2017 Acura CDX

The 2016 Beijing Auto Show is in full swing as Acura debuts its newest crossover, the CDX. This compact SUV is aimed directly at the exploding Chinese market. Honda, Acura’s parent company, is even building the crossover in China, at its ZengCheng Plant in Guangzhou City.

The CDX is roughly the same size as Honda’s CR-V, but carries a completely different look. Acura says the CDX’s design is inspired by the Precision Concept – a highly stylized sedan that stole hearts at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show. The crossover’s introduction corresponds with Acura’s 10th year in China, making it a celebratory vehicle. There’s no word on whether Acura will release the CDX or a similarly styled cousin in other market regions, but we’re not betting on it.

Acura says the CDX will go on sale in China beginning in July of 2016 and will cost between 250- to 300,000 Yuan. At current enhance rates, which translates to $38,000 to $46,000.Exterior

 Acura CDX
There’s no doubt the CDX was stylized after the Precision Concept vehicle. Its grille, headlights, and angular styling all reflect the concept’s design cues. Thankfully, we can expect future Acuras to carry this same design styling, even here in the U.S. The design is far less polarizing than the brand’s current design language.

Thankfully, we can expect future Acuras to carry this same design styling, even here in the U.S.

All that aside, the CDX’s front end is very detailed. The five-sided grille features an expanding mesh-type insert that emanates from the large Acura logo. Down below, the fascia wears three large openings that are somewhat reminiscent of BMW. Fog lights help brighten up the area, which is mostly comprised of dark colors.

Around the sides, the CDX features hard-creased body lines with large wheel opening accents and double body lines that run below the door handles and just above the door bottoms. Those lines both carry onto the rear, where the angular design is further utilized. Each corner is angled off, leaving nearly no rounded surfaces or edges. The large taillights recall those of the Toyota Toyota RAV4, but carry their own unique lighting design. Bright chrome trim runs along the roof rails, side window openings, and along the rocker panels. More chrome is found on the rear bumper as well.

All told, the CDX is a highly stylized crossover that should do rather well in the Chinese market.

Interior

 Acura CDX
Acura has not released any photos of the CDX’s interior, but we suspect the dashboard will have a similarly angular design as the exterior. We do not suspect, however, that Acura will go as extreme with the interior design as on its Precision Concept. Expect to see a more conventional dashboard and center console design, though both could feature some innovative technology integration.

The CDX will seat five people and offer a folding second row bench for additional cargo room.

Drivetrain

 Acura CDX
The CDX is powered by Acura’s 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 182 HP and 177 LB-FT of toque

The CDX is powered by Acura’s 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 182 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of toque. The engine is transversely mounted and is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Customers can choose between the standard front-wheel drive or the optional AWD system.

Beyond that, Acura has not released any information regarding performance or efficiency specs. We expect to hear those numbers closer to the CDX’s launch in July.

Prices

The CDX will carry a base starting price of roughly 250,000 Yuan, which converts to about $38,000 in U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. High-end models will go for roughly 300,000 Yuan, which is roughly $46,000.

Expect to hear more about trim levels and options closer to the CDX’s launch date.

Competition

BUICK ENVISION

 Buick Envision
Though brand new to the American market for 2016, the Envision has been selling extremely well in China. In 2015 alone, more than 147,000 examples of the two-row crossover were sold to the Chinese people. Designed, engineered, and developed inside the U.S, the Envision is the brainchild of an American company, however each Envision rolls of a Chinese assembly line – even the ones sold Stateside. While that might be off-putting to U.S. customers, the idea of an American-designed, home-built crossover is likely pretty appealing.

The Envision is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 252 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. AWD actually comes standard. Prices for the Envision start at $35,000 here in the U.S., making it a few thousand less than then Acura CDX.

Read our full review on the Buick Envision here.

Conclusion

 Acura CDX
The Acura CDX will be an important vehicle for Acura in the Chinese market. Not only will it expand Acura’s lineup, it will help usher in a new design language. We hope this isn’t’ exclusive to China, either, as Acura’s current styling is in desperate need of a makeover. We’re fairly sure Acura will bring this design styling to the rest of its lineup within the next few model years.

We will definitely be keeping a close eye on the CDX over the next few years, especially during its initial launch. And once Acura releases more information regarding specifications and interior details, we’ll be sure to update you. Stay tuned.