The Acura RLX, in its standard form, might blend into the background of ordinary sedans. However, the Acura Rlx Sport Hybrid variant injects a dose of intriguing engineering into this often-overlooked model. This upgrade isn’t just a trim level; it’s a unique approach to hybrid performance that sets it apart within the Acura lineup and the broader luxury sedan market.
• Original MSRP: $66,870 (as tested)
• System Output: 377 Horsepower @ 6400 rpm
• Real-world MPG: 21.8 mpg (Observed)
Let’s be honest, the Acura RLX isn’t winning any beauty contests with its understated design. The infotainment system, featuring Acura’s dual-screen setup, can be polarizing. And some quirks, like a hesitant reverse engagement and a less-than-generous trunk, don’t scream “flagship luxury.” However, the RLX Sport Hybrid is more than the sum of these parts. It’s a showcase of Honda’s engineering ingenuity, a distinct creation unlike anything else in their portfolio. This isn’t a rehash of components from other Acura models like the TLX, nor is it a detuned NSX powertrain. It’s a bespoke hybrid system, Honda-style.
The 2015 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid, despite its “Sport” designation, isn’t a true sports sedan in the vein of European rivals, and it doesn’t excel as a cavernous family car. Fuel economy, in real-world testing, also fell short of expectations. Yet, there’s an unexpected charm, a peculiar appeal to this somewhat disappointing and decidedly unpopular vehicle. Perhaps its very strangeness is part of its character. In a market saturated with predictable luxury cars, the RLX Sport Hybrid dares to be different.
From a sales perspective, the Acura RLX has struggled. While pronouncements of market failure are often exaggerated, in the RLX’s case, they ring truer. Sales figures for the RLX have been consistently low, resembling those of niche sports cars rather than mainstream luxury sedans. This scarcity, however, could be interpreted as endowing the RLX Sport Hybrid with an air of exclusivity. It’s an uncommon variant of an already uncommon car, likely to go unnoticed or misunderstood by the average observer.
The magic of the Sport Hybrid lies in its all-wheel-drive system. Electric motors powering the rear wheels not only boost overall power but also facilitate a form of torque vectoring. This setup allows the RLX Sport Hybrid to corner with surprising agility, effectively mitigating understeer. While the sensation of torque steer in an all-wheel-drive luxury sedan might initially feel incongruous, especially for those accustomed to rear-wheel-drive dynamics, the RLX Sport Hybrid manages to harness this power for surprisingly nimble handling. It confidently navigates back roads, feeling smaller and more responsive than its size would suggest, inviting generous throttle inputs through corners.
Brake pedal feel, a common complaint in hybrid vehicles due to regenerative braking systems, is present in the RLX Sport Hybrid, lacking the linear predictability of conventional braking systems. The steering, while accurate, is light and somewhat devoid of feedback, reminding the driver of the car’s substantial weight, even with the hybrid powertrain enhancements. However, when viewed through the lens of a large sedan with sporting aspirations, the RLX delivers a satisfying level of driving engagement, though not reaching the outright aggression of dedicated performance sedans.
In terms of refinement, the Acura RLX excels in cabin quietness. However, ride quality on imperfect road surfaces isn’t as plush as one might anticipate from a large, long-wheelbase sedan. This could be partly attributed to the low-profile winter tires fitted to the test vehicle, potentially sacrificing some ride comfort for enhanced cold-weather grip.
Compared to the Acura TLX, the RLX Sport Hybrid offers a more serene interior ambiance. Simple, button-operated heated seats, in contrast to the TLX’s screen-dependent controls, contribute to a more user-friendly experience, especially in cold weather. This tactile approach to essential functions is a welcome departure from the sometimes-frustrating touchscreen interfaces that dominate modern car interiors.
Despite its exterior dimensions, comparable to larger sedans like the Chevrolet Impala and even longer than Acura’s own TLX, the RLX Sport Hybrid’s interior packaging isn’t optimized for spaciousness. The rear seat is best suited for two occupants, with a prominent center hump and an elevated middle seat position compromising comfort for a third passenger. While outboard rear passengers enjoy ample legroom, the overall feeling is more akin to a four-seater. Furthermore, the trunk capacity is reduced in the Sport Hybrid compared to the standard RLX, offering less cargo space than Acura’s compact ILX sedan. Extended road trips with a full complement of passengers and luggage might be challenging.
Fuel economy was another area where the RLX Sport Hybrid underperformed in testing. Despite EPA ratings of 28 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, the test vehicle, driven in cold weather conditions with winter tires and a mix of driving environments, returned only 21.8 mpg. While respectable for a powerful car, it falls short of the efficiency expectations typically associated with hybrid vehicles.
Ultimately, the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid’s most significant drawback might be its understated styling, failing to command attention in a segment where visual presence is often valued. However, over time, the driving experience reveals hidden merits. The comfortable seats, potent 377 horsepower powertrain, agile handling, and generous equipment levels create a genuinely enjoyable driving experience. Its anonymous styling might even be seen as a benefit for those seeking understated luxury.
However, the original MSRP of nearly $67,000 is a significant hurdle for a car that struggles to stand out in a competitive market. Acura possesses the engineering prowess to create compelling powertrains, as demonstrated by the RLX Sport Hybrid. If they could marry this technical expertise with more expressive design, they could potentially unlock the RLX’s hidden potential and broaden its appeal beyond a niche audience. As it stands, the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid remains a fascinating but ultimately overlooked example of Honda’s innovative engineering.
