Quick Takeaways
  • Acura pauses 2026 RDX production in Ohio to enable a technology leap into hybrid and EV manufacturing
  • RDX becomes Acura’s launchpad for two-motor hybrid electrification while preserving SUV brand equity
On January 14, Acura released a teaser for the upcoming Acura RDX Hybrid, confirming that the next-generation RDX will debut with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, a first for the brand. As Acura prepares for this major transition, production of the 2026 RDX will be paused later in 2026 at its Ohio manufacturing facility.
The RDX is currently assembled at Acura’s East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio, where it shares the line with the Acura MDX. This temporary production halt is designed to allow the plant to prepare for the next-generation model and its new electrified architecture.
Acura RDX Hybrid Marks a New Direction for the Brand
The fourth-generation RDX is under development and is expected to reach the market within the next few years. Even though the model will be absent from U.S. showrooms for a limited period, the introduction of the Acura RDX Hybrid reflects the company’s broader strategy of balancing internal combustion, hybrid, and fully electric vehicles.
Acura’s leadership views this move as a necessary evolution as customer demand shifts toward electrified mobility without abandoning familiar nameplates that have built strong loyalty over time.
Two-Motor Hybrid Technology Comes to the Acura RDX Hybrid
Mike Langel, assistant vice president of Acura National Sales, confirmed that the new hybrid system will play a central role in the next RDX. He stated that the RDX hybrid is projected to reach dealerships within the next couple of years, making it the first Acura vehicle to use the brand’s two-motor hybrid-electric system.
According to Acura, this system is designed to deliver a combination of stronger performance and improved efficiency, allowing the RDX to maintain its reputation for sporty driving while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Acura RDX Hybrid Builds on a Strong Sales Legacy
For nearly 20 years and across three generations, the RDX has been a core part of Acura’s SUV lineup. Since its launch in the 2007 model year, the model has achieved cumulative sales of about 850,000 units in North America, making it one of the brand’s most successful vehicles.
  • This long-standing popularity is a key reason Acura selected the RDX to introduce its first two-motor hybrid system, ensuring that electrification is paired with one of its most recognizable and trusted nameplates.

Ohio Plant Prepares for Future Mobility Programs
While the Acura RDX Hybrid is in development, the East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio is also preparing for production of the Sony Honda Mobility AFEELA 1. This next-generation electric vehicle project highlights how Acura and its parent group are reshaping their manufacturing footprint to support both hybrid and fully electric platforms.
  • By upgrading its Ohio facility, Acura is positioning itself to support a diversified lineup that includes conventional, hybrid, and electric vehicles, ensuring flexibility as the market continues to evolve.
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