“I would tell them about the ShAWD and it's lack of power in this model and tell them to purchase the TL ShAWD instead unless they prefer luxury over performance.”
Acura RLX: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Acura RLX is a five-seat flagship luxury sedan known for its quiet, roomy cabin, generous standard equipment, and understated character. Sold in the U.S. from 2014 through 2020, it paired V6 power with either front-wheel drive or, in the Sport Hybrid, an advanced all-wheel-drive system.
The RLX replaced the RL as Acura’s flagship and remained a comfort-first alternative to flashier luxury sedans. Across its single generation, it emphasized a calm ride, adult-friendly rear-seat space, premium cabin features, and an expanding range of driver aids. The regular V6 model kept things simpler, while the Sport Hybrid served as the engineering showcase with three electric motors and all-wheel drive.
Strengths
- The back seat has real room for adults, with 38.8 inches of rear legroom in 2020.
- Its quiet ride and understated cabin make it well suited to relaxed commuting and long trips.
- From 2018 onward, every RLX included Acura’s driver-assistance suite, with added help for slow traffic.
- The Sport Hybrid was the stronger performer, rated at 377 horsepower in 2020 while also improving city fuel economy.
- The lineup focused on generous equipment, including built-in navigation, premium audio, and LED headlights.
Who it's for
The RLX best fits used-car shoppers who want a spacious, low-key luxury sedan for commuting and long trips without a showy image. The front-wheel-drive model suits buyers who prioritize simplicity and trunk room, while the Sport Hybrid is for drivers who value extra power, all-wheel-drive traction, and better city fuel economy.
Acura RLX lineup
The core RLX is the front-wheel-drive V6 sedan; pick it for the simpler layout and larger trunk. The Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is the technology-focused step up, combining three electric motors with all-wheel drive and more power, though its battery reduces trunk space. Earlier cars were also organized around Technology and Advance packages: Technology was the well-equipped middle ground, while Advance was the more fully appointed version. From the 2018 refresh onward, Acura simplified the range to the regular RLX and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD.
Acura RLX generations
From 2014 to 2020, the RLX spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2014.
1st Generation (2014–2020)
The RLX replaced the RL as Acura’s flagship sedan, with a roomier body, a 3.5-liter V6, LED headlights, and rear-wheel steering on the front-wheel-drive model. A three-motor AWD Sport Hybrid joined later in 2014, and a major 2018 refresh brought new styling, a richer cabin, more standard safety technology, and a 10-speed automatic for the non-hybrid model.
4 In Stock
2020
Carryover from 2019. This was the final U.S. model year for the RLX.
2019
The refreshed styling, powertrains, and standard safety suite carried over unchanged.
2018Mid-cycle update
New front and rear styling, upgraded cabin materials and seats, and a standard safety suite with Traffic Jam Assist. The front-wheel-drive model also gained a 10-speed automatic.
2017Trim changes
The Navigation entry trim left the lineup. Technology and Advance versions continued for the front-wheel-drive and Sport Hybrid models.
2016Trim changes
Safety features expanded across most of the lineup, while the front-wheel-drive model received tuning for a smoother, quieter ride.
2015Trim changes
The front-wheel-drive RLX largely carried over, with a heated steering wheel added to the Advance package. The Sport Hybrid remained under its 2014 model-year designation.
2014New generation
The all-new RLX replaced the RL with a roomier body, a new 3.5-liter V6, LED headlights, and rear-wheel steering. The three-motor AWD Sport Hybrid joined late in the model year.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Acura RLX.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Acura RLX?
The Acura RLX is a four-door luxury sedan with seating for five. It was Acura’s roomy, quiet flagship, aimed at shoppers who value comfort, generous standard equipment, and a low-key look.
What is the Acura RLX known for?
The RLX is known for a quiet ride, a roomy cabin, strong V6 power, and plenty of built-in comfort and safety equipment. Its character is more understated than sporty or flashy.
Is the Acura RLX a hybrid?
The RLX came in both gas-only and Sport Hybrid forms. The gas model uses a 310-hp V6, while the Sport Hybrid combines a V6 with three electric motors for 377 hp and all-wheel drive.
Does every Acura RLX have all-wheel drive?
No. Gas-only RLX models are front-wheel drive and use rear-wheel steering to help them turn. Sport Hybrid models have Acura’s SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system, which also helps direct power through corners.
Is the Acura RLX a good fit for families?
Yes, especially for a small family that wants a comfortable sedan. The RLX seats five and has 38.8 inches of rear legroom. The gas model has 14.9 cubic feet of trunk space, while the hybrid has 12 cubic feet.
How many generations of the Acura RLX were made?
The RLX had one generation in the U.S., covering 2014 through 2020. It received a major refresh for 2018 with revised styling, richer cabin materials, a new transmission for the gas model, and broader standard safety equipment.
Acura RLX Reviews
What owners are saying about the Acura RLX.
4.2
Acura RLX
(264 reviews)
“The features the RLX has are wonderful. Keeping in your lane, being notified of an oncoming car, and rear, front and side cameras are terrific safety features. All of the extras the RLX has truly make it a luxury vehicle. Acura is to be commended for spending so much time in designing the RLX. The exterior of the car is beautiful and the interior is well organized and so stylish.”
“Perfect for being not showy or racy...Like it when asked what is that you have. Understated Elegance says it all.”
“The 2016 RLX Sport Hybrid is a beautifully engineered and designed automobile. The comfort and technology are an amazing combination.”
“Don't expect a race car, but expect extreme comfort and superb handling for a vehicle this size.”
“I would suggest sunscreens be added to the RLX and the dual navigation display screen that displays exit and speed limit information. As well as, pipe the seats out and engrave the Acura emblem on the seats.”
Sources
- acura.com — News And Press / Press Release Detail
- acura.com — News And Press / Press Release Detail
- acura.com — News And Press / Press Release Detail
- acura.com — News And Press / Press Release Detail
- acura.com — News And Press / Press Release Detail
- acura.com — News And Press / Press Release Detail
- acura.com — News And Press / Press Release Detail
- acura.com — News And Press / Press Release Detail
- acura.com — News And Press / Press Release Detail
- acura.com — News And Press / Press Release Detail