The crossover features a new platform, a lighter body and improved interior materials.

This is the new RDX Prototype, which will be nearly identical to the production model. It begins its newness by introducing a new platform that isn’t related to any Honda-branded product. The 2019 model is lighter and stiffer than the RDX. The 2019 model is also larger with a 2.5 inch increase in wheelbase and a 1.2 inch increase in track width.

The wheels are pushed further out at the corners to make it look more athletic. Acura’s iconic “diamond pentagon” grille is featured on the nose. Also, the brand’s latest “Jewel Eye” LED headlights are featured. Although the overall shape is a traditional crossover, a distinct character line runs across the body and strakes are added to the hood. A chunk of flat-black plastic gives the roofline a floating-roofline treatment. The roofline drops slightly behind the B-pillar.

The 2019 RDX Prototype’s interior is a familiar design from previous Acura models. It has two analog gauges in front of the three-spoke (and buttons-laden) steering wheel, a variety of climate-control buttons on its center stack, as well as four buttons for electronic shifting. Another collection of buttons is located by the left knee of the driver. The best-in class in cargo and back-seat space is the second row. Adults can sit comfortably in the second row, which has plenty of head-, legroom and legroom.

The car’s uniqueness is in the materials it uses. The Napa leathers are soft and the olive ash wood is convincing. The brushed-aluminum trim is cold to the touch. Steve Hansen, RDX’s development leader, said that there are no imitation trim pieces. “If it looks like steel, it is.” If it looks like wood, it’s real.

Acura’s True Touchpad Interface is a new infotainment system for the RDX. It features a 10.2-inch touchscreen, Android-based software and a console-mounted touchpad. It is a concept that touchscreens can be difficult to reach while driving, and that jog wheels can be tedious. However, the experience with other car touchpads has not been positive. For example, Lexus’ system is difficult to use. Acura claims that this touchpad is a one-to-1 interface with the screen. Instead of a pointer, it can be touched on the pad to see the icon

Hansen states, “Our research shows that drivers are quickly able to get used to the operation.” When we take the wheel, we’ll be back with our findings later in the year.

Additional features include an optional head up display, a 16 channel Mark Levinson sound system and a standard panoramic sunroof. It’s also said to have the largest in class.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine provides the motivation, but power outputs have not yet been disclosed. Acura claims that it will deliver 40 percent more low end torque than the 3.5-liter V6 engine in the RDX, which produced 279 horsepower and 252 pound feet. Only transmission options are a ten-speed manual and a six-speed automatic.

Front-wheel-drive is standard. Buyers who choose all-wheel-drive will receive Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, (SH-AWD), torque-vectoring rear differential. The first-gen RDX featured SH-AWD, while the second-gen model did NOT.

Adaptive dampers can now be purchased as an option. They are controlled by the Integrated Dynamics System drive mode switch (with Snow and Comfort settings, Sport and Sport+ settings). To recall the IDS switch on the NSX supercar, the switch is located high up on your dash.

Acura will offer A-Spec trims on the RDX, making it the first Acura crossover ever to receive the A-Spec trim. The brand plans to make the sporty package available on all models in the future. Although there aren’t any details on A-Spec yet, a look at the A-Spec bundle on a TLX A/Spec gives some clues. We can expect larger wheels with darker finishes, a unique grille, various interior accents in black and red, as well as lots of Alcantara.

The new RDX looks even more appealing based on what we have seen so far. It is more stylish, more equipped, more luxurious and perhaps even more fun to drive. The production-ready 2019 Acura RDX will be revealed later in the year, before hitting dealerships this summer.