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2017 Acura RLX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2017 Acura RLX was not redesigned. Its main change was a lineup reshuffle that dropped the Base model and centered the range on Technology and Advance package versions.
About the 2017 Acura RLX
1st generation RLX (2014-2020), last year before the 2018 redesign.
Acura positioned the RLX as its flagship sedan: a large, quiet, technology-heavy luxury car that emphasized comfort, rear-seat room, and an easy daily-driving feel more than flashy styling. The front-drive RLX used rear-wheel steering to feel more agile than its size suggests, while the Sport Hybrid added stronger acceleration and all-weather traction. Against rivals, the RLX’s core sell was lots of standard equipment, a calm cabin, and Acura reliability.
The front-wheel-drive Technology Pkg is the well-equipped core model, pairing a 310-hp V6 with rear-wheel steering, navigation, leather seats, premium audio, and a driver-assist suite. Advance Pkg adds features such as ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a surround-view camera, and rear sunshades. The two Sport Hybrid trims use a 377-hp three-motor system with all-wheel drive, while the Advance version adds the fullest comfort and convenience package.
What changed, by category
Lineup
The Base trim was dropped. Technology Pkg, Advance Pkg, and SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg were added, while SH-AWD continued under the new SH-AWD w/Advance Pkg name.
2017 Acura RLX specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter | V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter | V6, Hybrid, i-VTEC, 3.5L | V6, Hybrid, i-VTEC, 3.5L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Seq SptShft | Auto, 6-Spd Seq SptShft | Auto, 7-Spd Seq SptShft | Auto, 7-Spd Seq SptShft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 310 hp | 377 hp | 377 hp |
| Torque | 272 lb-ft | 272 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.9 cu-ft | 11.6 cu-ft | 11.6 cu-ft | |
| Rear Legroom | 38.8 in | 38.8 in | 38.8 in | 38.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Top View 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
Was the 2017 Acura RLX redesigned?
No. The 2017 RLX remained part of the first generation and was the final model year before the 2018 redesign. Its main update was a trim-lineup reshuffle.
Which Acura RLX trims changed for 2017?
The Base trim was dropped for 2017. Technology Pkg, Advance Pkg, and SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg joined the lineup, while the former SH-AWD trim continued under the SH-AWD w/Advance Pkg name.
Did the 2017 Acura RLX get a new engine?
No. The front-wheel-drive RLX kept its 310-hp 3.5-liter V6, and the Sport Hybrid kept its 377-hp three-motor powertrain with all-wheel drive.
Did the 2017 Acura RLX receive new safety or infotainment features?
No major lineup-wide safety or infotainment changes arrived for 2017. Technology and Advance models continued with the established driver-assist, navigation, and dual-screen infotainment features.
Is the 2017 Acura RLX a major upgrade over the 2016 model?
No. The 2017 model is mainly a trim-lineup update rather than a mechanical, styling, or technology upgrade, so differences in equipment and vehicle condition matter more than the model-year change itself.
2017 Acura RLX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Acura RLX.
4.5
2017 Acura RLX
(39 reviews)
“The 2017 Acura Sports Hybrid RLX is actually, sporty, luxurious, fast, gorgeous, fun to drive, and gets great has mileage. What a way to be good to yourself and the planet.”
“It's fun to drive, hugs the road, has lots of power, is comfortable, quiet, and gets 30+ Mpg on the highway.”