Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
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Find all cars near me?Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
Overall Rating
Prices for the 2018 Acura RLX luxury sedan starts at $54,900. There are two engines to choose from, the standard variant gets a 3.5 L V6 engine while the hybrid trim pairs the same engine with three electric motors. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard on the base but the hybrid engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
The 2018 Acura RLX Sedan offers a 3.5L V6 engine that can produce up to a decent 310 horsepower connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The luxurious sedan offers impressive performance numbers and builds the hype up but is it able to deliver on the said promises? Let’s find out with this article.
Out of the two variants, the Sports Hybrid model is highly recommended with a price tag of $61,900. The Hybrid RLX gets all the optional safety and comfort features and comes with an all-wheel-drive precession system. The only drawback with this trim is that you will have to compromise on the trunk space.
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
Advance Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
Advance Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 377 hp Turbo gas/electric hybrid 7AM)
Prices for the 2018 Acura RLX luxury sedan starts at $54,900. There are two engines to choose from, the standard variant gets a 3.5 L V6 engine while the hybrid trim pairs the same engine with three electric motors. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard on the base but the hybrid engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
The 2018 Acura RLX Sedan offers a 3.5L V6 engine that can produce up to a decent 310 horsepower connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The luxurious sedan offers impressive performance numbers and builds the hype up but is it able to deliver on the said promises? Let’s find out with this article.
Acura has kept things simple by offering RLX in two trims. The base gets a 3.5 L V6 engine that sends power to the fr via a 10-speed automatic transmission. It also comes loaded with a plethora of techs and features that are more than what the competitors offer. The Sports hybrid meanwhile pairs the same engine with a dual-clutch seven-speed transmission and three electric motors to generate a combined power of 377 hp.
Trims |
P-AWS w/ Technology Pkg |
Sport Hybrid w/ Advance Pkg |
---|---|---|
MSRP |
$54,900 |
$61,900 |
Key Features |
FWD Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) |
3-Motorsport hybrid super handling all-wheel drive (SH-AWD) system |
Agile Handling Assist |
Idle stop |
|
10-speed sequential sport shift with paddle shifters |
7-speed dual-clutch transmission |
|
Variable cylinder management |
Electronic gear selector |
2018 Acura RLX Sedan Buying Advice
Out of the two variants, the Sports Hybrid model is highly recommended with a price tag of $61,900. The Hybrid RLX gets all the optional safety and comfort features and comes with an all-wheel-drive precession system. The only drawback with this trim is that you will have to compromise on the trunk space.
Acura offers the choice between a gasoline and a hybrid powertrain for the 2018 RLX. The base trim P-AWS is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that churns out 310 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic replaces the 6-speed automatic this year and comes standard on the base along with the front-wheel drive.
Acura's All-Wheel Steering delivers smooth and predictable handling. On curvy roads, the P-AWS system turns the rear wheel slightly in order to increase stability. The RLX hybrid meanwhile does not get the P-AWS system, but it does come with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. The sedan cruises effortlessly and absorbs most of the bumps in the road while offering a luxurious ride.
Model |
Acura RLX P-AWS |
Lincoln Continental Premier |
Cadillac XTS standard |
Lexus GS 450h |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$54,900 |
$45,160 |
$47,390 |
$63,635 |
Engine |
3.5L 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC V6 |
3.7L Ti-VCT V6 |
3.6L SIDI DOHC V6 |
3.5L V6 24V DOHC |
Transmission |
10-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Automatic |
CVT Automatic |
Power |
310 hp |
305 hp |
304 hp |
338 hp |
Torque |
272 lb-ft |
280 lb-ft |
264 lb-ft |
257 lb-ft |
The Sport Hybrid meanwhile comes loaded with the same V6 engine along with three electric motors, two of which sends the power to the rear wheels to provide an all-wheel drive experience. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard while the hybrid puts out a combined output of 377 horsepower and 341 pound-feet of torque.
The standard Acura RLX with 3.5L V6 accelerates from 0-60 MPH in 6.2 seconds and does a quarter-mile in 14.2 seconds. The hybrid model with three electric motors and a 7-speed Dual-clutch automatic transmission accelerates even better. It is not the fastest among its competitors but has an upper hand in terms of the overall package.
Model |
Acura RLX P-AWS |
Lincoln Continental Premier |
Cadillac XTS standard |
Lexus GS 450h |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 mph |
6.2 sec |
6.8 sec |
6.9 sec |
5.6 sec |
Quarter Mile |
14.7 sec |
14.9 sec |
15.3 sec |
13.6 sec |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
3977 |
4224 |
4021 |
4112 |
60 - 0 mph |
121 |
110 |
116 |
123 |
The RLX has a decent amount of bite that comes from 12.3-inch front ventilated discs and 12.2-inch rear solid discs. This helps the RLX to stop from 60 to 0 in 121 ft, which is not the best in class. The Lincoln Continental Premier leads the competition by having a stopping power of 110 feet.
The Acura RLX is economical as the standard variant is rated at 20 MPG in the city,29 MPG on the highway, and 23 MPG combined. The hybrid variant with the three electric motors improves things and check-in at 28/29/28 MPG. Acura gets tough competition from the Lexus GS, which leads the segment with 29/34/31 MPG.
Model |
Acura RLX P-AWS |
Lincoln Continental Premier |
Cadillac XTS standard |
Lexus GS 450h |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
20 |
17 |
19 |
29 |
MPG (Hwy) |
29 |
26 |
18 |
34 |
MPG (Combined) |
23 |
20 |
22 |
31 |
Fuel Capacity (Gallons) |
18.5 |
19 |
19 |
17.4 |
Range (City/Hwy) |
370.00/536.50 |
304.00/456.00 |
361.00/532.00 |
504.60/591.60 |
The 2018 Acura RLX Sedan does not have the biggest fuel tank technically, but they have made it big enough to hold a total of 18.5 gallons of fuel. The range on the Acura is much better than the Lincoln Continental and slightly improved as compared to Cadillac XTS. However, The 2018 Lexus GS 450H outshines everyone even with the smallest fuel tank.
The interior quality is top-notch as one would expect. Entry and exit are made easy by the big wide opening doors. The tilt and telescoping steering wheel and highly adjustable front seats make for a comfortable driving position. Speakers in the windshield pillars create a large blind spot, but the issue can be taken care of by opting for an Advance package that includes multiple cameras.
You can get a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel and 12-way power-adjustable front seats to help you find the most comfortable position to cruise in. The Sport Hybrid version of the Acura RLX also offers some interesting features like ventilated and heated seats.
Model |
Acura RLX P-AWS |
Lincoln Continental Premier |
Cadillac XTS standard |
Lexus GS 450h |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Passenger Volume (Ft.3) |
102.1 |
106.4 |
104.2 |
99.0 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) |
37.6/59.6/42.3 |
39.3/58.3/44.4 |
39.0/57.9/42.1 |
38.0/57.3/42.3 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) |
36.9/57.0/38.8 |
37.7/55.9/41.3 |
37.8/56.3/40.0 |
37.8/55.7/36.8 |
The 2018 Acura RLX accommodates five passengers, and both the front and the rear seats have an aggregable amount of space. Seats are supportive and cushioned all around. For child safety, the Acura gets two tether anchors and two sets of lower anchors in the back seat. Lincoln Continental is all about interior space and comfort, so we should not be surprised when it offers the most interior space followed by Cadilac XTS.Â
2018 Acura RLX gets the same outdated infotainment system from the outgoing model. The Navigation system is slow as compared to the latest technology available among competitors.
The dual-screen infotainment system only complicates things. The user interface looks antique and doesn't match up to the standards of a luxury sedan. Some of the features include:
Trunk space stands at 14.9 cubic feet of the RLX and 12 cubic feet in the hybrid model. These numbers are unimpressive for a small car as the rear seats also don't fold down.
The RLX fails to win over its competitors as the Cadillac XTS has a total of 18 cubic feet of trunk volume, which is best in the class. Even the Lincoln Continental and the Lexus GS offer better trunk space than the Acura.
Model |
Acura RLX P-AWS |
Lincoln Continental Premier |
Cadillac XTS Standard |
Lexus GS 450h |
---|---|---|---|---|
Trunk Vol. (Ft.3) |
14.9 |
16.7 |
18.0 |
15.9 |
The 2018 Acura RLX Sedan offers the lowest trunk volume at 14.9 cubic feet, and it is completely overshadowed by the Cadillac with its 18 cubic feet of trunk volume. Lincoln and Cadillac are always expected to take the win when it comes to size.
The 2018 Acura RLX is longer than the outgoing model, which means there is more legroom on the inside. It is although not the longest in this segment but has a decent amount of space for five people. The RLX has 112.2 inches of wheelbase, the same as the Lexus GS 450h.
Model |
Acura RLX P-AWS |
Lincoln Continental Premier |
Cadillac XTS standard |
Lexus GS 450h |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
3977 |
4224 |
4021 |
4112 |
Wheelbase (in) |
112.2 |
117.9 |
111.7 |
112.2 |
Length (in) |
198.1 |
201.4 |
200.9 |
192.1 |
Width (in) |
74.4 |
75.3 |
72.9 |
72.4 |
Height (in) |
57.7 |
58.5 |
59.4 |
57.3 |
Ground Clearance (in) |
4.5 |
5.5 |
5.0 |
5.1 |
Track Width - Front (in) |
64.3 |
63.2 |
61.7 |
62.0 |
Track Width - Rear (in) |
64.2 |
64.1 |
62.0 |
62.6 |
The gorgeous 198.1-inch body of the Acura RLX Sedan sits on 19-inch Alloy wheels, and it is fitted with some truly stylish LED tail lamps. The door handles are body-colored, which blends with the entire look and makes it flawless. The front is rather interesting with a big black grille surrounded by shining chrome. The Acura RLX Sedan is not the longest or the tallest or the widest, but the complete look of this wonderful design flows like it is supposed to.
The NHTSA has rated the sedan with a 5-star score in all tests while the IIHS says the 2018 RLX earns "Good" scores in all tests and gave it a Top Safety Pick award. Acura has fitted the RLX with an extensive list of standard safety techs and features. Traffic jam assist is new for this year and allows autonomous driving. The RLX can steer, accelerate, and stop itself at speeds of up to 40 mph. Standard safety feature includes:
The new Cadillac XTS standard is priced higher than the RLX. The Cadillac wins over the RLX in terms of interior quality. It feels more modern and sophisticated. The Cadillac has excellent ride comfort, thanks to the new Magnetic Ride Control System.
The top variant of Cadillac XTS gets 20-inch alloy wheels, which look great as compared to the 19-inch alloy on both the Acura variants. Cadillac XTS also has better cargo space.
The Lincoln is not as aggressive as the Acura RLX, rather it is more subtle and royal looking. Lincoln looks great with a light color scheme and rich interior design. It also has more trunk space and a roomy interior as compared to Acura.
The Lexus GS 450h is a pretty looking car. Lexus gives more engine and trim options for you to choose from, whereas, the RLX has just two variants. The GS 450h comes with a rear-wheel-drive package, which makes it a driver's car. The 3.5L V6 pumps out 338 hp and does 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds.
On the inside, Lexus gives a decent amount of space and luxury options. There are not as many standard features that one gets on the Acura RLX, but it has modern styling cues that make it stand out from others.
The all-new redesigned 2018 Acura RLX is no doubt a good-looking car with a striking design. The front fascia is fully revamped, and the new colors on offer make the car more stunning. The RLX is undoubtedly a sporty, luxurious, and a daily driver’s car. If you are looking for an ultra-luxurious interior and features, you'll surely be disappointed here. But, if you are looking for an affordable premium sedan with a decent price tag, the 2018 Acura RLX is the best choice you can make.