2018 Acura RLX: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 13, 2026

The biggest change for the 2018 Acura RLX is a major mid-cycle refresh led by a full exterior restyle. The update also modernizes the cabin, safety features, and drivetrains without starting a new generation.

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About the 2018 Acura RLX

1st generation RLX (2014-2020), major 2018 refresh year.

Acura presents the RLX as its top sedan: a roomy, quiet five-passenger luxury car with a long standard-equipment list and a strong technology story. Even the non-hybrid model leans on four-wheel steering, premium audio, navigation, and standard safety tech, while the Sport Hybrid adds NSX-related hardware for more power and all-weather traction. The RLX's identity is a comfortable flagship sedan that mixes everyday ease with advanced driveline tech rather than chasing an aggressively sporty feel.

The non-hybrid Base RLX is the luxury-focused version, with a 310-hp V6, rear-wheel steering, Milano leather, navigation, and 14-speaker ELS audio. The SH-AWD is the technology-focused flagship, pairing a 377-hp three-motor hybrid system with all-wheel drive, a head-up display, a surround-view camera, Krell audio, and heated and ventilated front seats.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The non-hybrid RLX replaces its 6-speed automatic with a 10-speed automatic. The Sport Hybrid gets a lighter battery pack and revised control logic.

Styling

Acura reshapes the exterior with its diamond-pentagon grille, a new hood, revised front and rear bodywork, updated lights, and new wheel designs. Inside are redesigned seats, upgraded materials, and standard Milano leather.

Safety

The AcuraWatch driver-assistance suite becomes standard across the lineup and adds Traffic Jam Assist, which helps manage steering and speed in slow traffic.

Tech

Both trims get button-style shift-by-wire transmission controls. Equipment previously tied to packages is folded into a simpler two-trim lineup: Base and SH-AWD.

Structural

The underlying platform carries over, but Acura retunes the chassis to improve ride and handling.

2018 Acura RLX specs and features by trim

Feature	2018 Acura RLXBase0 in stock	2018 Acura RLXSH-AWD0 in stock
Engine	V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter	V6, Hybrid, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 10-Spd w/Sequential SportShift	Auto, 7-Spd Seq SptShft
Drivetrain	FWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Hybrid
MPG City	20 mpg	28 mpg
MPG Highway	29 mpg	29 mpg
Horsepower	310 hp	377 hp
Torque	272 lb-ft	273 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	14.9 cu-ft	12 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	38.8 in	38.8 in
Seats	5	5
Doors	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Automatic Emergency Braking
Blindspot Sensors
Front & Rear Parking Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
360 Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
Heated Windshield
LED Headlights
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Smartphone Interface
Comfort & Convenience
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Leather Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Rear Window Shades
Remote Start
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2019 Acura RLX compares

The 2019 Acura RLX has no major changes. It carries over the styling, powertrains, safety features, and cabin technology introduced or updated for 2018.

See the full 2019 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Acura RLX a full redesign?

No. The 2018 RLX is a major mid-cycle update within the first generation, not a completely new model. Its exterior, cabin, equipment, and chassis tuning change, but the basic platform carries over.

Did the 2018 Acura RLX get a new transmission?

Yes. The non-hybrid 2018 RLX replaces the previous 6-speed automatic with a 10-speed automatic. The Sport Hybrid keeps its 7-speed transmission but receives a lighter battery pack and revised control logic.

Are the AcuraWatch safety features standard on the 2018 RLX?

Yes. AcuraWatch is standard on every 2018 RLX, and the suite adds Traffic Jam Assist for steering and speed support in slow-moving traffic.

How did the 2018 Acura RLX trim lineup change?

The 2018 lineup is simplified to Base and SH-AWD. The former SH-AWD with Advance Package continues under the shorter SH-AWD name, while the Advance Package, Technology Package, and SH-AWD with Technology Package trims are dropped.

What changed inside the 2018 Acura RLX?

The 2018 RLX gets redesigned seats, upgraded cabin materials, standard Milano leather, and button-style shift-by-wire controls. Former package equipment is also folded into the two fixed trims for a simpler lineup.

2018 Acura RLX Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2018 Acura RLX.

4.2

2018 Acura RLX

(39 reviews)

5 stars (16)

4 stars (16)

3 stars (5)

2 stars (1)

1 star (1)

No rating

“The style and driving experience of the RLX is outstanding. The exterior design for 2018 makes a world of difference with the luxury look.”

EMEugene M.
2018 Acura RLX

No rating

“Acura RLs have been the most reliable and cost efficient vehicles I have ever driven or owned. My 2018 Acura RLX is my 5th Acura.”

DWDonna W.
2018 Acura RLX AWD Hybrid

“The AWD handling is superior, engineering is unsurpassed, pricing for the value is superior, longevity is superior, maintenance is low compared to other comparable classes. Excellent vehicle own.”

SKSarah K.
2018 Acura RLX AWD Hybrid