NOTE: Information in this document is preliminary, subject to change without notice, and intended for media use – not for consumers. For final information, visit Acura.com.
The sophisticated new 2019 RDX chassis architecture combines with a more rigid and lightweight body structure to provide more engaging and confident handling, greater refinement, and superior ride comfort.
The RDX’s increased wheelbase, front and rear track widths, improved front-to-rear weight balance, refined front MacPherson strut and all-new five-link rear suspension, and increased wheel and tire sizes all enhance ride quality and performance and provide superb control for the driver.
Two damper types are available – Amplitude Reactive Dampers on the standard RDX, Technology Package and A-Spec, and Acura’s innovative Active Damper System on the Advance Package. All RDX grades include front hydraulic suspension bushings for improved isolation from road noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
All grades also feature Acura’s 4-mode Integrated Dynamics System, controlled by the prominent drive mode dial on the vehicle’s center console. With Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Snow modes, the driver can dial in the dynamic performance characteristics of the vehicle according to their desire and prevailing road conditions. The Integrated Dynamics System interacts with multiple dynamic systems in the vehicle, including the Drive-By-Wire™ throttle, Electric Power Steering, torque-vectoring SH-AWD™ (when equipped), Active Sound Control (ASC) and, on the RDX with Advance Package, the Active Damper System.
Confidence and Control
A new dual-pinion, variable gear ratio Electric Power Steering (EPS) system also contributes to the RDX’s precise and secure steering feel. Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control and a 4-channel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, and a new electronic brake booster (EBB) add to the RDX’S capability. An Electric Parking Brake (EPB), Automatic Brake Hold and Hill Start Assist add convenience in traffic or on hills.
All RDX grades feature aluminum alloy wheels as standard equipment, with diameters ranging from 19 inches on the RDX, Technology and Advance Packages, to 20 inches on the A-Spec. In both front-wheel drive (FWD) and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) versions, all-season tires ensure surefooted performance in a wide range of road and weather conditions.
What’s New
The following Chassis features are new for the 2019 RDX:
- 19-inch wheels (RDX, Technology and Advance Packages)
- 20-inch wheels (A-Spec)
- New five-link independent rear suspension design
- Active Damper System (Advance Package)
- Dual Pinion Variable Ratio Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS)
- Front hydraulic suspension bushings
- Four-mode Integrated Dynamics System
Chassis Summary
All Models
- 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist
- Agile Handling Assist
- Dual Pinion Variable Ratio Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS)
- Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Automatic Brake Hold
- Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
- Front hydraulic suspension bushings
- Hill Start Assist
- MacPherson strut front suspension
- Five-link rear suspension
- Power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
RDX, Technology Package and Advance Package
- 19-in. alloy wheels
- 235/55R19 101H all-season tires
A-Spec
- 20-in. alloy wheels
- 255/45R20 101V all-season tires
Advance Package
- Active Damper System
Optimized Weight Distribution
Handling balance is dependent on suspension design and unibody structural stiffness, but it also requires controlling the component weight and packaging to idealize the vehicle’s center of gravity. During its redesign for 2019, RDX engineers moved the center of gravity 3.1 inches rearward. This resulted in an improved front/rear weight distribution of 57/43-percent compared to the previous generation RDX’s 60/40-percent front/rear weight distribution for AWD variants. The improvement helps the RDX dynamically in virtually all driving conditions, especially during spirited cornering and emergency avoidance maneuvers.
Front and Rear Suspension
The 2019 RDX suspension delivers both agile handling and a composed, supple ride. The system uses a combination of front MacPherson struts and a rear five-link design, both utilizing rigid subframes and front using hydraulic suspension bushings. The RDX, Technology Package and A-Spec use 2-stage Amplitude Reactive Dampers, while the Advance Package’s Active Damper System is electronically integrated with the vehicle’s Integrated Dynamics System (IDS). Ground clearance is a useful 8.2 inches, allowing all RDX grades (including FWD and SH-AWD®) to navigate through more varied conditions.
The RDX’s strut-style front suspension improves crash performance. The new five-link rear suspension provides outstanding handling characteristics and ride quality, while also helping to maximize second-row seating and cargo space. On all RDX grades, 30 mm tubular front and 23 mm solid rear stabilizer bars improve turn-in response while reducing body roll during cornering. The stabilizer bars are bonded to their mounting bushings and use low-friction connecting links for smooth operation. The curb-to-curb turning diameter is 38.9 feet for all grades.
MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
The MacPherson strut front suspension is engineered to provide inspired handling performance and a responsive feel for the driver. Specially calibrated geometry ensures a high degree of quickness and precision, smoothness and stability. The lower suspension arms are connected to the subframe and to the body via hydraulic compliance bushings, providing the ideal combination of handling responsiveness and precision, along with maximum isolation from road noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
Five-Link Rear Suspension
The 2019 RDX’s new five-link rear suspension system offers both ride compliance and handling performance significantly above the previous generation, putting the RDX in the same league dynamically as top European competitors. This new multi-link system uses a steel subframe, forged aluminum upper control arms and toe link to minimize unsprung weight and optimize component stiffness, an aluminum hub carrier, and high-strength steel lower control arms that provide further weight savings. Improvements to the RDX’s unibody stiffness – particularly in the rear area – help the new suspension system to excel at improving stability, ride compliance, and impact harshness. The system is designed to perform ideally in both the FWD and
SH-AWD® configurations.
Hydraulic Suspension Compliance Bushings
The front suspension system uses hydraulic compliance bushings mounted in aluminum carriers for optimal ride quality and vibration isolation. These bushings are specifically tuned to minimize the amount of vibration that is transferred to the occupants, reducing the overall noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) inside the vehicle.
Amplitude Reactive Dampers (RDX, Technology Package and A-Spec)
Proven Amplitude Reactive Dampers are used on the RDX, Technology Package and A-Spec. Amplitude Reactive Dampers contribute to outstanding ride comfort together with crisp, precise handling. The dampers operate in two distinct performance parameters, including a Ride Zone and a Handling Zone. Each zone has a unique set of compression and rebound damping forces tailored to provide the desired ride and handling attributes. In essence, the amplitude reactive dampers operate like two separate suspension systems combined in one. The dampers function reactively or “passively,” and are entirely mechanical/hydraulic in operation with no electronics required.
Active Damper System (ADS) (Advance Package)
New to the 2019 RDX in the Advance Package, the Active Damper System is part of the vehicle’s Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) that also controls the Electric Power Steering (EPS), Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and traction control. Controlled by a microprocessor using information from the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system’s wheel sensors, yaw/G sensor, engine rpm and torque, and steering angle, the Active Damper System can adjust every 0.002 seconds to adapt individual wheels to road surfaces.
The center console-mounted drive mode dial allows the driver to choose between Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Snow modes. As directed by the driving mode controller, an electric actuator integrated into each damper governs hydraulic fluid movement inside the unit. Damper settings are automatically calibrated to the driving mode setting to achieve the following benefits:
- Snow and Comfort – Provides a civilized balance of ride and handling for everyday driving conditions.
- Sport – This mode provides firmer damper settings that flatten and stabilize the vehicle body during rapid steering inputs and maneuvers. Steering and AHA torque vectoring are also noticeably sharpened, boosting handling precision and overall responsiveness.
- Sport+ – Further increases suspension damping force while maximizing steering response and AHA torque vectoring for the most engaged driver who demands the most accurate vehicle response.
At the driver’s preference, either the Comfort or Sport mode may be set as the IDS default upon vehicle startup.
Dual-Pinion Variable-Ratio Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS)
In a first for RDX – and also in its segment – standard Electric Power Steering (EPS) incorporates dual pinion gears and a variable gear ratio for unsurpassed steering feel, performance and comfort. Compared to a traditional single-pinion steering system, the dual pinion EPS utilizes the physical steering input from the driver as well as from a supplemental electric motor. A non-contact torque sensor measures the driver’s steering effort and an ECU determines how much electric motor assist to apply, resulting in smooth, natural and precise steering feel.
The system’s variable steering ratio is enabled by its steering rack, which utilizes progressively wider gear spacing so, as the wheel is moved farther off center, the steering ratio is effectively increased, providing for both easy maneuverability in parking and city street maneuvers and outstanding calmness and stability when traveling at freeway speeds The steering ratio is variable with an on-center ratio of 15.13:1 and final off-center ratio (at full lock) of 11.95:1, with a total of 2.23 turns lock-to-lock (compared to 2.73 on the previous-generation RDX).
The EPS is calibrated with the Integrated Dynamics System to enhance steering response and increase feel in the Sport mode, and even further in the Sport+ mode.
Four-Wheel Disc Brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake Booster (EBB), Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist
Four-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel (ABS), electronic brake booster (EBB), electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and brake assist are standard on the 2019 RDX. The system utilizes a large-diameter master cylinder to achieve a short-travel, firm pedal feel. The EBB uses an electronic servomotor to assist braking performance while improving brake feel and pedal modulation in virtually all conditions. The result is a comfortable and refined braking feel at low speeds, predictable and easy operation on the highway, a sporty feel on winding roads, and reassuring high-performance stopping in emergency situations.
The 12.4-in. ventilated front brake rotors are clamped by twin-piston calipers. The rear disc brakes incorporate solid rotors paired with single-piston brake calipers. The low-friction design of the brake calipers reduces energy losses when the brakes are not in use, directly improving fuel efficiency.
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) is an electronic stability control system that works in conjunction with the RDX’s Drive-by-Wire™ throttle and its 4-channel ABS systems to enhance control capability while the vehicle is accelerating, braking, cornering or when the driver makes a sudden maneuver.
VSA® also provides a limited-slip differential effect by applying braking force to a slipping wheel, thereby redirecting driving force to the wheel with more traction. While the driver can reduce the traction control effectiveness allowing more wheel slip during stuck conditions by pressing the VSA® button, ABS remains fully operational at all times.
Integrated Dynamics System (IDS)
The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) on the 2019 RDX automatically and seamlessly fine tunes powertrain, chassis and Active Sound Control system functions on a continual, real-time basis to maximize vehicle performance and driver enjoyment regardless of conditions. Four driver-selectable modes include Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Snow. Drivers may preset Comfort or Sport as their default mode, while Snow and Sport+ modes can be selected on the fly.
Agile Handling Assist
Agile Handling Assist uses the vehicle’s brakes selectively to improve initial turning response, increase overall cornering ability, and advance driver confidence. By using brake vectoring – applying braking force to the inside wheels – during cornering at high lateral G, the system creates a “yaw moment,” thus generating more turning force and reducing understeer.
Hill Start Assist
The Hill Start Assist function helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when the driver switches from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is stopped on a hill. Hill Start Assist automatically activates when the vehicle senses a certain incline and is fully stopped in any forward gear when facing up hill or in reverse gear when facing downhill. The system uses a longitudinal G-sensor along with a wheel speed sensor to control the hydraulic brake modulator. When activated, Hill Start Assist will release the brakes when the driver depresses the throttle or if the driver doesn’t press the accelerator after a few seconds.
Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
The standard Electric Parking Brake (EPB) is simpler, more convenient and comfortable to use than a traditional parking brake. The EPB also frees up center console space, allowing a higher console and an extended armrest length.
Engaging the parking brake requires only a pull on a switch on the center console. To release the parking brake, the driver simply presses on the accelerator pedal while the seatbelt is buckled when the transmission is in Drive or Reverse or else pushes on the parking brake switch while operating the brake pedal.
Automatic Brake Hold
When activated, Automatic Brake Hold retains brake pressure when the vehicle comes to a stop such as at a traffic light or in heavy traffic. This frees the driver from continually pressing the brake pedal to maintain the vehicle in a stopped position until the driver presses the throttle pedal.
Operating the system requires two simple actions from the driver:
- Activating/deactivating the system via a switch on the center console
- Pressing on the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a stop
Once these steps are taken, Automatic Brake Hold will indicate engagement and then maintain brake pressure when the vehicle has come to a stop, even if the driver later releases the brake pedal. A green “Brake Hold” icon on the instrument panel illuminates to show that the system is functioning. The RDX then remains stopped – even on a hill – until the driver presses the accelerator pedal. At this point, Automatic Brake Hold releases the brakes and the vehicle resumes normal braking function.
Wheels and Tires
The new RDX comes standard with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels (RDX, Technology, and Advance Packages. These new wheels are one-inch larger in diameter than those of the previous RDX. To enhance cornering performance, the A-Spec features 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a first for any RDX model. Each RDX model features its own unique wheel design.
Standard Wheel
Technology Wheel
Advance Wheel
A-Spec Wheel
The RDX, Technology and Advance Packages ride on 235/55R19 tires mounted on 19 x 8.0-inch wheels, while the A-Spec has wider and lower-profile 255/45R20 tires on 20 x 8.0-inch wheels. All tires carry an M+S all-season rating, making them suitable for year-round use in all weather and road conditions.
A summary of the 2019 RDX’s wheel and tire sizes include:
RDX and Advance Package
- 19 x 8-inch painted aluminum alloy wheels
- 235/55R19 101H Continental CrossContact LX Sport all-season tires
Technology Package
- 19 x 8-inch machined-face aluminum alloy wheels
- 235/55R19 101H Continental CrossContact LX Sport all-season tires
A-Spec
- 20 x 8-inch Shark Grey aluminum alloy wheels
- 255/45R20 101V Goodyear Eagle RSA all-season tires
Space-Saving Spare Tire
For all-wheel drive (SH-AWD®) RDX, Technology and Advance Packages, the spare tire is a space- and weight-saving T155/90D17 101M temporary unit that is mounted under the rear of the vehicle. Other grades, including A-Spec, are equipped with a tire repair kit.
17.1-Gallon Fuel Capacity
The RDX’s 17.1-gallon fuel-tank capacity allows an ample cruising range. Both the fuel tank and fuel pipe are molded of high-density polyethylene for low weight, freedom from corrosion, impact resistance and fuel vapor losses. The fuel tank is located in a protected area in front of the rear suspension to help improve safety performance in the event of a collision. A capless fueling system simplifies refueling.
1,500-Pound Tow Rating
For added utility, the RDX has a 1,500-pound tow rating when equipped with the available towing package. The tow rating makes the RDX capable of pulling items such as a small camping trailer, a motorcycle trailer or a personal watercraft. (See the Accessories section for more information.)
Key Chassis Features