What is the Acura RLX?
The RLX was Acura’s flagship sedan, with a spacious five-seat cabin and a focus on comfort and technology. It sat at the top of the brand’s sedan range. Acura is Honda’s luxury marque, and the RLX brought distinctive steering and hybrid systems to a traditional four-door sedan.
Generations and design
The first generation ran from 2014 to 2020. Its clean shape featured Acura’s Jewel Eye LED headlights. Front-wheel-drive versions used Precision All-Wheel Steer, which could adjust the rear wheels. The hybrid paired electric motors at the rear with Acura’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system. Together, these features gave the large sedan a distinctive approach to steering and all-wheel drive.
Engines and power
Every RLX used a 3.5-litre petrol V6, offered on its own or with a hybrid system. In the hybrid, three electric motors worked with the engine: one in the transmission and two at the rear. Acura quoted a combined output of 377 hp for the hybrid.
Fuel consumption and where it was sold
In the United States, EPA figures cover model years 2014–2020. The best combined rating listed is 30 mpg, and the lowest listed consumption is 7.8 L/100 km. In Canada, NRCan figures cover 2014–2020, with a lowest listed consumption of 7.7 L/100 km under the 5-cycle test. The EPA and Canadian 5-cycle procedures differ, so their results are best read within their own markets. The RLX was sold in both countries, with petrol and hybrid versions in the US and petrol versions in Canada.
Questions and answers
When was the Acura RLX sold?
Its first generation ran from 2014 to 2020. It was sold in the United States and Canada.
Did the RLX come as a hybrid?
Yes. The US range included petrol and hybrid versions. The hybrid paired a 3.5-litre V6 with three electric motors.
What is the RLX’s best combined EPA fuel economy?
The best combined EPA rating listed is 30 mpg.