“It is a fine car, kind of sporty but definitely not a sports car. Really boring to drive as expected. Ride is harsh compared to the competition but something you can live with.”
2014 Acura RLX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for 2014 is the debut of the all-new Acura RLX, which replaces the outgoing RL as Acura’s flagship sedan. A front-wheel-drive V6 model launched first, followed late in the model year by the more powerful Sport Hybrid SH-AWD.
About the 2014 Acura RLX
1st generation RLX (2014-2020), first year. The front-drive RLX launched first, and the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD joined late in the 2014 model year.
Acura positioned the RLX as a technology-rich flagship sedan that blends big-car passenger space with easier-to-drive proportions. The focus was less on traditional luxury flash and more on comfort, safety tech, sharp lighting, smart packaging, and confident handling. Compared with German rivals, Acura leaned on standard equipment, rear-seat room, efficient V6 power, and brand-specific chassis technology to make the RLX feel like a high-value, easy-to-live-with luxury sedan.
The gas RLX is the well-equipped core of the range, pairing a roomy luxury cabin with a 310-hp V6 and rear-wheel steering that helps the large sedan feel easier to place on the road. The 377-hp Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is the technology and performance flagship, with three electric motors, all-wheel drive, a head-up display, and additional driver-assistance features.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The RLX debuts with a 310-hp, direct-injected 3.5-liter V6. The late-model-year Sport Hybrid SH-AWD pairs the V6 with three electric motors for 377 hp and all-wheel drive.
Styling
The first-generation RLX introduces a roomier sedan body and signature LED headlights.
Safety
Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are standard. The Sport Hybrid also features automatic collision-mitigation braking and blind-spot monitoring.
Tech
The front-wheel-drive gas RLX uses rear-wheel steering to improve handling. The Sport Hybrid brings a head-up display, a push-button gear selector, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Structural
The RLX replaces the RL with a larger, roomier body and an updated body structure designed to manage crash forces.
2014 Acura RLX specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter | V6, Hybrid, i-VTEC, 3.5L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/SportShift | Auto, 7-Spd Seq SptShft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 377 hp |
| Torque | 272 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.9 cu-ft | 11.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.8 in | 38.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||
| Hill Start Assist | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| HID Headlights | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Rear Window Shades | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||
Frequently asked questions
Is 2014 the first year of the Acura RLX?
Yes. The 2014 model year begins the first RLX generation, with the RLX taking over as Acura’s flagship sedan from the outgoing RL.
Did every 2014 Acura RLX have all-wheel drive?
No. The gas-only 2014 RLX is front-wheel drive and uses rear-wheel steering. All-wheel drive belongs to the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, which arrived late in the model year.
What is the difference between the 2014 RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid?
The regular 2014 RLX has a 310-hp V6, front-wheel drive, and rear-wheel steering. The Sport Hybrid has a 377-hp three-motor hybrid system, all-wheel drive, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and a head-up display.
What safety features came on the 2014 Acura RLX?
The 2014 RLX has standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning. The Sport Hybrid also features automatic collision-mitigation braking and blind-spot monitoring.
Is the 2014 Acura RLX a complete redesign or an updated RL?
The 2014 RLX is an all-new model rather than a simple update of the RL. It starts a new generation with a roomier body, a direct-injected V6, LED headlights, and new chassis technology.
2014 Acura RLX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2014 Acura RLX.
4.1
2014 Acura RLX
(15 reviews)