Acura Is Phasing Out the RDX But Expects Growth Anyway

The growth forecast comes in spite of a long wait for the RDX’s next-gen hybrid replacement.Alisa PriddleWriterManufacturerPhotographerJan 14, 2026

Acura’s popular RDX compact SUV is being phased out after the 2026 model year, to be replaced in a couple years by a hybrid version.

Fresh Lineup Fuels Sales

Woelfer said nearly all Honda and Acura models have been updated in the last 18 months, giving the automaker one of its freshest lineups in years. That contributed to the small sales increase last year despite a challenging 12 months with tariffs, the loss of tax credits for EVs, and a microchip shortage.

The company is projecting total sales of 1.5 million vehicles this year, up 4 percent, even though the industry is expected to be flat. The Honda brand anticipates 1.35 million sales and Acura will add about 135,000 units despite lower inventory to start the new year due to supply chain restraints.

More Affordable Models

One way to grow sales: a renewed focus on lower trims to meet demand for more affordable vehicles. The automaker plans to increase production of lesser-cost versions of core models: Honda CR-V, Civic, and Accord, as well as Acura’s entry ADX and Integra.

This year will also see updates to the Integra Type S, the MDX, Civic Type R, and the continued rollout of the refreshed 2026 Honda Pilot. The Honda S+ Shift system that simulates performance shifting on the Honda Prelude hybrid will be added to the Civic Hybrid later this year.

The new Prelude launched in November but the ramp up will be slow; it will be March by the time all dealers get one. Even with the slow rollout, sales are exceeding expectations, Woelfer said.