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 third-generation 2019 RDX offers the highest level of standard safety and driver-assistance features in the model’s history – and in its class. The AcuraWatch™ suite of driver-assistance technologies is now standard on all RDX grades, along with a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, while the Technology Package and higher grades add Blind Spot Information (BSI), front and rear parking sensors and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor. The RDX with Advance Package includes a Head-Up Display and Surround View Camera System for the first time.
Passive Safety Protections
In the event of a collision, the new RDX has the newest generation of Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, new high-strength steel door stiffener rings, and for the first time, eight airbags including new driver and front-passenger knee airbags. Acura engineers also targeted the highest available safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
What’s New
The following Safety and Driver-Assistive features are new for the 2019 RDX:
- AcuraWatch™ standard on all grades
- Ultra-high-strength steel door stiffener ring
- Driver and front passenger knee airbags
- Surround View Camera System (Advance Package)
- Rear camera washer (Advance Package)
AcuraWatch™ Technologies
For the first time in the RDX, all grades are now equipped with AcuraWatch™. This suite of driver-assistance technologies helps to improve the driver’s situational awareness and, in certain circumstances, intervene to help avoid a collision or mitigate its severity. The standard driver assistance features are listed below.
Key Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
- AcuraWatch™
– Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
– Collision Mitigating Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
– Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
– Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) - Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure
- Inner and outer hot-stamped door stiffener rings
- Pedestrian injury mitigation design
- Advanced front airbags (SRS)
- Driver and front passenger side and knee airbags
- Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor
- Adjustable head restraints
- Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)
- Advanced 4-Channel ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist
- Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
- Blind spot information (BSI) (Technology Package and above)
- Front and rear parking sensors (Technology Package and above)
- Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (Technology Package and above)
- Multi-Angle Rear View Camera System with Dynamic Guidelines
- Surround View Camera System (Advance Package)
- Head-Up Display (Advance Package)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure
The RDX utilizes the latest version of Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body-structure to enhance occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. The ACE body structure uses a network of interconnected structural elements – now using more than twice the high-strength steel as the previous generation RDX – an increase of 56 percent – to absorb and distribute crash energy away from the passenger compartment. The enhanced frontal crash energy management can also help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash. Additionally, ACE helps minimize the potential for under-ride or over-ride situations that can happen during frontal impacts with a larger or smaller vehicle. (See the Body and Exterior section for more information.)
Collision Safety Ratings
The ACE™ body design is targeted to help the 2019 RDX achieve the highest available crash safety ratings. In federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) testing, the RDX is targeted to achieve a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) testing, the RDX is targeted to achieve a SUPERIOR rating in front crash prevention on all grades due in part to the standard application of AcuraWatch™, and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.
Crash Energy “Pathways”
Unlike most conventional designs that direct frontal crash energy only to the lower load-bearing structures in the front end, the RDX’s latest ACE™ body structure actively channels frontal crash energy to both upper and lower structural elements, including the floor frame rails, side sills and A-pillars. By creating specifically engineered “pathways” that help distribute these frontal impact forces through a greater percentage of the vehicle’s total structure, the ACE body structure can more effectively route crash energy around and away from the passenger compartment to help limit cabin deformation and improve occupant protection.
Structural Safety
Meeting the RDX’s crash-safety rating targets required numerous structural engineering advancements including side collision-load pathways and the use of hot-stamped high-strength steel – including new one-piece inner and outer door opening stiffener rings – helping improve occupant protection in side impact collisions. (See the Body and Exterior section for more information.)
Hot-Stamped Stiffener Ring – In a world’s first for a production vehicle, the 2019 RDX uses both an inner and an outer hot-stamped stiffener ring at each front door opening. There are three major advantages of this construction method: (1) The one-piece door-opening ring has no joints, so crash loads are transferred more efficiently; (2) The single-piece construction improves the fit and finish of the door opening; and (3) Weight is reduced by 15.2 pounds compared to a conventional multi-part ring.
Airbag System
The new RDX is equipped with eight airbags, the most ever for an Acura. These include advanced front airbags, front side airbags, side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor, and both driver’s and front passenger’s knee airbags.
Advanced Front Airbags (SRS) – Every RDX is equipped with advanced front airbags (SRS). The front airbags are designed to supplement the seat belts to help reduce the likelihood of head and upper body injuries in frontal crashes.
Driver and Front Passenger Side Airbags – Driver and front passenger side airbags mounted in the outboard area of each front seatback are designed to help provide pelvis and thorax protection in the event of a severe side impact.
Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor – All outboard seating positions include a side curtain airbag system. In the event of a sufficient side impact or rollover, the side curtain airbags deploy from the ceiling, providing a significant level of head protection in the window area.
Driver and Passenger Knee Airbags – The inclusion of driver’s and front passenger’s knee airbags is a first for RDX. The airbags are designed to better control the forward motion of the occupants in the event of a frontal collision, in conjunction with the front airbags and seatbelts. Each knee airbag is contained beneath a panel on the underside of the instrument panel. To provide best-in-class knee clearance among vehicles with knee airbags, the panel is contoured away from the knees. (See the Interior section for more information.)
Seatbelts
Three-point seatbelts are standard for all seating positions. The front seatbelts are equipped with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners and load-limiting retractors to help mitigate injuries in a frontal collision.
Adjustable Head Restraints
All five front and rear seating positions feature individually adjustable head restraints while the RDX’s front head restraints feature the latest generation of neck protection performance. Four-way adjustable front headrests have three set positions at 0.4-inch (10mm) intervals and offer 0.6 inches (15mm) of additional head clearance in their home position when compared to the previous model.
Child Safety Features
Two sets of Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child seat-mounting positions are built into the outboard rear seats. The LATCH system utilizes both an upper child-seat tether anchor and dedicated lower-anchor points that are built into the body of the vehicle. These help ensure correct mounting of a compatible child seat. A third upper tether is located in the rear center position.
The RDX also features childproof rear door locks. When engaged, they permit the rear doors to be opened only from the outside, thereby helping to prevent accidental opening by a child.
Active Safety and Driver-Assistance Technology
Now standard on all RDX grades, the AcuraWatch™ suite of driver-assistance technologies include the following.
Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
Now included in all RDX models, the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) provides a less stressful driving experience by reducing steering correction movements and driving effort on the highway. LKAS uses a camera to read lane markings and uses EPS to assist the driver in keeping in the middle of the lane.
Designed for the U.S. road structure, the system uses a Monocular Camera mounted on the upper portion of the windshield to identify painted lanes, Botts’ dots and cats eye markers at speeds between 45 mph and 90 mph. When LKAS senses that the driver is drifting from the middle of a detected lane, the system generates corrective steering torque to assist the driver in maintaining lane position.
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
Included in all RDX models for the first time, Acura’s latest version of its Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) is one of the most sophisticated driver-assist technologies available. It continually scans traffic conditions ahead of the RDX, alerts the driver when it determines there is potential for a collision, and then applies automatic emergency braking to help reduce the severity of a collision if drivers don’t take corrective action on their own.
When CMBS determines there is a potential for collision, visual and audible alerts prompt the driver to take corrective actions. The visual alerts appear on the Multi-Information Display (MID), and on the Advance Package, additionally on the windshield via the head-up warning display. If the system determines that a collision is imminent, it applies the brakes to help reduce vehicle speed and eventual collision forces.
Further assisting RDX drivers, CMBS also recognizes shapes, and can differentiate between a vehicle and a pedestrian, warning the driver when either is detected. A Millimeter Wave Radar unit located behind the front grille and a Monocular Camera mounted at the upper portion of the windshield are used to detect vehicles and pedestrians. The radar unit and camera work simultaneously and cooperatively to control the VSA® modulator, which provides any required braking. This “fusion” of radar and camera allows the system to more quickly determine a whether there’s a potential for a collision, significantly increasing the likelihood of bringing the car to a complete stop and avoiding impact.
It is important to note that CMBS cannot detect all objects ahead, nor is it intended to replace the driver’s assessment of traffic conditions and control of the vehicle. The driver must intervene in certain situations and must always be attentive when using the system. Although in many cases CMBS will stop the car, it is not intended to apply enough braking force to prevent all collisions. Based on the conditions, the system also may not perform all visual-, audible- and tactile-alert stages, and may instead automatically engage the brakes if the system deems it necessary.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) – Integrated with CMBS™
Now included in all RDX models, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) uses a camera mounted in the upper portion of the windshield to detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead and to determine whether a collision is imminent. If the FCW system detects a vehicle or pedestrian in front of the RDX and then determines that a collision may occur (due to a speed differential between the RDX and the object), it will trigger a “BRAKE” message on the Multi-Information Display (MID) and Head-Up Display (on Advance Package) an audible alert. If the CMBS™ system is activated and the driver fails to respond to the FCW system, the vehicle’s brakes will be automatically applied if the system determines a collision is imminent.
Drivers may adjust the distance at which FCW alerts occur and may choose between “Long,” “Normal,” or “Short.” Drivers may also select “Off” to disable the FCW system entirely.
Note that the FCW system cannot detect all objects ahead; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
Now included in all RDX models, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to set a desired speed and following interval behind a vehicle detected ahead, allowing the use of cruise control in light highway traffic conditions. This significantly reduces the driver stress of driving in traffic. The system uses Millimeter Wave Radar and a Monocular Camera to continually track the distance to the vehicle ahead, and then adjusts the RDX’s speed to maintain the driver selected following interval. A short, medium, long, or extra-long interval can be selected. When required, the RDX automatically brakes using the Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) modulator to maintain the set interval.
Integrated Low Speed Follow, which uses the same Millimeter Wave Radar, Monocular Camera, and VSA® modulator, extends the automatic following capability to stop-and-go traffic situations (down to 0 mph). ACC with Low-Speed Follow functions include the following:
- A preceding vehicle is detected in the lane ahead – Decelerates automatically, if required, and then controls the following interval.
- The preceding vehicle slows to a stop – Stops automatically and remains stationary.
- The preceding vehicle accelerates from a stop – Resumes following when the SET or RES switch or accelerator pedal is operated.
- Another vehicle is detected merging in between the RDX and the preceding vehicle – Automatically switches “targets” to the nearest detected vehicle.
- The preceding vehicle exits the lane – ACC with low speed follow system continues at cruise-control speed previously selected by driver (25 to 90 mph).
A Multi-Information Display (MID) and Head-Up Display (Advance Package) message and audible warning alert the driver when either ACC or Low-Speed Follow functions are activated. (See the Interior and Powertrain sections for more information.)
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Included in all RDX models for 2019, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) uses a Monocular Camera (mounted on the upper portion of the windshield) to identify solid or dashed painted lane lines, Botts’ dots and cats eye markers. RDM uses both steering force, via EPS, and braking force, via Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), to help the RDX stay in its lane.The Monocular Camera recognizes lane features and identifies the lane. If the RDM system detects that the RDX is about to leave the detected lane, it will provide steering assist (primary) and in rare occasions when steering is not sufficient, braking assist, to help the driver stay on the road. Only lane departure is activated if the driver is passing over a dashed line, Botts’ dots or cats eye, while deceleration support is disabled. In this case, RDX uses active steering force to return to the lane. RDM is integrated with the VSA® system to provide moderate braking, and with the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system to provide steering input.
Multiple visual and audible warnings alert the driver when the RDM system is taking corrective action. These include a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) on the driver’s Multi Information Display (MID) along with an audible warning.
RDM also has a customizable initial warning of either a steering wheel shake/vibration, or an audible alert. This can be customized in the vehicle settings.
Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
A multi-angle rearview camera is standard on the RDX. It offers three viewing angles (wide view, normal view and top view). Drivers may select the preferred view according to driving conditions. The rearview image is displayed on the 10.2-inch color upper information display. On-screen guidelines help the driver better judge distances, and predictive guidelines help make maneuvering in reverse easier.
Surround View Camera System (Advance Package)
In the RDX with Advance Package, four exterior cameras provide a 360-degree view of the space immediately around the vehicle through the navigation display. A camera button among the upper display controls changes camera views to provide a choice of six different angles.
When Reverse is selected, the rear camera view appears on screen along with an overhead 360-degree view. Guidelines appear in each view, which correspond with the angle of the front wheel’s angle to show the vehicle’s predicted rearward path. A press of either camera button switches to show the rear view alone, and another press shows a wide-angle rear view.
Pressing either “CAMERA” button when not in reverse shows the 360-degree view combined with a front view that is ideal for putting the vehicle in the ideal position in the garage. Another button press provides a front wide-angle view that is useful for helping spot an approaching vehicle or person when nosing out a tight spot with a blocked side view. Additional views include looking ahead from both sides and just the passenger side view alone.
In a first for the Acura division, the rear camera has a washer to help provide a clearer view of potential obstacles while reversing. To operate the washer, the driver simply activates the rear windshield washer to direct a stream of cleaning fluid (from the same supply as used for the window washers) over the camera lens.
Parking Sensors
To assist in maneuvering in tight spaces, such as entering or exiting a parking space, the 2019 RDX Technology Package, A-Spec and Advance Package feature a set of six parking sensors. A sensor is located at each corner of the vehicle with an additional two at the rear. When a sensor(s) detects an object close to the vehicle, the system provides an audible warning plus a visual alert on the MID and, when backing up, also on the 10.2-inch color upper information display when showing the rearview camera view. With each type of visual alert, the system indicates in what direction the detected object is located.
Blind Spot Information (BSI)
Included in the Technology Package, A-Spec and Advance Package, the blind spot information (BSI) system uses two radar sensors to continually monitor conditions behind the RDX and alert the driver if another vehicle is detected in close proximity – especially in the blind spot of the driver. The BSI system uses the LED indicators mounted on the A-pillar and an audible warning to alert the driver.
There are two warning levels: 1) If a vehicle is detected in the driver’s blind spot then the LED indicator on the incoming side illuminates; and 2) If a vehicle is detected and the RDX turn signal is activated, the LED indicator on the incoming side blinks and a buzzer sounds three times. To prevent false alarms while maneuvering at low speed, the BSI system is disabled below approximately 20 mph.
Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
Included Technology and above grades, the Rear Cross Traffic Monitor works in conjunction with the BSI radar sensors to enhance driver confidence and safety when backing up. The system is especially useful when reversing in congested parking lots with an obstructed view from driver’s seat.
The system utilizes a pair of blind-spot radar units located in the rear bumper corners. When Reverse is selected and an approaching vehicle is detected, arrows indicating the approaching vehicles direction are shown on the 10.2-inch upper display’s rear camera image. Simultaneously, an audible warning is emitted if cross-traffic is approaching from either side.
Pedestrian Injury Mitigation
The RDX has an impact-absorbing front body design to help reduce injury in the event of a frontal collision with a pedestrian. Research shows that the following features can dramatically improve a pedestrian’s chance of survival if struck by a moving vehicle:
- Impact-energy absorbing hood – Space is provided between the underside of the hood and key powertrain components, allowing the hood to bend and deform if contact is made with either an adult or a child pedestrian.
- Energy-absorbing fender mounts and supports – Front fender mounts and brackets are designed to deform easily to help absorb impact energy.
- Deformable windshield wiper pivots – Wiper pivots are designed to deform and break away easily.