Unless you do a lot of city driving, you won't see much in the way of fuel savings from the Sport Hybrid. We'd recommend skipping the added cost and complexity and opting for the RLX P-AWS. You'll get a comfortable, well-built luxury sedan (that doesn't benefit from being saddled with the expectation of "sport") for a reasonable price.
Edmunds' Expert Review
Pros
Quiet, comfortable interior
Spacious cabin and seating, especially for rear passengers
Long list of standard safety and convenience features
Cons
Dual-screen infotainment system is outdated and unintuitive
Interior design looks dated
Subpar ride and handling for the class
Hybrid fails to offer stand-out efficiency
What's new
The RLX is unchanged for 2019
Part of the first RLX generation introduced for 2014
Overall rating
The Acura RLX is a car in need of a redesign. Acura's large luxury sedan boasts some unique features. But beyond some minor tweaks, it hasn't changed much since it launched in 2013, and even then it didn't feel cutting-edge. The RLX is roomy and comfortable, and the interior materials and craftsmanship have a distinctly luxury feel. The design and technology, however, feel generations behind what you'll find in a new Audi or Mercedes-Benz.
The Acura's real party tricks are its novel drivetrains. The base model is front-wheel drive with a rear-wheel steering system to help it feel more nimble. At the top of the range sits the Sport Hybrid, which drives the front wheels with a punchy V6 and the rear wheels with an electric motor. Sadly, the Sport Hybrid doesn't live up to its sporty promises on the road. And it is no more frugal than other luxury hybrids that are better to drive and come in more modern packages or offer significantly better mpg.
Acura RLX models
The 2019 Acura RLX comes in just two trims. The base front-wheel-drive version (referred to as P-AWS) comes with a features list that's more comprehensive than what you'll get on many competitive base models. The Sport Hybrid comes with an 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 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 controls, 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 the 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 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 lb-ft of torque.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (3.5L V6 hybrid | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | AWD).
Driving
The RLX is quick in a straight line, but other facets of its dynamic repertoire leave the driver disconnected. The frustrating brake feel and bump-sensitive handling undo any sporting pretensions suggested by the power delivery. But the hybrid system is smooth, and the transmission feels natural.
Acceleration
The electric-augmented torque off the line is seamless, blending smoothly with the robust V6 power. Although it's quick from a launch, the engine's responses at freeway speeds are less impressive. Its 5.6-second sprint to 60 mph is quick, but in the company of similar-priced competitors this does not stand out.
Braking
The brake pedal feels normal at light pressure but is awkward in moderate-to-hard use, like stepping on a spring connected to nothing else. The RLX's blending of regenerative and traditional brakes reminds us of earlier, cruder efforts. A lengthy stopping distance of 126 feet from 60 mph is below average for the class.
Steering
The steering feels well-weighted but numb and slightly artificial. It's geared well, neither too quick nor too slow. The car is easy to keep pointed straight.
Handling
Turn-in is good, but any elegance evaporates on roads with bumps where it is easily unsettled. An unorthodox technique is demanded to extract the most speed through a corner — SH-AWD requires you apply more throttle to erase this car's understeer. Grip is good but not great, and body roll is moderate.
Drivability
The RLX responds briskly off the line, and its stepped transmission provides a more natural experience than a CVT automatic. Manual mode is so unresponsive that it's nearly useless. It lacks any meaningful regen or engine braking upon throttle lift, forcing a "gas-brake-gas-brake" pedal dance in freeway slogs. Sport mode favors higher revs.
Comfort
A poorly sorted ride stands out among otherwise competent luxury appointments. The cabin is hushed, and the engine imperceptibly turns on and off (because it's a hybrid, remember). Its seats are quite comfortable for long trips, and their meek side bolsters are fine since the car's no joy to hustle around corners anyway.
Seat comfort
The seats are very comfortable. They're plush and wide, with modest bolsters. The lack of lateral support coupled with slippery leather means a lot of sliding around.
Ride comfort
Rubbery, constantly busy ride motions make roads seem bumpier than you ever knew. The car is coping (poorly) with too much weight — underdamped and easily unsettled by midcorner bumps. Body motions are excessive on textured roads. The powertrain jiggles around when the accelerator is pushed or released quickly.
Noise & vibration
The integration of the engine and electric motor is seamless. At low speeds you hear rather than feel the engine turn on. Beyond 40 mph, the engine is largely silent, and it sounds good at full whack. Road noise is what you hear the most. Engine vibration is noticeable during idle-stop restarts and low-speed driving.
Climate control
The climate controls are split between hard keys (temp, power, auto, defrost, defog) and the touchscreen (mode, recirc, fan speed). Heated and cooled front seats are tepid — maximum cooling is merely adequate. The back seat gets sunshades on all three rear windows, heated seats and temperature control for vents.
Interior
The RLX nails the fundamentals of cabin layout and accommodation. Interior space is a strong suit, particularly in backseat legroom. It's easy to climb into and out of. And once seated, the driver will immediately feel at home. However, the dual-screen setup is clunky.
Ease of use
The dual-screen setup takes getting used to: One is a touchscreen; the other uses a push-knob rotary selector. The menus aren't overly intuitive, and not having a hard switch for fan speed is a poor choice. More thought needs to go into organization.
Getting in/getting out
This Acura is easy to live with. The front door swings wide open, and the sill is on the broad side but not high. The modest seat bolsters and a fairly trim dash aid entry. Bonus: The steering wheel and seat move aside to ease your exit. The rear doors open wide, though the roofline drops a bit and the sill is a touch wide.
Driving position
The natural driving position is thanks in part to a wide pedal box and a right-size steering wheel. There's enough range of travel in the seats and steering wheel to accommodate a variety of body proportions. The scalloped door panel accentuates the sense of width in the cabin.
Roominess
The ample headroom for tall drivers is helped by the lack of a panoramic sunroof (there's a conventional one). Elbow room is generous, too. The back seat has a good sense of width and a higher seating position than the front. There's plenty of rear kneeroom but lackluster headroom — that's the one demerit. Otherwise, this sedan offers a lot of space.
Visibility
The RLX presents a mix of panoramic and average sightlines. There's a broad view over the cowl and beltline. But the windshield pillar base plus the tweeter and mirror mechanism create a sizable blockage. The tall rear deck and wide pillars compromise the rear view. Camera views — front, mirrors, back — provide a bird's-eye view, but the display offers mediocre resolution.
Quality
The cabin is well-built with premium materials (supple leather, flawless stitching) and consistent panel gaps. That its design looks and feels old is unfortunate because it's clearly assembled with care.
Utility
The RLX isn't a standout in cargo management. The hybrid battery impinges on trunk space, and the Sport Hybrid's back seat neither folds nor has a pass-through. Front-seat occupants enjoy quite a large and clever console bin, although there's next to no storage options in the back seat.
Small-item storage
The center console bin is spacious and clever — the top flips up in either direction and slides back, and it has a removable tray. The two cupholders have some accommodation for various sizes. A little pocket resides near the 12-volt outlet, and door pockets will hold a small bottle and little else. There's no backseat storage other than map pockets on the back of the front seats. The armrest has dual cupholders.
Cargo space
Although the Sport Hybrid's trunk is small at 12 cubic feet, it's easy to use. It has a wide opening and an average liftover height. But the hybrid battery limits its depth and precludes a pass-through or a folding seat. The trunklid isn't power-operated.
Child safety seat accommodation
The spacious back seat offers enough room for all but the biggest rear-facing seats. But the center portion is higher, and it's not practical to fit three seats at once. The LATCH anchors are fairly easy to find and reach.
Technology
The RLX really disappoints with the dated infotainment and too-conservative driver assistance features. While the audio system's sound quality is quite enjoyable, the RLX lacks modern smartphone integration, and the infotainment system's slow responses and crummy graphics are a letdown.
Audio & navigation
The RLX's infotainment system looks and feels old, and in fact, it is at least one generation behind the current Acura system. The graphics on the top map display are old-school. Screen flow between top and bottom is terrible. The screen is slow to respond to touches.
Smartphone integration
We needed two attempts in our test vehicle to connect to Bluetooth, and the process wasn't particularly quick. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay aren't supported. You can use the AcuraLink app on your phone, but it's a poor substitute.
Driver aids
While it has a slate of driver aids, most of them are far too conservative and frustrating. One aid pushes your foot off the accelerator too eagerly. Adaptive cruise is a mess — it overshoots and undershoots the target set speed, leading to an odd surge/relent/surge trait, and the minimum following distance is quite far.
Voice control
Voice controls require the user to follow a rigid menu of choices, and the system is not especially good at discerning commands. Skip the voice controls. They're not useful.
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 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
5 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
9.7%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Side Impact Test
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Good
Acura RLX vs. the competition
Acura RLX vs. Acura TLX
The TLX is technically the RLX's little brother, coming in about 7 inches shorter overall. But it's still a roomy luxury sedan, and it offers a lot of substance even if the base four-cylinder engine is a bit bland. It certainly looks and feels like a more modern vehicle than the RLX, and in SH-AWD guise it's also a more engaging performer.
The Lexus ES has managed to hold the mantle of best-selling luxury sedan for a surprisingly long time. The redesigned 2019 ES adds more personality and refinement to Lexus' winning formula of affordability and reliability. The ES hybrid also returns truly fantastic fuel economy without detracting from the car's premium feel. Unfortunately, while the ES boasts newer tech, the user interface isn't any more friendly than the RLX's.
The newly redesigned A6 feels positively futuristic next to the RLX since it's rife with crisp digital displays and cutting-edge technology features. It's also a more competent car to drive, with Audi's tried-and-true all-wheel-drive system offering sure-footed handling. And while there's no hybrid option, it doesn't fall much shorter of the RLX in terms of efficiency thanks to standard mild hybrid electrification.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2019 RLX both on the road and at the track. You probably care about Acura RLX fuel economy, so it's important to know that the RLX gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg to 28 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the RLX ranges from 12.0 to 14.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Acura RLX. Learn more
What's new in the 2019 Acura RLX?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2019 Acura RLX:
The RLX is unchanged for 2019
Part of the first RLX generation introduced for 2014
To determine whether the Acura RLX is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the RLX. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the RLX's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2019 Acura RLX a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2019 Acura RLX is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2019 RLX is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2019 Acura RLX?
The least-expensive 2019 Acura RLX is the 2019 Acura RLX P-AWS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $54,900.
Other versions include:
Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM) which starts at $61,900
P-AWS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $54,900
If you're interested in the Acura RLX, the next question is, which RLX model is right for you? RLX variants include Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM), and P-AWS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A). For a full list of RLX models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
More about the 2019 Acura RLX
2019 Acura RLX Sedan Overview
The 2019 Acura RLX Sedan is offered in the following styles: Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM), and P-AWS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A).
What do people think of the 2019 Acura RLX Sedan?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for
the 2019 Acura RLX Sedan and all its trim types.
Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what
other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database.
Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior,
exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a
comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2019 RLX Sedan.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2019 Acura RLX Sedan and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2019 RLX Sedan featuring deep dives into trim levels including Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, P-AWS, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2019 Acura RLX Sedan?
2019 Acura RLX Sedan Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM)
The 2019 Acura RLX Sedan Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $62,895. The average price paid for a new 2019 Acura RLX Sedan Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM) is trending $9,609 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $9,609 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $53,286.
The average savings for the 2019 Acura RLX Sedan Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM) is 15.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:
We are showing 1 2019 Acura RLX Sedan Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which 2019 Acura RLX Sedans are available in my area?
2019 Acura RLX Sedan Listings and Inventory
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2019 Acura RLX Sedan and all available trim types: Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, P-AWS. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2019 Acura RLX Sedan include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2019 Acura RLX Sedan?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you
that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make
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new car every three years or so.
