Acura RLX
The Acura RLX was the flagship of Acura's sedan lineup from 2014 to 2020. This midsize four-door car can carry five adults in comfort. Its front-wheel-drive chassis was first powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an automatic transmission. A Sport Hybrid model was also available, with all-wheel drive. The base RLX was known for crisp handling thanks to its unique all-wheel steering system. The RLX also provided a long list of driver-assistance and convenience tech features, including adaptive cruise control and available blind-spot monitoring.
Explore the evolution of the Acura RLX
Get our expert take on used Acura RLX models, or view year-by-year changes.
First generation Acura RLX
The Acura RLX is a midsize four-door luxury sedan with seating for up to five adults. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6, the RLX used a six-speed automatic for the first four years of production, then upgraded to a 10-speed automatic starting in 2018. In all cases, the base RLX offered front-wheel drive. Sold alongside the RLX was an RLX Sport Hybrid, with more power and all-wheel drive.
The RLX was a popular choice because of its tech-forward list of features, as well as its large, comfortable cabin. While its performance is adequate, it was never meant to compete with European sedans in performance-oriented tests. What the RLX offered was an advanced list of driver-assistance tech, starting with all-speed adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, and blind-spot monitoring before those features were commonplace. The RLX also featured rear-wheel steering, which made it more nimble than other cars of its size.
Model highlights
Midsize luxury sedan
V6 engine
Automatic transmission with front-wheel drive
Large, comfortable cabin
Seating for five adults
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2014 - 2020
2020 Acura RLX
2019 Acura RLX
2018 Acura RLX
Highlights
First year for new 10-speed automatic transmission
Midcycle refresh updated front-end styling
Updated driver-assist features and suspension tuning
Learn more
2017 Acura RLX
2016 Acura RLX
Highlights
360-degree camera system became available
Slight upgrades to suspension and steering
19-inch wheels became standard
Learn more
2015 Acura RLX
2014 Acura RLX
Looking for 2013 models or older?
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Reliability
RepairPal gave the Acura RLX an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Acura RLX 15th out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Acura RLX is $569, compared to an average of $617 for Luxury Midsize Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Acura RLX owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.8 times per year, compared to an average of 1.4 times for Luxury Midsize Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 11% for the Acura RLX, compared to an average of 13% for Luxury Midsize Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Jeff Zurschmeide has been an automotive journalist for more than 20 years, covering the new car business as well as motorsports and industry news. He lives in Tillamook, Oregon, at the confluence of great roads, nice weather, and plenty of space for a collection of strange old automobiles.
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