Acura RLX — Specs, Trims, Prices & Owner Reviews
The Acura RLX is a mid-size executive/luxury sedan that served as Acura's flagship in North America. Introduced for the 2014 model year as the successor to the Acura RL, it was offered in conventional front-wheel-drive form and as the RLX Sport Hybrid with Acura's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD torque-vectoring system. Production for the RLX ran through the 2020 model year and Acura confirmed the model was discontinued in the U.S. after 2020.
Model years 2015–2026 · Independent buyer data
Acura RLX: General Information
The Acura RLX is a mid-size executive/luxury sedan that served as Acura's flagship in North America. Introduced for the 2014 model year as the successor to the Acura RL, it was offered in conventional front-wheel-drive form and as the RLX Sport Hybrid with Acura's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD torque-vectoring system. Production for the RLX ran through the 2020 model year and Acura confirmed the model was discontinued in the U.S. after 2020.
Mechanically the RLX relied on Honda's 3.5‑liter Earth Dreams J35 V6 in non-hybrid models (manufacturer-rated at about 310 hp and 272 lb‑ft) and a Sport Hybrid variant that pairs the V6 with three electric motors for a combined system output of roughly 377 hp and 341 lb‑ft. Non-hybrid RLX models used a conventional automatic (6-speed early, 10-speed in later years) while the Sport Hybrid used a motor‑integrated 7-speed DCT; EPA estimates cited during the model run were roughly 20/30 mpg (city/highway) for the V6 and about 29/30 mpg for the Sport Hybrid. Acura applied a mid-cycle refresh for the 2018 model year that updated exterior styling, lighting, and interior appointments.
Acura RLX by model year
2015 Acura RLX
2015 Acura RLX (base)
The base RLX uses Acura's 3.5L "Earth Dreams" V6 (J35Y4) paired with a 6‑speed automatic and Acura's Precision All‑Wheel Steer (P‑AWS) four‑wheel‑steering system on FWD models. For 2015 there were no major mechanical changes from the 2014 introduction; the model emphasized technology and comfort rather than aggressive performance.
2015 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD
The RLX Sport Hybrid pairs the 3.5L V6 with a motor‑integrated 7‑speed DCT and three electric motors (one front, two rear) to provide SH‑AWD torque vectoring and a combined output of about 377 hp. Compared with the conventional V6 RLX, the Sport Hybrid improves fuel economy while adding electric‑motor torque vectoring; it was offered alongside the base RLX in 2015.
2016 Acura RLX
2016 Acura RLX (base)
The non‑hybrid RLX is powered by a 3.5L Earth Dreams V6 mated to a 6‑speed automatic and driving the front wheels; Acura's Precision All‑Wheel Steer (P‑AWS) is standard. For 2016 there were no major mechanical changes from earlier model years though Acura updated wheel finishes and continued to offer Technology and Advance option packages.
2016 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD
The Sport Hybrid combines the 3.5L V6 with three electric motors (one front, two rear) and a motor‑integrated 7‑speed DCT to create an electric torque‑vectoring SH‑AWD system. For 2016 the hybrid continued largely unchanged from its earlier launch, offering higher output and additional standard audio and acoustic treatments compared with the non‑hybrid RLX.
2017 Acura RLX
2017 Acura RLX (3.5L V6)
Conventional gasoline RLX powered by a 3.5L i‑VTEC V6 paired with a 6‑speed automatic. The 2017 model is a carryover in the generation and was offered with Technology and Advance option packages; the base configuration is FWD and includes Acura’s Precision All‑Wheel Steer (P‑AWS) on non‑hybrid models and Jewel‑Eye LED headlamps as standard. Starting MSRP:
2017 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD
Sport Hybrid variant pairs the 3.5L V6 with an integrated front motor and two rear electric motors (electric torque‑vectoring SH‑AWD) producing a combined 377 hp. The hybrid uses a motor‑integrated 7‑speed DCT and includes hybrid‑specific equipment (standard 19" wheels, acoustic glass, upgraded audio). For 2017 the Sport Hybrid continued as Acura’s high‑performance/efficiency RLX offering. Starting MSRP:
2018 Acura RLX
2018 Acura RLX RLX
The standard RLX is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 mated to a new-for-2018 10-speed automatic; the model focuses on comfort and technology and comes standard with AcuraWatch active-safety systems and Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS). The 2018 refresh added revised exterior styling, redesigned seats and Traffic Jam Assist; original 2018 MSRP for the base RLX launched at $55,895.
2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid
The RLX Sport Hybrid pairs the 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors (one integrated with the front transmission and two rear wheel motors) for a combined output and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive operation. The Sport Hybrid produces substantially more power than the regular V6 and adds luxury and technology features as standard; for 2018 it received a revised battery pack that improved trunk space while benefiting from the same mid-cycle styling and feature refresh.
2019 Acura RLX
2019 Acura RLX RLX
Base non-hybrid RLX sedan powered by a 3.5L V6 with Acura’s Earth Dreams technologies and Variable Cylinder Management. The V6 is paired with a 10‑speed automatic (applied after the 2018 facelift); the RLX retained Acura’s comfort- and tech-focused equipment, including Jewel‑Eye LED headlamps and the AcuraWatch suite. The Advance option package adds cooled front seats, a head‑up display and other luxury appointments.
2019 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD
Flagship Sport Hybrid variant combining the 3.5L V6 with three electric motors in Acura’s Sport Hybrid SH‑AWD system for torque‑vectoring rear drive and substantially higher output. The hybrid powertrain uses a motor‑integrated 7‑speed dual‑clutch transmission and produces a combined system output of about 377 hp. Hybrid models carried additional standard equipment (14‑speaker ELS Studio Premium audio) and could be ordered with the Advance package for cooled seats and a head‑up display.
2020 Acura RLX
2020 Acura RLX RLX
The standard RLX is powered by a 3.5L V6 (J35Y4) paired with a 10‑speed automatic and front‑wheel drive. The 2020 RLX continued largely unchanged after the 2018 refresh; mechanical and feature changes were minimal compared with prior years. Exact 2020 MSRP not verified here.
2020 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD
The RLX Sport Hybrid SH‑AWD pairs the 3.5L V6 with three electric motors (one front motor integrated in the transmission and two rear motors) and a motor‑integrated 7‑speed dual‑clutch transmission to provide torque‑vectoring SH‑AWD and a combined system output around 377 hp. For 2020 the Sport Hybrid carried over with no major mechanical revisions; it delivers notably better EPA economy than the non‑hybrid RLX. Exact 2020 MSRP not verified here.
2021 Acura RLX
2021 Acura RLX Not offered — discontinued after 2020
Acura did not offer the RLX for the 2021 model year in the United States. Production ended in June 2020 and the model was discontinued after the 2020 model year, so there were no 2021 trims, pricing, or factory options. This entry records that absence rather than speculating on specifications or pricing for 2021.
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2022 Acura RLX
2022 Acura RLX No 2022 models (RLX discontinued)
There were no 2022 Acura RLX trims offered in the U.S.; the RLX was discontinued after the 2020 model year and production ended in mid‑2020. The last available configurations (through 2020) were a front‑wheel‑drive 3.5L V6 and the RLX Sport Hybrid with SH‑AWD. Because no 2022 production occurred, there is no 2022 starting price or 2022 powertrain/spec data to report.
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2023 Acura RLX
2023 Acura RLX Not offered in U.S. (discontinued 2020)
The Acura RLX was discontinued from the U.S. lineup after the 2020 model year; no factory 2023 RLX trims were offered in the United States. The final U.S. offerings (for 2020) were the RLX Sedan w/ Technology Package (3.5L V6, FWD) and the RLX Sport Hybrid w/ Advance Package (3.5L hybrid with SH‑AWD). This entry documents the absence of 2023 trims for the U.S. market.
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2024 Acura RLX
2024 Acura RLX Not offered (discontinued)
The Acura RLX was discontinued after the 2020 model year and was not offered new in the U.S. for 2024. No factory trims, engines, drivetrains, or option packages were sold for the 2024 model year.
This entry is a placeholder to make explicit that there were no 2024 RLX trims to verify; all detailed specification fields are left blank for that reason.
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2025 Acura RLX
2025 Acura RLX No U.S. 2025 models (model discontinued after 2020)
The Acura RLX was discontinued after the 2020 model year; there were no factory 2025 RLX trims offered in the U.S. Historically the RLX was available as a 3.5‑L V6 (≈310 hp) FWD with Acura’s Precision All‑Wheel Steer (P‑AWS) and as the RLX Sport Hybrid SH‑AWD with a combined output near 377 hp. Because no 2025 U.S. models were produced, no 2025 starting prices exist.
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2026 Acura RLX
2026 Acura RLX Not offered (model discontinued)
Acura discontinued the RLX after the 2020 model year; no RLX trims were offered in the U.S. for 2026. This entry documents the absence of production rather than a marketed trim.
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Acura RLX trim levels
| Trim | MSRP | Engine | Power | Drive | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RLX (base) | ~$55,900 | 3.5L V6 (Earth Dreams, J35Y4) | 310 hp / 272 lb‑ft | FWD | 20 / 30 mpg |
| RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD | ~$55,900 | 3.5L V6 + electric motors (3‑motor Sport Hybrid system) | 377 hp / 341 lb‑ft | AWD | 29 / 30 mpg |
| RLX (base) | ~$55,900 | 3.5L V6 (Earth Dreams J35Y4) | 310 hp / 272 lb-ft | FWD | 20 / 30 mpg |
| RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD | ~$55,900 | 3.5L V6 + 3 electric motors (Sport Hybrid SH‑AWD) | 377 hp / 341 lb-ft | AWD | 29 / 30 mpg |
| RLX (3.5L V6) | ~$55,900 | 3.5L V6 | 310 hp / 272 lb-ft | FWD | 20 / 30 mpg |
| RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD | ~$55,900 | 3.5L V6 + 3 electric motors (Sport Hybrid) | 377 hp / 341 lb-ft | AWD | 29 / 30 mpg |
| RLX | $55,895 | 3.5L V6 | 310 hp / 272 lb-ft | FWD | 20 / 29 mpg |
| RLX Sport Hybrid | ~$55,900 | 3.5L V6 + 3-motor hybrid | 377 hp / 341 lb-ft (combined) | AWD | 28 / 29 mpg |
| RLX | ~$57,000 | 3.5L V6 | 310 hp / 272 lb-ft | FWD | 20 / 30 mpg |
| RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD | ~$55,900 | 3.5L V6 + 3 electric motors (Sport Hybrid SH‑AWD) | 377 hp / 341 lb-ft | AWD | 29 / 30 mpg |
| RLX | ~$58,150 | 3.5L V6 (J35Y4) | 310 hp / 272 lb-ft | FWD | 20 / 29 mpg |
| RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD | ~$55,900 | 3.5L V6 + electric motors (Sport Hybrid SH‑AWD) | 377 hp / 341 lb-ft (system) | AWD | 28 / 29 mpg |
| Not offered — discontinued after 2020 | ~$55,900 | — | — | — | — |
| No 2022 models (RLX discontinued) | ~$55,900 | — | — | — | — |
| Not offered in U.S. (discontinued 2020) | ~$55,900 | — | — | — | — |
| Not offered (discontinued) | ~$55,900 | — | — | — | — |
| No U.S. 2025 models (model discontinued after 2020) | ~$55,900 | — | — | — | — |
| Not offered (model discontinued) | ~$55,900 | — | — | — | — |
Specifications (2026)
| Engine | 6-cylinderL |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Gas |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Seats | 5 |
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Frequently asked questions
How much does the Acura RLX cost?
The Acura RLX has a typical price range of $55,925 – $62,925 (USD), spanning 18 trim levels. Actual prices vary by year, mileage and local market conditions.
Is the Acura RLX reliable?
Recall history: 1 recall (2023 campaign 23V858000 — fuel pump; campaign lists certain 2013–2023 Honda and Acura vehicles including the RLX).
What years of the Acura RLX are available to compare?
Cars4Real covers Acura RLX model years 2015–2026. You can compare every year and trim side by side with live market prices and real owner reviews.