Here’s a fun fact about luxury Japanese cars: Did you know that Acura produces a compact crossover that’s smaller than both the RDX and MDX? If you weren’t aware, don’t worry too much, as the compact CDX is currently only available in China—but that may change. Acura executives have hinted that the CDX could soon make its way to the U.S. market.
In a discussion with WardsAuto, Jon Ikeda, Acura’s U.S. Group Vice President, noted, “This model piques the interest of many people within our organization, so our R&D team is exploring the potential.” However, he cautioned that due to varying regulations, launching this competitor to the Audi Q3 in the U.S. “is not simply a matter of shipping it here,” but added, “it is under consideration and is being discussed.”
The Acura CDX shares its platform with the Honda HR-V and incorporates a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, similar to that used in the higher trims of the Honda Civic. This is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission taken from the ILX and non-V6 versions of the TLX. Additionally, the CDX features Acura’s latest diamond pentagonal grille, which has only been seen until now on the refreshed MDX and TLX models.
Should Honda’s upscale mini SUV ever arrive in the U.S., it will face stiff competition from the likes of the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and the platform-sharing Mercedes-Benz GLA and Infiniti QX30.
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