What is the body material of Acura RDX?
The Acura RDX uses a mixed-material unibody built primarily from high-strength steel, with aluminum panels used in weight-saving areas—most notably the hood and front fenders on recent models—to balance safety, rigidity, and efficiency.
ACE-based mixed-material architecture
The RDX relies on Honda/Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which emphasizes high-strength steel in critical zones to manage crash energy while using lightweight aluminum where feasible.
Materials at a glance
Below is a quick look at the main materials involved in the RDX’s body construction.
- Hot-stamped high-strength steel forms much of the central unibody and cross-members, providing rigidity and crash energy management.
- Aluminum panels are used in weight-saving areas, notably the hood and front fenders on most recent models, to reduce curb weight without compromising safety.
- Structural adhesives and precision welding join panels to maximize stiffness and crash energy distribution.
In practice, this mixed-material approach yields a rigid, safety-focused structure while helping to improve efficiency through reduced weight.
Panel specifics and year-to-year variations
Aluminum panels are used for weight savings; the hood and front fenders are commonly aluminum on contemporary models, while the majority of body panels remain steel. Exact panel composition can vary by year and trim.
Maintenance and repair considerations
Mixed-material bodies can influence repair techniques and insurance costs. Aluminum requires different tools and processes than steel, and Acura provides service guidelines for proper repair and repainting of aluminum panels. The goal is to preserve safety, rigidity, and aesthetics across model years.
Summary
The RDX’s body is a mixed-material construction—predominantly high-strength steel with aluminum panels for weight savings—designed to maximize crash safety and efficiency while accommodating repair considerations across model years.
