2018 Acura RLX Review
2018 Acura RLX Review
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Used RLX for sale
Appraise This CarAcura RLX types
- Sedan
- Hybrid
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byWill Kaufman
Senior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax
Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at Edmunds. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.
Pros
- Sport Hybrid model offers fast, fuel-efficient acceleration
- Long list of standard safety and convenience features
- Spacious cabin and seating, especially for rear passengers
Cons
- Dual-screen infotainment system isn't intuitive to use
- Interior design looks dated
- Steering feels disconnected from the road
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't available
What’s new
The Acura RLX receives a variety of updates for 2018. They include new front-end styling, new front seats, an upgraded suite of driver safety aids, a retuned suspension, a new 10-speed transmission for the front-wheel-drive trim (called P-AWS), and a slightly smaller battery in the Sport Hybrid. Acura has simplified the RLX's trim levels as well.
Vehicle overview
The 2018 Acura RLX is quiet and comfortable and offers an impressive mix of power and fuel economy from the Sport Hybrid version. But this year's updates (read more about them in our RLX First Impression review) just don't go far enough in addressing the issues that make the RLX hard to recommend over similarly priced luxury competitors.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Acura RLX P-AWS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$231/mo for RLX P-AWS
RLX P-AWS
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large Car
Certainly, there are positive aspects to Acura's top sedan. The Sport Hybrid is pretty cool. It's all-wheel-drive, and each rear wheel is independently driven by an electric motor; an electric motor in the transmission helps the V6 drive the front wheels. This system produces a total of 377 horsepower and returns an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined. The Sport Hybrid is smooth and unobtrusive in city driving, and it provides competent handling when you're driving on twisty roads.
The rest of the RLX is a mixed bag, however. Although Acura packs in plenty of features as standard, the overall interior design comes off as dated. The biggest offender is the dual-screen infotainment system. It's frustrating to use, lacks many of the bells and whistles that other luxury marques offer, and belies all the other impressive technology that's available in the RLX.
We think it's worth checking out a few other midsize luxury sedans even if they cost a little more. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class was recently redesigned and sports a richly appointed interior. The Volvo S90 offers a likewise impressively modern interior and a hybrid option. The Audi A6 offers one of the best tech interfaces in the segment, while the venerable BMW 5 Series and value-packed Genesis G80 are also great choices. Overall, the 2018 Acura RLX is likable enough, but the competition is generally more desirable.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
7.3 / 10The 2018 Acura RLX is quiet and comfortable and offers an impressive mix of power and fuel economy from the Sport Hybrid version. But it comes up short in cabin design and infotainment. Overall, the RLX doesn't really stand out from the pack.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our First Drive of the 2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD as well as prior full tests of a 2014 Acura RLX Advance (3.5L V6 | 6-speed automatic | FWD) and a 2016 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD Advance (hybrid 3.5L V6 | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | AWD).
Scorecard
Overall | 7.3 / 10 |
Driving | 7.0 |
Comfort | 8.0 |
Interior | 7.5 |
Driving
7.0The RLX is relatively nimble and wields enough horsepower to handle everyday tasks with ease. Although it's dynamically competent, others in the segment offer a more engaging driving experience and a wider selection of powertrains.
Acceleration
7.5The 310-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 is a strong, refined engine and even better when paired with three electric motors, for 377 hp combined. Both RLX models pull hard to redline and are always smooth, though acceleration times aren't any quicker than those of most competitors.
Braking
5.5Brake performance is slightly below average for the segment. The RLX required 120 feet, and the Sport Hybrid 124 feet, to reach a stop from 60 mph. The pedal feel is linear and predictable.
Steering
6.0The steering is accurate but numb and artificial, so you can't feel what's going on with the front tires, hurting driver confidence in low-grip situations (e.g., winter driving).
Handling
7.0Acura Precision All-Wheel Steering (P-AWS) delivers predictable, confident and competent handling, but it's not a class leader. The same goes for the Sport Hybrid whose Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system helps mask some inherent handling deficiencies.
Drivability
8.5The RLX combines luxury and performance in a way that makes it an excellent everyday commuter. The powertrains are smooth and tranquil; the transmissions deliver seamless shifts; and sufficient thrust is there at the ready.
Comfort
8.0RLX ride comfort varies between models, but seat comfort falls below our expectations at this price. Noise and vibration, however, are kept at bay, which helps preserve some cabin serenity.
Seat comfort
7.0In our First Drive of the refreshed RLX, we found the updated seats to be both more comfortable for long-distance driving and more supportive for aggressive driving. Some competitors offer more luxurious optional seats, but the new RLX seats are an improvement over the old buckets.
Ride comfort
8.0Ride quality is on the firm side in the standard RLX and somewhat softer and more forgiving in the Sport Hybrid, though it will wallow occasionally over some road surfaces. We consider it average for the segment.
Noise & vibration
9.0A low-level hum of tire noise finds its way into the cabin, but it's mainly noticeable because of the lack of wind and engine noise. The transition from electric to gas power in the Sport Hybrid is pleasantly smooth.
Interior
7.5The RLX interior is best described as functionally pleasant; there isn't much of a wow factor. The top infotainment display has a lower resolution than the bottom touchscreen, and the controls look dated and lack an intuitive flow. You'll find better interiors at this price.
Ease of use
7.0The dual-screen setup takes practice: One is a touchscreen; the other uses a push-knob rotary selector. The menus aren't overly intuitive, and the lack of a hard switch for fan speed is a poor choice. More thought needs to go into organization.
Getting in/getting out
8.0All doors open wide with big entryways, especially the rear. The easy-entry electric steering wheel aids driver entry (a common feature in this class), but the dash extends low at the knee area, limiting space. On the other hand, it's cushioned in case of contact.
Driving position
A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, highly adjustable seats and minimal side bolstering nearly ensure that all body types will fit.
Roominess
9.0The RLX is the largest Acura sedan to date. Elbow and shoulder room and rear legroom are generous and among the best in class. Passengers with tall torsos may be affected by the slope of the rear roofline, though a relief in the ceiling opens up some lost headroom.
Visibility
8.0Speakers in the windshield pillars make for slightly larger blind spots out front, and a high trunklid partially obscures rearward visibility. The Advance package, however, includes multiple cameras and selectable viewing angles that greatly enhance overall awareness.
Quality
7.0The leather surface stitching is tight and clean, and all materials feel of good quality with soft-touch surfaces in all the right places. Some minor inconsistencies, such as interior door gaps, only become apparent when you look for them. The design may be a little dated, but it doesn't feel cheap.
Utility
The RLX offers generous amounts of passenger space but fails to impress with its trunk accommodations and in-cabin storage for personal effects.
Small-item storage
The RLX's glovebox and door pockets are modestly sized, which leaves the three-way-access armrest compartment as the most usable space. The rear center armrest has slide-out cupholders.
Cargo space
6.5Trunk space is average, though the lack of a spare tire allows for underfloor storage. There's a ski pass-through instead of fold-down rear seats in the standard RLX, and the Sport Hybrid sacrifices the pass-through due to its batteries, dropping cargo room from 14.9 cubic feet to 12 cubic feet.
Which RLX does Edmunds recommend?
The RLX Sport Hybrid makes an impressive case for itself with its acceleration, handling and efficiency gains over the base model. It also comes fully loaded for a reasonable price. The one drawback is that total trunk space is reduced by the battery pack. Otherwise, this is the RLX to get.
2018 Acura RLX models
The 2018 Acura RLX comes in just two trims. The base front-wheel-drive version (referred to as P-AWS) comes with a list of features that's more comprehensive than what you'll get on many competitive base models. The Sport Hybrid comes with an impressive all-wheel-drive hybrid drivetrain and even more premium features.
The base RLX P-AWS is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine making 310 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque. It sends power to the front wheels via a new 10-speed automatic transmission.
Standard equipment on the P-AWS trim includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, a power sunroof, automatic windshield wipers, a rearview camera, and keyless entry with push-button start. Inside you'll find three-zone automatic climate control, heated and power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a dual-screen infotainment system, navigation, Bluetooth, and a 14-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD and satellite radio, a USB-iPod interface, smartphone app integration (Pandora and Aha internet radio integration), and an auxiliary audio jack.
Both the P-AWS and Sport Hybrid come with a full suite of active safety features and driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
The Sport Hybrid also adds LED foglights, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, remote start, and a surround-view camera system. Inside, the Sport Hybrid gets ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a power rear sunshade and manual rear-door sunshades, a head-up display, and a premium 14-speaker stereo system.
Obviously, the biggest upgrade is the hybrid drivetrain. The V6 motor drives the front wheels through a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission with a built-in electric motor, and each rear wheel has an independent electric motor. Total system power is 377 horsepower and 341 pound-feet of torque.
2024 Acura ZDX First Drive: Like a 500-HP Lounge
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#15 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Acura RLX from 2008-2022.$569/yr
vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.81x/yr
vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).10.8%
vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Acura RLX.
5 star(86%)
4 star(10%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
29 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Like driving an NSX
Hobart, 03/10/2018
2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM)
The 2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid feels like driving an NSX supercar. The hybrid gas / electric all wheel drive system offers an incredible combination of performance, traction and economy. It’s impressive and exciting to drive. Goes in snow like nothing else you’ve driven.
Gas mileage can get well into the 30s. Even though it sips Gas, it will still come out of the hole like crazy … with tons of horsepower and torque. Super quiet, super fun. A unique and impressive car.
5 out of 5 stars
Great value car - great safety features standard
Brian W Wiatrek, 08/04/2018
2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM)
I was looking for a car that would provide some relief to a 52 mile round trip daily commute to work on very congested interstate (I-35 in Texas). I wanted a car that had good performance, fuel economy, and semi-autonomous driving features. I looked at BMW, Mercedes, Cadillac, and Acura. I choose the Acura RLX Hybrid because of Traffic Jam Assist, good fuel economy, and fantastic … acceleration. I have had the car two months and have put on over 3,000 miles in that time. So far, I average 30 mpg. Occasionally, I put the car in Sport mode, but I usually leave it in the standard drive mode. In both modes, the car has very good acceleration; however, if you want the best acceleration put it in Sport mode. I use Traffic Jam Assist daily. It works best if you get in a freeway lane that does not have a lot of cars trying to merge in. The system sometimes is slow to respond to a car that darts in front of you. I have used the TJA to drive all the way from south Austin to north San Antonio and had to take control only once or twice. I highly recommend this car. I recommend that you ensure you are ok with the infotainment system and that you are fine with the small trunk before you buy.
5 out of 5 stars
Unfairly Overlooked and Ridiculously Underrated!
Acura host, 04/18/2017
2017 Acura RLX Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
I test drove just about every luxury sedan in this price range--BMW, Audi, Lexus, Infinity, Porsche (suv), and some midlevel sedans as well, and I can honestly say this is the best one out there. Why? Well,....it depends on what you want. I wanted Quality (I've always loved the way Acura's drive and last), Safety (NHTSA and IIS best ratings --with suite of safety features), Visibility … (you can actually see out of the car and over your shoulder), Dependability (not one issue with it for over a year), and Ease of Driving (the smoothest engine and most maneuverability I've come across), ---(btw, the steering IS very connected to the road and incredibly sporty for a large sedan). Not to mention--- the roomy, rear seat, , the quiet cabin, the improved suspension, the way it climbs a hill and never downshifts, not to mention its' classic, elegant appearance. The RLX is a fantastic vehicle and it's a shame that it doesn't get more love in the press. Read reviews from actual owners!! Test drive it yourself, and you'll be extremely surprised in the best possible way. Pricing is high, but check around to get a good deal. They are out there. There is nothing sedate about this top notch sedan. It is thee hidden jewel at Acura!
5 out of 5 stars
Can't go back
Boscodamus, 12/08/2018
2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM)
After having driven this car (RLX hybrid) for the past year I can say I could never go back to a pure gas design ever. The sense of instant response (torque!) at the pedal has to be felt to be truly appreciated. And interestingly enough in city driving it is also quite noticeable making it an enjoyable experience rather than the usual drudge. Touch the pedal and you feel the car respond. … An all electric car like the Tesla is not practical for me so the only cars I would consider as an alternative would be the Lexus or Volvo hybrids which are much more expensive. And they also have console shifters which I hate. As an audiophile I really love the Krell system which is special. Not leaps and bounds better than the ELS system in the TLX...but better. I was very happy to get the "old" infotainment system which has a CD player with a hard drive. I record all my favorite music without having to bother with any other gadgets or having to stow CDs in the car. For me, a joy to use. The ride and handling are wonderful. Overall the best car I have ever owned or driven. I have tested the GPS guidance system against Google maps on the Apple iPhone 7 and all I can say is that it's always better to have a good idea where you are going than to rely completely on either of them.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Acura RLX, so we've included reviews for other years of the RLX since its last redesign.
2018 Acura RLX video
2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid Test Drive
Edmunds gets a First Drive of the refreshed 2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid. Edmunds Associate Staff Writer Will Kaufman drives the 2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid in sunny Malibu, California. For 2018, this 377-horsepower hybrid luxury sedan receives an updated exterior design, an upgraded… interior with new seats, improved driver aids, a smaller battery, and a big price cut compared to a fully loaded 2017 model. But is that enough for the RLX to compete with the newest generation of luxury rivals? According to Will, "the powertrain is an impressive piece of engineering that performs well in the real world, and the RLX Sport Hybrid is surprisingly fun to drive. Lowering the cost of entry was smart, but even with all the updates the RLX still lags behind its competitors in some important ways."
2018 RLX Highlights
Sedan
P-AWS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $54,900 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $231/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the RLX models:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lets you set a desired speed and maintain distance between you and the vehicle ahead, even bringing you to a complete stop.
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Alerts you of obstacles detected ahead. Provides visual alerts first and will automatically brake for you if you don't react.
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Detects lane markings and will guide the car back to the middle if you begin to drift out of your lane.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover9.7%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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