2028 Acura RDX Hybrid Confirmed With Two-Motor System

Acura just dropped some big news for SUV fans. The fourth-generation RDX is officially in development, and it’s bringing something the brand has never offered before: a two-motor hybrid powertrain. The announcement that the next-generation Acura RDX will go hybrid marks the biggest change in the model’s 20-year history.

• Acura showed a teaser of the next-generation RDX and confirmed plans for a two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain, with the fourth-generation compact SUV planned for market introduction within the next couple of years.
• The RDX hybrid is part of Acura’s strategy to offer a mix of gas-powered, hybrid, and EV models, with production of the 2026 RDX being suspended later this year in anticipation of the hybrid launch.
• For two decades and three generations, the Acura RDX has been a cornerstone of the Acura SUV lineup with cumulative sales of around 850,000 units in North America.

Acura’s First Hybrid SUV Takes Shape

In the continuing push by automakers into the hybrid space, Acura has confirmed that its all-new fourth-generation RDX will debut with a two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain, the first such system ever offered by the brand.

“For nearly two decades, RDX has been one of the most popular Acura models, so it’s fitting that the upcoming fourth-generation RDX will be the first Acura to feature our two-motor hybrid-electric system,” said Mike Langel, assistant vice president of Acura National Sales.

Acura says the next-generation RDX will use a two-motor hybrid system, likely similar to the one found in the current Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, and Prelude. If Acura follows Honda’s playbook, expect a familiar but refined approach to hybrid technology that’s already proven itself across the brand’s passenger car lineup.

What Happens to the Current RDX?

Acura says the hybrid RDX will arrive in the next couple of years, but the automaker also implied there will be a gap between the current generation and the new hybrid model. Production of the 2026 RDX will end this spring, with an Acura spokesperson stating that “several suppliers are no longer in position to continue supplying parts for the current RDX.”

Acura expects to have enough inventory to continue sales for most of this year, and industry analysts think the next-gen model will show up in late 2027 for the 2028 model year.

The RDX is currently built at the East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio alongside the Acura MDX, using domestic and globally made parts. The production pause allows Acura to retool the facility for building the new hybrid model.

Two Decades of RDX History

The RDX has earned its spot as one of Acura’s best-selling nameplates over the years. Introduced for the 2007 model year, the first-generation RDX marked Acura’s entry into the compact premium SUV segment. It delivered a dynamic driving experience with an all-new turbocharged engine, a first for the company in North America, and introduced the brand’s torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).

The 2013 redesign replaced the turbocharged four-cylinder with a V6 engine and emphasized ride comfort alongside interior refinement. The third generation, introduced for the 2019 model year, focused on performance with a return to turbocharged power, the latest generation of SH-AWD, and AcuraWatch driver assistance along with the True Touchpad Interface.

Since its 2007 debut, the RDX has been an anchor in Acura’s lineup, with roughly 850,000 units sold in North America across three generations. It helped establish Acura in the compact premium SUV segment with turbocharging, its signature torque-vectoring SH-AWD, and an enthusiast-pleasing emphasis on performance.

Acura’s Electrification Game Plan

It’s a smart play for Honda’s upscale division, which plans to balance gas-powered models, hybrids, and EVs in the years ahead. The hybrid RDX won’t be alone in pushing Acura toward electrification.

The Acura lineup currently consists of four models: the Integra sport sedan and the ADX, RDX, and MDX sport-utility vehicles. The all-electric RSX will join the lineup in 2026. Acura is also planning enhancements for the MDX that will show up in the second half of 2026, while the Integra Type S is set to receive exterior and interior changes.

More than 85% of Acura vehicles sold in America in 2025 were made in America, using domestic and globally made parts. That focus on domestic manufacturing will likely continue with the new hybrid RDX rolling off the Ohio assembly line.

Should You Wait for the Hybrid RDX?

If you’re in the market for a compact luxury SUV right now, the current RDX remains a solid choice while inventory lasts. The lineup’s 2.0-liter turbo-four returns for 2026 with output unchanged at 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. All 2026 RDXs receive a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

But if fuel efficiency tops your priority list and you can wait a couple of years, the hybrid RDX looks promising. “The RDX hybrid is expected to arrive at dealerships within the next couple of years, and we’re thrilled to share this news as Acura celebrates its 40th anniversary, making this milestone even more special,” Langel said.

Acura hasn’t released specific output or efficiency numbers yet. Given Honda’s track record with their two-motor hybrid systems in models like the CR-V and Accord, buyers should expect noticeable improvements in fuel economy without sacrificing the sporty character that RDX fans have come to love.