2017 Acura RLX review

1. Vast cabin with ample legroom front and rear 

The 2017 Acura RLX is classified as a midsize sedan, but one look in the cabin and you’ll be convinced that it is in fact bigger on the inside. It’s capacious and roomy with generous legroom — a total of 42.3 inches in the front seats and 38.8 inches in the rear seats. Even with a maximum of five passengers inside, there’s more than enough room for everyone to make themselves comfortable. And to round it all off, creature comforts like tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and heated front seats are all included as standard. 

2. Stacked feature list offers plenty as standard 

Speaking of standard features, there are plenty of those on the 2017 Acura RLX. The entire feature list is lengthy enough as it is, but the best part is knowing that a lot of the desirable equipment is standard kit. This includes dual infotainment screens, automatic windshield wipers, and a 14-speaker sound system with Bluetooth^® connectivity and smartphone integration.  

3. Standard engine is ideal for daily driving 

Just like the feature list, what you get as standard under the hood is more than versatile enough for your daily needs. The default engine is a 3.5L V6, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and powering the front wheels. With 310 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque, you’ve got sufficient power and smooth acceleration to zip in and out of traffic in the city and on the highway. It also achieves an EPA-estimated 30 mpg on the highway, naming it great for commuting.

4. Sport Hybrid model adds power 

The standard engine is well-suited for daily use, but what if you want just a bit more power or all-wheel-drive performance? Say hello to the Sport Hybrid model. The standard 3.5L V6 engine is now augmented by three electric motors, paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and powering all four wheels rather than just the front two. Power output is boosted to 377 horsepower and 341 lb-ft of torque, and the all-wheel-drive platform enhances traction and makes for sharper handling. Best of all, this powertrain can still achieve an impressive 29 mpg combined and 30 mpg on the highway.

5. Driver convenience technology in abundance 

Part of the expanded roster of standard equipment on the 2017 Acura RLX is an even greater emphasis on driver convenience tech. With the entire AcuraWatch^™ suite of features included on all 2017 RLX models, that means you get forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, lane departure and road departure intervention, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Models equipped with the Advance package also get a 360-degree parking camera system that assists with parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.