Is Acura Rlx A Good Car: Performance and Value Analyzed
The Acura RLX is often overlooked in the luxury sedan market. Yet, its performance, design, and features are worth exploring. We’ll see if this luxury sedan stands out or falls short compared to its peers.
The Acura RLX is powered by a 310-horsepower V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive model achieves 23 mpg combined. Meanwhile, the all-wheel-drive hybrid variant reaches an impressive 30 mpg combined, making it a fuel-efficient choice for luxury seekers.
Despite its roomy and well-crafted interior, the Acura RLX might not meet some luxury expectations. Its controls and infotainment system can be complex, potentially causing frustration. However, it offers a variety of electronic and connectivity features to keep everyone connected and entertained.
Acura RLX Performance Overview
The Acura RLX, a midsize luxury sedan, offers an impressive performance package. It is powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine produces 310 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque, ensuring ample power and responsiveness.
Engine and Power Specifications
The Acura RLX’s gasoline engine boasts impressive power figures. It allows for a seamless and engaging driving experience. With its advanced hybrid technology, the total output increases to 377 horsepower and 341 pound-feet of torque. This makes it a formidable contender in its class.
Transmission and Handling
The Acura RLX features a quick-shifting, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This transmission provides lightning-fast gear changes and a more responsive feel behind the wheel. The RLX’s suspension and steering aim to deliver a comfortable yet engaging driving dynamics. However, some reviewers have noted the lack of agility and a slightly unsettled ride quality.
Acceleration and Speed Capabilities
The Acura RLX’s 0-60 mph acceleration is in the low 6-second range. This ensures a brisk and exhilarating driving experience. The RLX’s top speed is more than adequate for daily driving and highway cruising. This allows drivers to enjoy the Acura RLX driving experience to the fullest.
| Specification | Acura RLX Sport Hybrid | Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Prestige | Lexus GS 350 Sedan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 + Hybrid | 3.0L Turbocharged V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 377 hp | 310 hp | 306 hp |
| Torque | 341 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed Dual-Clutch | 7-speed Automatic | 8-speed Automatic |
| 0-60 mph | Low 6 seconds | 5.1 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| Starting Price | $61,900 | $55,995 | $47,000 |
Design and Exterior Features
The Acura RLX showcases a unique and captivating exterior. It combines modern styling with Acura’s distinctive design elements. At the front, the RLX features Acura’s signature Jewel Eye LED headlights. This gives it a striking and sophisticated look, setting it apart from competitors.
Signature Jewel Eye LED Headlights
The Acura RLX’s Jewel Eye LED headlights stand out as a key feature. These advanced lights use multiple LED lenses to create a beautiful illumination pattern. This enhances both the vehicle’s look and its visibility on the road. The Jewel Eye design not only looks exceptional but also offers superior lighting for improved safety and driving confidence.
Body Styling and Dimensions
The Acura RLX has a sleek and aerodynamic body design. It starts with a prominent “shield” grille and flows smoothly along its length. A distinctive body line runs from the front fenders, angles downward on the front doors, and sweeps down the sides. This creates a dynamic and visually appealing profile.
With a wheelbase of 112.2 inches, a length of 196.1 inches, a height of 57.7 inches, and a width of 74.4 inches, the RLX has a well-proportioned and elegantly styled presence on the road.
Exterior Build Quality
The Acura RLX is known for its exceptional build quality. This includes both materials and craftsmanship. The exterior features a meticulously engineered and assembled body. It has tight panel gaps and a smooth, consistent finish.
Rain-sensing wipers and parking sensors enhance the RLX’s refined and practical exterior. They ensure a premium driving experience.
Interior Comfort and Space
The Acura RLX boasts a spacious, luxurious interior, designed for both drivers and passengers. Its seats, made of soft, supple leather, offer unmatched comfort. The front seats even come with ventilation, while all seats have heaters for a cozy ride.
The cabin dimensions of the Acura RLX are impressive. It has 37.6 inches of front headroom and 36.9 inches of rear headroom. Legroom is generous, with 42.3 inches in the front and 38.8 inches in the rear. The RLX also has 14.7 cubic feet of cargo space, making it practical for daily use and long trips.
The steering wheel is a key feature of the Acura RLX’s interior. It has controls for easy access to the vehicle’s features. The Acura RLX’s interior showcases the brand’s dedication to Acura RLX luxury features, ensuring a refined and comfortable driving experience.
| Interior Dimensions | Measurements |
|---|---|
| Front Headroom | 37.6 inches |
| Rear Headroom | 36.9 inches |
| Front Legroom | 42.3 inches |
| Rear Legroom | 38.8 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 14.7 cubic feet |
Premium Audio and Entertainment Features
The Acura RLX boasts a Krell 14-speaker audio system, delivering sound quality that music lovers will adore. This cutting-edge system provides a balanced, immersive sound experience. It sets a new benchmark for audio performance in vehicles.
The RLX’s infotainment system is equally impressive, with a touchscreen display that offers vibrant graphics and smooth feedback. However, the navigation system has received criticism for its poor interface, slow responses, and awkward placement. These issues can be frustrating, especially while driving.
Voice control in the Acura RLX is a mixed experience, with some users finding it less than ideal. Furthermore, the absence of a passenger-override feature for navigation input while driving is a notable drawback. This could affect convenience and safety.
Despite these minor flaws, the Acura RLX’s audio and entertainment features stand out. The Krell system’s outstanding sound quality, combined with the intuitive, albeit imperfect, infotainment interface, enhances the in-cabin experience. This makes the RLX a favorite among audiophiles and tech-savvy drivers.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency Ratings
The Acura RLX shines in fuel economy and efficiency. The base front-wheel-drive model offers an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and a combined 24 mpg. The all-wheel-drive hybrid version, however, elevates efficiency to a remarkable 30 mpg combined.
While not the best in the luxury sedan class, these figures are still commendable. They reflect the RLX’s size and its powerful engine. Drivers looking for a balance between performance and efficiency will find the Acura RLX satisfying.
| Model | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acura RLX (FWD) | 20 | 31 | 24 |
| Acura RLX Hybrid (AWD) | 28 | 32 | 30 |
The Acura RLX’s fuel economy is a fair compromise. It meets the needs of many drivers who seek both power and efficiency in a luxury sedan.
Safety Features and Ratings
The Acura RLX stands out in safety. It comes with the advanced AcuraWatch safety suite. This includes forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Since 2016, AcuraWatch has been standard on all RLX trims, ensuring all drivers get these advanced safety technologies.
The RLX also has additional safety features. These include cross-traffic alert and a surround-view camera system on higher trims. Its adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist generally work well, but may sometimes malfunction.
Crash Test Performance
The Acura RLX has earned top safety ratings from independent testers. In small overlap front crash tests, it received good ratings for driver injury measures. These include the head, neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot. The car showed minimal intrusion and low risk of leg and foot injuries, with effective airbag performance.
In moderate overlap front tests, the Acura RLX scored well for head/neck, chest, and leg/foot injuries on the driver’s side. The test revealed footwell intrusion, instrument panel movement, and steering column movement.
Side crash tests for the Acura RLX showed good ratings for both the driver and rear passenger. There were no significant injuries to the head/neck, torso, pelvis, or leg. The test confirmed the effectiveness of the occupant protection systems.
The roof strength evaluation for the Acura RLX Navi 4-door model gave it a good overall rating. It had a strength-to-weight ratio of 5.18 and a peak force of 20,314 lbs.
The Acura RLX has shown a strong commitment to safety. It has earned impressive ratings and technical performance in various crash test scenarios.
Price Analysis and Market Position
The Acura RLX’s price is a key consideration. Our test model, fully loaded, cost $61,435, including delivery. This price puts it in a competitive space with the Audi A6 and Lexus GS 350. Yet, some argue its performance and luxury don’t fully justify the cost compared to these rivals.
Let’s delve into the RLX’s value. It retains 48% of its value after 5 years, with maintenance averaging $521 annually for the first 5 years. Insurance costs about $2,497 yearly, and it achieves a combined 23 MPG. Owning an RLX for 5 years averages $66,356.
The Acura RLX price might seem steep, but the warranty offers some comfort. It covers 48 months/50,000 miles limited and 72 months/70,000 miles for the powertrain. Nonetheless, sales have plummeted, with only 214 units sold in the U.S. in 2021, down from 5,014 in 2013. In Canada, sales fell from 53 in 2013 to just 2 in 2021.
The Acura RLX value for money is a subject of debate. Its pricing and declining sales suggest it may not offer the best value. Potential buyers must assess its features and performance against other luxury sedans to decide if it fits their budget and needs.
Luxury Features and Technology
The Acura RLX stands out as a luxury sedan, packed with advanced technology and premium features. It offers a sophisticated climate control system and cutting-edge driver assistance technologies. These features aim to provide exceptional comfort, convenience, and safety.
Climate Control Systems
The RLX boasts tri-zone automatic climate control. This allows the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers to adjust the temperature individually. It ensures everyone in the cabin enjoys optimal comfort, regardless of their preferences. The system also includes an air filtration function to keep the cabin environment clean and refreshing.
Driver Assistance Technologies
The Acura RLX comes with a suite of Acura RLX driver assistance technologies. These include Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Lane Keeping Assist System. These features work together to provide a more confident and stress-free driving experience.
However, it’s crucial to remember that these technologies can sometimes malfunction or behave unexpectedly. Drivers must always stay attentive and ready to take control of the vehicle. The Acura RLX luxury tech features are meant to assist, not replace, the driver’s judgment and decision-making.
The RLX also features a push-button-open glove box. This contributes to a clean and uncluttered instrument panel design. It enhances the vehicle’s luxurious and sophisticated aesthetic.
Competition Comparison
The Acura RLX faces tough competition from the Audi A6 and Lexus GS 350. The Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Prestige, priced at $55,995, matches the RLX’s power but excels in performance. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The Lexus GS 350, starting at $47,000, offers similar features and slightly better acceleration (0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds) at a lower cost. Both competitors boast their own strengths, such as Audi’s luxury or Lexus’ brand reputation.
The Acura RLX holds its own against the competition. It boasts a powerful V6 engine, a spacious interior, and advanced technology and safety features. Its 310 horsepower V6 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, and hybrid option give it a performance edge. The RLX also offers a roomy cabin and ample cargo space, appealing to families and discerning buyers.
Choosing between the Acura RLX, Audi A6, and Lexus GS 350 depends on personal preferences and priorities. Each midsize sedan offers something unique, whether it’s power, luxury, or value. As we weigh our options, the Acura RLX stands out as a well-rounded and compelling choice in this competitive segment.
