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2020 Acura RLX review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
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Acura RLX highlights

Customer rating

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RepairPal reliability rating

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

Pros

  • Powerful hybrid system delivers 310 horsepower
  • Classic sedan style with high-end accents 
  • Good fuel economy

Cons

  • Front-wheel drive may not give a lot of grace for snow  
  • Two-screen infotainment system is outdated
  • Missing Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 29 highway, 23 combined

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A classic sedan with bumping audio

The feature-packed 2020 Acura RLX offers drivers a classic sedan look with modern amenities and thoughtful touches meant to augment the driving experience. The two-screen aspect of the infotainment system isn’t a fan favorite, but the number of audio and connectivity services included in the 2020 RLX is fairly impressive given its release year. Those include a 14-speaker ELS Studio premium audio system, HD radio, and Bluetooth® connectivity.

All Acura RLX years

2020 Acura RLX trims

Curious how Acura RLX trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 310-hp, 272-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
  • Cruise Control
  • Head Up Display
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seats
  • View our Acura RLX inventory

Acura RLX photos

5 reasons to buy the 2020 Acura RLX

1. Driver-assist features lend peace of mind 

The 2020 Acura RLX base model comes with all the driver-assist features of the higher-end 2020 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid, including traffic-jam assist, collision, lane, and road departure warnings, and a theft deterrent system with electronic mobilizer. This model confidently handles city and highway driving as well, making it all the more accessible to a range of drivers — from teens who just got their licenses, to commuting professionals, to seniors looking for an easy car to ride around in.  

2. Good fuel economy 

The 2020 Acura RLX packs a powerful V6, 3.5-liter, 24-valve engine. With an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined, the 2020 Acura RLX lets you stretch out your visits to the gas station. This makes the 2020 RLX a great choice if you regularly need to do highway miles on the way to the office. Even those weekend drives around town will feel thrifty thanks to the smooth driving experience of this sedan. 

3. A superior sound system 

The 2020 Acura RLX features a 14-speaker ELS Studio premium audio system, which pumps out studio-like sound with speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin. The system comes satellite radio-ready and accepts CDs, Bluetooth® connectivity, or aux/USB-A jacks but no Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™). Even so, considering the 2020 RLX is a base model, the audio offering is an unexpected touch of luxury.  

4. A spacious cabin  

With 42.3 inches of legroom and 37.6 inches of headroom in the front seats, the 2020 Acura RLX is tall-person friendly even if it is low to the ground. In terms of cargo, a modest 14.9 cu-ft of trunk space may not meet the needs of a family with young children. Still, it’s more than enough for anyone looking for a smart and versatile everyday ride in which to commute, run errands, go on a weekend trip, or hit the beach for the day.  

5. Long list of features  

The 2020 Acura RLX doesn’t skimp on the features. First, there are the aesthetic touches: a power moonroof, LED headlights, sports seats with contrast stitching and piping, ambient cabin lighting, among many others. Next is the impressive list of driver-assist features that come standard with the base vehicle, including a blind spot information system, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. All told, the 2020 RLX shows off how refinement can come in understated packages.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

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RepairPal reliability rating

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4
Above Average

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.

Cost

According to RepairPal, cost is the average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle. Higher average cost alone does not necessarily mean a vehicle is less reliable.

The related cost of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for the accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data for select August 2023 vehicles as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

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.

Frequency

According to RepairPal, frequency is the average number of times the vehicle is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal reports that it calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year for each make and model; and that controls are included to omit small routine visits to shops (such as for oil changes).

The frequency of such visits for a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for the accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data for select August 2023 vehicles as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

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.

Severity

According to RepairPal, severity measures the probability that a repair will be a major issue. RepairPal reports that an issue is considered severe if a repair costs three-times the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).

The severity of repairs for a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for the accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data for select August 2023 vehicles as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

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.

Acura RLX features and specs

Curious how Acura RLX trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Head Up Display
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

310

Torque (ft-lbs)

272

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

18.5

Wheelbase

112.2"

Overall length

198.1"

Width

74.4"

Height

57.7"

Leg room

F 42.3"/R 38.8"

Head room

F 37.6"/R 36.9"

Front tires

P245/40WR19

Rear tires

P245/40WR19

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2020 Acura RLX FAQ


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