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2019 Acura RDX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Acura RDX is a full redesign and the first model year of its third generation. Its biggest change is an Acura-exclusive platform paired with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and 10-speed automatic transmission.
About the 2019 Acura RDX
3rd generation (2019-2021 pre-refresh), first year of the redesign
Acura positions the RDX as a sporty, tech-forward two-row luxury SUV built around its “Precision Crafted Performance” theme. The core appeal is a roomy cabin, strong standard safety equipment, a lively turbo engine, and more standard luxury features than many European rivals at the same price point. For most shoppers, the RDX is the Acura choice for everyday family use that still feels quick, sharp, and upscale without moving to a larger three-row SUV.
Acura positioned the redesigned RDX as a well-equipped two-row luxury SUV, with a panoramic moonroof, heated front seats, a 10.2-inch display, and key driver-assistance features fitted across the lineup. The new A-Spec is the sport-styled version, with dark exterior trim, 20-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, and 16-speaker audio, while the Advance Package emphasizes comfort with adaptive dampers, highly adjustable front seats, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera.
What changed, by category
Structural
The RDX begins its third generation on a new Acura-exclusive platform.
Powertrain
A 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 10-speed automatic replace the previous V6 and 6-speed automatic. Acura’s torque-vectoring SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system also returns to the lineup.
Safety
The driver-assistance suite becomes standard across the lineup, bringing automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and road-departure warning to every 2019 RDX. The former AcuraWatch Plus package trims are dropped.
Tech
A new 10.2-inch center display with a touchpad controller, Apple CarPlay, a panoramic moonroof, and remote start become standard across the lineup.
Styling
The first RDX A-Spec joins the range with dark exterior details, unique front and rear styling, 20-inch wheels, and a sport-themed cabin. It uses the same engine output as the other trims.
2019 Acura RDX specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, VTEC, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, VTEC, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, VTEC, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, VTEC, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, VTEC, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, VTEC, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, VTEC, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, VTEC, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Sequential SportShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Sequential SportShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Sequential SportShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Sequential SportShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Sequential SportShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Sequential SportShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Sequential SportShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Sequential SportShift |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 21 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 28 mpg | 26 mpg | 27 mpg | 28 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 272 hp | 272 hp | 272 hp | 272 hp | 272 hp | 272 hp | 272 hp | 272 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 29.5 cu-ft | 29.5 cu-ft | 29.5 cu-ft | 29.5 cu-ft | 29.5 cu-ft | 29.5 cu-ft | 29.5 cu-ft | 29.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||||
| Side View Cameras | ||||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||||
| Top View Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2019 Acura RDX fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2019 RDX starts the third generation with a new Acura-exclusive platform, a different engine and transmission, updated cabin technology, standard driver-assistance features, and revised trim choices.
What engine does the redesigned 2019 Acura RDX have?
The 2019 RDX has a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup replaces the 2018 model’s V6 and 6-speed automatic.
Did SH-AWD return to the Acura RDX for 2019?
Yes. Acura’s torque-vectoring SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system returned for 2019 and was paired with the standard RDX as well as the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages.
What is different about the 2019 RDX A-Spec?
The 2019 A-Spec is the RDX’s new sport-styled version, not a higher-output performance model. It adds dark exterior trim, unique front and rear styling, 20-inch wheels, Milano leather and Ultrasuede-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, and a 16-speaker audio system.
What safety features became standard on the 2019 Acura RDX?
The 2019 RDX made Acura’s driver-assistance suite standard across the lineup. It includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and road-departure warning.
2019 Acura RDX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Acura RDX.
4.0
2019 Acura RDX
(937 reviews)
“Very roomy vehicle for my size (6'8") and very conducive to my family needs. Very luxurious, excellent tech. Perfect drivability experience.”
“Great styling, enjoyable driving, vastly improved navigation and wireless technology.”