Acura rolls out a six‑vehicle US portfolio, including a Passport‑based adventure SUV, an eight‑seat flagship and a striking ADX concept.
Acura is accelerating its U.S. strategy with a clear numerical target: 200,000 units sold in America by the end of the decade. To hit that mark, the brand will stretch its current four-model range to six distinct vehicles, a shift outlined during a dealer briefing in Las Vegas.
The meeting showcased two fresh SUVs, a hybrid version of the RDX, and a limited-edition version of the ADX that blends sport-bike culture with premium crossover DNA. All of these moves signal Acura’s intent to compete more aggressively against established luxury rivals.
Acura’s expanding US portfolio
From four to six models
In the new plan, Acura adds an adventure-ready SUV derived from the Honda Passport platform and an eight-seat flagship that will sit above the current MDX. Both vehicles share the same underlying architecture as the upcoming MDX, which is set to adopt a more flexible, three-row layout.
The adventure SUV will feature a distinct hood design, a combustion engine, and styling cues aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, while the flagship will echo the proportions of a Range Rover, positioning it against the Cadillac Escalade and Lexus TX.
Hybrid RDX and limited-edition Integra
The next-generation RDX will be paused for a brief production halt before re-emerging as Acura’s first dual-motor hybrid system. This powertrain will combine a turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, offering improved fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. Simultaneously, a limited-run Integra Type S is slated for release later this year, adding a high-performance badge to the brand’s lineup. Both models will debut alongside special-edition variants of the ADX and MDX that are scheduled for the 2027 model year.
The ADX concept: a BMX-inspired experiment
A single-off prototype, the ADX CZ-77, emerged from a partnership with Vans athlete Coco Zurita. The concept keeps the standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine but receives a full visual overhaul. Carbon-fiber splitters, flared arches, side skirts, a rear diffuser, and custom exhaust pipes give the SUV a track-day silhouette, while the front mirrors borrow motifs from motorsport aerodynamics. Inside, Sparco racing seats, a red-stitch-accented steering wheel, and a checkered fabric trim create a cockpit reminiscent of a rally car.
Beyond aesthetics, the ADX concept incorporates functional BMX-inspired details: a dedicated bike-storage compartment in the cargo area, a rear bar for mounting accessories, and wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan Sport V105 tires mounted on Rotiform aero discs. Although no mechanical upgrades beyond the stock engine are present, the concept demonstrates how Acura could attract younger, lifestyle-driven buyers by tapping into the street-wear and action-sport crossover market.
Timeline and market positioning
The Passport-based adventure SUV is slated for a U.S. launch in the first half of 2028, while development of the eight-seat flagship is on track for production by the end of the decade. The hybrid RDX is expected to arrive shortly after the MDX redesign, giving Acura a foothold in the rapidly growing hybrid-luxury segment. Meanwhile, the ADX concept remains a showcase piece; industry analysts doubt that the exact CZ-77 styling will reach production, though a more conventional ADX update—potentially a hybrid version sharing powertrains with the Honda Civic Hybrid—is likely.
All these initiatives underscore Acura’s ambition to broaden its appeal, increase its sales volume, and carve out a distinct niche among premium Japanese automakers. By diversifying its SUV range, embracing hybrid technology, and experimenting with bold concept styling, the brand hopes to attract both traditional luxury shoppers and a new generation of adventure-oriented customers.
