Last updated August 4, 2026
The Acura RLX lineup has four main identities. The base is already a well-equipped front-wheel-drive V6 luxury sedan with navigation, premium audio, and driver-assist features. Technology Pkg emphasizes connected features and sharper handling through rear-wheel steering, while Advance Pkg adds more comfort for both rows, upgraded audio, and easier parking. The hybrid branch includes SH-AWD, SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg, and SH-AWD w/Advance Pkg. These models pair a 377-hp three-motor hybrid system with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. The Technology version focuses on the advanced drivetrain, while SH-AWD and Advance versions add more of the RLX’s comfort and visibility equipment.
The Base Model trim level, sold simply as base, is the standard RLX formula: a quiet, comfort-focused V6 luxury sedan that comes well equipped from the start.
Best for: Drivers who want the RLX’s roomy cabin, smooth power, and core luxury features without seeking a specialized performance or comfort package.
Highlights
The Tech Features trim level, represented by Technology Pkg, is the connected, handling-focused core of the front-wheel-drive RLX range.
Best for: Drivers who want a roomy luxury sedan with navigation, premium audio, safety technology, and more agile handling.
Highlights
Over Base Model, Technology Pkg adds Precision All-Wheel Steer for more responsive low-speed maneuvering and handling.
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The Premium Comfort trim level, represented by Advance Pkg, is the comfort-focused front-wheel-drive RLX with extra amenities for front and rear passengers.
Best for: Drivers who value ventilated seats, rear-passenger comfort, upgraded audio, and extra help when parking.
Highlights
Over Tech Features, Advance Pkg adds ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, rear sunshades, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Krell audio.
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The Hybrid trim level—SH-AWD, SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg, and SH-AWD w/Advance Pkg—is the performance branch, combining electric assistance with all-wheel-drive traction.
Best for: Drivers who want stronger acceleration, secure all-weather traction, and the RLX’s most advanced powertrain.
Highlights
Over Premium Comfort, Hybrid models replace the front-wheel-drive V6 setup with a 377-hp three-motor hybrid system and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg has heated front seats and Acura/ELS audio; SH-AWD and SH-AWD w/Advance Pkg add ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a surround-view camera, and Krell audio.
0 in stock| Feature | Hybrid | Base Model | Tech Features | Premium Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | SH-AWD, SH-AWD w/Advance Pkg, SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg0 in stock | base4 in stock | Technology Pkg0 in stock | Advance Pkg0 in stock |
| Powertrain | 377-hp three-motor hybrid | 310-hp 3.5L V6 | 310-hp 3.5L V6 | 310-hp 3.5L V6 |
| Driven wheels and handling | Torque-vectoring all-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive; rear-wheel steering | Front-wheel drive; rear-wheel steering |
| Front-seat comfort | Heated; ventilated on SH-AWD and Advance versions | Heated | Heated | Heated and ventilated |
| Rear-seat comfort | Heated outboard seats on SH-AWD and Advance versions | — | — | Heated outboard seats; sunshades |
| Parking visibility | Surround-view camera and sensors on SH-AWD and Advance versions | — | — | Surround-view camera; parking sensors |
| Premium audio | Acura/ELS on Technology; Krell on SH-AWD and Advance | 14-speaker Acura/ELS | 14-speaker Acura/ELS | 14-speaker Krell |
| Head-up display | Standard | — | — | — |
On newer 2018-2020 cars, the base RLX is already well equipped. It has a 310-hp V6, front-wheel drive, leather seating, navigation, a 14-speaker audio system, tri-zone climate control, and Acura’s driver-assistance suite.
On pre-refresh cars, the Technology Package is the core front-wheel-drive RLX. It combines the 310-hp V6 and rear-wheel steering with leather seats, navigation, a 14-speaker Acura/ELS audio system, and key driver aids.
On pre-refresh RLX models, Advance adds comfort and parking aids. Key upgrades include ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, rear sunshades, a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Krell audio.
The regular RLX has a 310-hp V6 and front-wheel drive. The Sport Hybrid has three electric motors, 377 hp, and all-wheel drive. It is quicker and has better city fuel economy, but its trunk is smaller at 12 cubic feet versus 14.9.
On earlier Sport Hybrid models, both versions have the 377-hp three-motor powertrain, all-wheel drive, and a head-up display. Advance adds ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Krell audio.
Acura simplified the names over time. Earlier RLX sedans commonly used Technology and Advance package labels for both gas and hybrid versions. From the 2018 refresh onward, the U.S. lineup was reduced to a front-drive RLX and a Sport Hybrid SH-AWD.
The Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is the RLX to consider for frequent snow because it has all-wheel drive. Gas-only Base, Technology, and Advance versions are front-wheel drive, despite their rear-wheel-steering system.
The gas-only RLX is the simpler choice. It uses a conventional 3.5-liter V6 with front-wheel drive, while the Sport Hybrid adds three electric motors, a hybrid battery, all-wheel drive, and a dual-clutch transmission.
Look for an Advance-equipped RLX or a newer Sport Hybrid SH-AWD. These versions include heated rear outboard seats and rear-passenger comfort features. Earlier Technology models focus more on core luxury equipment than extra rear-seat amenities.
No. Especially on newer models, the base RLX still has leather seating, heated power front seats, navigation, premium audio, tri-zone climate control, and a broad driver-assistance suite. Higher versions mainly add powertrain or comfort upgrades.
The surround-view camera is found on higher-spec versions. It came with the Advance Package on earlier gas and hybrid cars and was included on the newer Sport Hybrid SH-AWD. Technology models generally use a simpler camera setup.
Krell 14-speaker audio is tied to the more luxurious versions. It appears on Advance-equipped gas and hybrid RLX models and on the newer Sport Hybrid SH-AWD. Technology and newer base models use Acura/ELS 14-speaker audio instead.
The head-up display is a Sport Hybrid feature. Earlier Sport Hybrid Technology and Advance versions include it, as does the newer Sport Hybrid SH-AWD. Gas-only Base, Technology, and Advance models do not list it among their defining equipment.
Advance is worth seeking out if ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a surround-view camera, parking sensors, rear sunshades, and Krell audio matter to you. Technology already covers the RLX basics, including leather, navigation, premium audio, and driver aids.