“The 2016 RLX Sport Hybrid is a beautifully engineered and designed automobile. The comfort and technology are an amazing combination.”
2016 Acura RLX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Acura RLX is the wider rollout of the AcuraWatch safety suite, which gains Road Departure Mitigation and Cross Traffic Monitor. This is an equipment update rather than a redesign.
About the 2016 Acura RLX
1st generation RLX, third model year, pre-2018 refresh.
The RLX is Acura’s large premium sedan, aimed at shoppers who want a roomy cabin, a quiet ride, strong V6 power, and lots of standard technology without the flashier style or higher running costs of some European rivals. Acura markets it as a driver-focused luxury sedan, pairing comfort and rear-seat space with brand-specific handling hardware like Precision All-Wheel Steer on regular models and the performance hybrid system on SH-AWD versions.
The front-wheel-drive RLX is a quiet, well-equipped luxury sedan with a 310-hp V6, navigation, LED headlights, and rear-wheel steering that helps it feel more agile. The Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is the performance-focused version, pairing a 377-hp three-motor hybrid system with all-wheel drive, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a head-up display.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The 377-hp Sport Hybrid SH-AWD joins the 2016 lineup, combining a V6, three electric motors, all-wheel drive, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Safety
AcuraWatch expands across most of the lineup and adds Road Departure Mitigation and Cross Traffic Monitor. It is standard on front-wheel-drive Technology and Advance versions and every Sport Hybrid SH-AWD.
Tech
Navigation becomes standard across the lineup. Advance versions of the Sport Hybrid also gain a surround-view camera, heated steering wheel, and remote starter.
Styling
The front-wheel-drive Navigation version gains standard 19-inch wheels.
Structural
The front-wheel-drive RLX receives revised suspension tuning intended to deliver a smoother, quieter ride.
2016 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 Seq SptShft | 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 | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||
| 360 Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Rear Window Shades | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Acura RLX?
The biggest change is expanded AcuraWatch safety technology. Road Departure Mitigation and Cross Traffic Monitor join the suite, which is standard on front-wheel-drive Technology and Advance versions and every Sport Hybrid SH-AWD.
Did the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD join the RLX lineup for 2016?
Yes. The 2016 lineup adds the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, which uses a 377-hp V6-and-electric system, three electric motors, all-wheel drive, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Does every 2016 Acura RLX have AcuraWatch?
No. AcuraWatch is standard on the front-wheel-drive Technology and Advance versions and on every Sport Hybrid SH-AWD. The entry Navigation version does not receive the same standard fitment.
How is the 2016 Acura RLX different from the 2015 model?
The 2016 RLX has broader AcuraWatch coverage, two added safety functions, standard navigation across the lineup, standard 19-inch wheels on the Navigation version, and revised suspension tuning for the front-wheel-drive model. The Sport Hybrid SH-AWD also joins the lineup.
What changed on the 2016 RLX Advance versions?
The higher Advance versions gain Acura’s first U.S. surround-view camera. Sport Hybrid Advance models also add a heated steering wheel and remote starter.
2016 Acura RLX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Acura RLX.
4.4
2016 Acura RLX
(62 reviews)
“Perfect for being not showy or racy...Like it when asked what is that you have. Understated Elegance says it all.”
“love the rear electric motors and am looking forward to Acura evolving this tech into their other vehicles”