Honda held a virtual press conference and Q&A session earlier this week to discuss business updates and new product plans for both the Honda and Acura brands in 2024. On the Honda side, the biggest news is the addition of a Civic hybrid and hydrogen-powered CR-V to the lineup, along with the launch of the Prologue SUV, a next-gen Passport and an updated Odyssey. Acura isn’t being left out of the fun, with the brand set to debut facelifted versions of the RDX and MDX SUVs as well as a brand new crossover that will serve as an entry point to the brand.
The new small crossover is the most important and unexpected news. Acura hasn’t had an entry-level SUV to slot below the RDX, unless you count the China-only CDX, so the brand has been leaving money on the table. We don’t have any details about the new model, with Acura only saying it will debut this year and be “positioned at the gateway of the lineup alongside the Integra.”
When the Integra first launched, Acura said it could be the brand’s last new gas-only nameplate, but the brand has given no indications that this new small crossover will be an EV. It should share the same platform and turbocharged powertrain as the Integra, albeit likely with the option of all-wheel drive. Don’t get your hopes up for a manual, though it would be awesome to see Acura do a Type S version of this new model.
Acura also announced that the MDX will be getting “significant enhancements,” including refreshed exterior styling and an updated interior that ditches the touchpad in favor of a new Google-based touchscreen and more useable center console. The updated MDX will also have a new Bang & Olufsen sound system and more driver-assist features. When it comes to the RDX facelift, all Acura says is that it will have “upgrades to enhance its appeal and functionality.”
We don’t have timing for any of these debuts, with Acura only saying that they will come later this year. Meanwhile, customers will be able to start placing orders for the fully electric ZDX (pictured above) in February, with the transactions happening completely online.
