2019 Acura RDX release date, specs news: Luxury crossover to usher in new design language

A teaser image for the 2019 Acura RDX.Acura

Acura has announced that the 2019 RDX will make its official debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2018. The upcoming luxury crossover's arrival will usher in a new design language for Honda's luxury vehicle marquee.

According to the Japanese automaker, the third-generation RDX sees the most extensive redesign in more than a decade. This most likely indicates a large departure from the appearance of its predecessor. Though only a prototype version of the 2019 RDX will be unveiled at the auto show in Detroit, it is expected to be nearly identical to the production model in terms of aesthetics and features.

The 2019 RDX will be the first production vehicle to showcase Acura's "Precision Crafted Performance" design language. It will be built using a platform exclusive to Acura vehicles.

Design-wise, the 2019 RDX's exterior was inspired by the Acura Precision Concept. The luxury crossover adapts the latter's low and wide stance, elongated hood, sloping roofline, hexagonal grille and narrow lights. Based on a recently released teaser video, the upcoming vehicle will also have strong character lines on the side, sharp creases on the edges and flared wheel arches.

Meanwhile, the upcoming luxury crossover's interior was inspired by the Acura Precision Cockpit. The cabin will feature an all-new interior design with a large touchscreen display situated on top of a slanted dashboard. The latter will have a new user interface and operating system.

The 2019 RDX will be unveiled during Acura's press conference at the Detroit motor show on Jan. 15, 2018 at 11:05 a.m. EST. The event will be streamed live on Acura's Facebook, YouTube and Twitter accounts.

For the first time, the luxury crossover will be built in the United States, specifically at Honda's auto plant in East Liberty, Ohio. It is scheduled to arrive at dealers in spring 2018. Pricing will be announced closer to the actual release date.