Acura has not yet released a fully electric SUV, but the brand has committed to an all-electric lineup by 2035

Acura, Honda's luxury division, does not currently sell a battery-electric SUV in the United States. The brand's current SUV lineup — the RDX, MDX, and TLX — all use gasoline engines or hybrid powertrains. However, Acura announced in 2021 that it would transition to an all-electric brand by 2035, meaning electric SUVs will eventually replace these models.

The timeline matters because it affects what you can actually buy today versus what you might wait for. If you need an SUV now, Acura's current options are hybrid or gas-powered. If you are willing to wait and want an electric vehicle from a luxury brand, Acura has signaled that electric models are coming, but no specific launch dates or model names have been confirmed for the U.S. market.

Key Takeaways

  • Acura currently offers the RDX and MDX as hybrid or gas SUVs, not electric vehicles.
  • The brand committed to an all-electric lineup by 2035, but no U.S. electric SUV has been announced with a confirmed release date.
  • Acura's parent company Honda is developing electric platforms that will likely underpin future Acura electric SUVs.
  • Buyers looking for a luxury electric SUV today have options from Tesla, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, but not yet from Acura.

Acura's Current SUV Lineup and Powertrain Options

The RDX is Acura's compact luxury SUV and comes with a turbocharged gasoline engine as standard. A hybrid version of the RDX is not currently offered in the U.S., though it exists in other markets. The MDX is the three-row midsize SUV and is available with either a gasoline V6 engine or as a hybrid. Both models use traditional transmissions and do not have plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions.

The TLX sedan also comes in gas and hybrid forms, though it is not an SUV. None of these vehicles have a battery-electric powertrain. If you are shopping for an Acura SUV today, you are choosing between a gas engine and a hybrid system, not between hybrid and electric.

What Acura Has Said About Electric Vehicles

In 2021, Acura announced that it would become an all-electric brand by 2035. This means that by that year, every new Acura sold should be fully electric. The announcement was part of Honda's broader commitment to electrification across its brands. However, the announcement did not include specific model names, launch dates, or details about which current models would be replaced first.

Acura has shown concept vehicles and design studies for future electric models, but these are not confirmed production vehicles. Concept cars often signal the direction a brand is heading, but they do not may provide that a specific model will reach dealerships or when it will arrive. The 2035 important date is a long-term target, not a promise about when individual models will launch.

Honda's Electric Platform and Its Role in Acura's Future

Honda is developing its own electric vehicle platforms rather than relying entirely on partnerships. The brand has announced plans to build electric vehicles on platforms called e:Architecture and e:e:Architecture, which are designed specifically for battery-electric cars and SUVs. These platforms will eventually be used across Honda and Acura brands.

Acura's future electric SUVs will likely use one of these Honda-developed platforms. This approach gives Acura control over the design and performance of its electric vehicles, but it also means the timeline depends on when Honda completes platform development and when Acura decides to launch specific models. The platforms are still in development, which is one reason no U.S. launch dates have been announced.

How Acura's Electric Timeline Compares to Competitors

Other luxury brands have already launched electric SUVs. BMW sells the iX and i4, Mercedes-Benz offers the EQC and EQE SUV, Audi has the Q4 e-tron, and Tesla sells the Model X and Model Y. Porsche, Jaguar, and Cadillac also have electric SUVs on the market or coming soon. Acura is behind this curve in the U.S. market, which means buyers who want a luxury electric SUV today cannot choose Acura.

Acura's 2035 all-electric target is later than some competitors' timelines. BMW, for example, has said it will stop selling combustion engines in most markets by the early 2030s. This does not mean Acura will not have electric SUVs before 2035, but it does mean the brand is not racing to be first and is taking a longer transition period than some rivals.

What to Expect When Acura Does Launch an Electric SUV

When Acura eventually releases an electric SUV, it will likely be positioned as a luxury vehicle with a price point above the equivalent gas or hybrid model. Electric vehicles generally cost more than their combustion-engine counterparts, though federal tax credits and state incentives can reduce the out-of-pocket cost. Acura will probably offer multiple battery sizes and range options, similar to how other luxury brands structure their electric lineups.

The vehicle will also likely include Acura's current technology features — such as its infotainment system, driver information features, and interior design language — adapted for an electric platform. Charging capability, battery warranty terms, and charging network partnerships will be important details that Acura will need to communicate when the vehicle is announced.

Your Options If You Want a Luxury Electric SUV Now

If you need a luxury electric SUV and do not want to wait for Acura, several alternatives exist. The Tesla Model X is the most established option and offers long range and fast charging. The BMW iX combines luxury features with a spacious interior. The Mercedes-Benz EQC and EQE SUV appeal to buyers who prioritize traditional luxury brand heritage. The Audi Q4 e-tron is smaller and more affordable than some competitors.

Each of these vehicles has different range, charging speed, interior design, and price points. Comparing them depends on your budget, how far you typically drive, and which brand's technology and design you prefer. None of them are Acura, but they are available now, whereas Acura's electric SUV is not.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Acura release an electric SUV in the United States?

Acura has not announced a specific launch date for an electric SUV in the U.S. The brand committed to an all-electric lineup by 2035, but that is a long-term target, not a release schedule. You can check Acura's official website or contact a dealer for updates on upcoming models.

Will the next-generation RDX or MDX be electric?

Acura has not confirmed whether the RDX or MDX will be replaced by electric versions or if new model names will be used. The current RDX and MDX will continue to be sold with gas and hybrid engines for the foreseeable future.

Can I buy an Acura plug-in hybrid SUV?

No. Acura does not currently offer a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV in the U.S. market. The RDX and MDX are available as gas or traditional hybrid only. Some other luxury brands, such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, offer plug-in hybrid SUVs if that powertrain interests you.

Is Acura developing its own electric platform or using someone else's?

Acura will use electric platforms developed by its parent company Honda. Honda is building platforms called e:Architecture and e:e:Architecture specifically for electric vehicles. This means Acura's future electric SUVs will share technology with Honda's electric vehicles but will have their own design and luxury features.