s first fully homegrown electric vehicle, with production slated to begin at Honda’s newly acquired Ohio factory. This model will feature dual-motor all-wheel drive, a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, and the innovative ASIMO operating system. Honda recently took full control of the Ohio facility by buying out its partner LG Energy, allowing for upgrades that enable the production of gas, hybrid, and electric models on the same assembly line, which is expected to start later this year.

However, not all of Honda’s electric vehicle ambitions are materializing as planned. The automaker has already scrapped the Acura ZDX, which was based on GM’s EV platform, after just one year of production. Additionally, the launch of the Zero series Saloon has been pushed back to 2027.

As the demand for electric vehicles wanes following the expiration of the federal tax credit, automakers worldwide are racing to expand their hybrid offerings. Honda has indicated that these policy changes necessitated a strategic shift to better align its lineup with consumer preferences for hybrids and gas-powered vehicles, rather than focusing solely on electric vehicle mandates.

In a move to tap into the outdoor adventure market, Honda has also introduced the Base Station, a new towable RV. A prototype of this RV showcases rooftop solar panels and an illuminated light ring along its exterior. The Base Station was developed by the same team behind the Motocompacto electric scooter, and it shares several aesthetic features.

According to Honda, many current RV designs are outdated, presenting a significant opportunity for innovation. The Base Station is designed to be lightweight enough for compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and electric vehicles such as the Honda Prologue and the upcoming Honda Zero Series SUV to tow.

Setting up the Base Station is quick and easy, taking just a few minutes to raise the roof for an impressive 7 feet of interior height. Its modular design allows for customization with various accessories, including kitchen modules, showers, or air-conditioning units. The exterior light ring is programmable, aiding in campsite setup after dark. Inside, the Base Station can accommodate up to four people, featuring a standard queen-size bed and an optional bunk bed, all while being compact enough to fit in most residential garages.