Acura is giving us an early look at the production-spec 2019 RDX crossover before it officially debuts in a few weeks. We already know most of the details of the new compact crossover from the prototype RDX that the company introduced at the Detroit auto show earlier this year, and it’s shaping up to be an appealing package thanks to the availability of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), and the A-Spec sport package that’s pictured here.
The RDX prototype’s styling should carry over almost unchanged to production, according to some spy shots of the car we snagged a few weeks ago. The only major differences appear to be production-spec mirrors, wheels, and tires, along with some minor tweaks to the exterior trim. The A-Spec has Goodyear Eagle RS-A all-season tires wrapped around dark-finish wheels, and we presume that this package will be little more than an appearance ploy, as it is on the TLX and ILX sedans. Even so, the new RDX looks to be sportier than its predecessor, thanks to its optional SH-AWD system and its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that should make somewhere in the neighborhood of the 252 horsepower that this engine makes in the Honda Accord. Acura also says adaptive dampers will be offered. A new infotainment system is in store as well, with a 10.2-inch display screen and a new touchpad controller.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype: A Thinly Veiled...