2014 Acura RLX Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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They say hindsight is 20/20, but just shy of 20 years after the RL's original debut, Acura has the foresight to coin a new catchy fraction based on drivers' deepest desires: 30/30. That's the promised fuel economy of the all-new 2014 RLX Sport Hybrid with super-handling all-wheel drive (SH-AWD) due late in the 2013 calendar year. A front-wheel-drive (FWD) RLX with the standard gas-only engine will be the first to arrive at dealerships, but it, too, offers impressive economy from a 310-hp 3.5-liter V6 that will power this luxury midsize sedan to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. How impressive? Well, 20 mpg city/31 highway may not be as stellar as the Sport Hybrid's 30/30, but it's well above the 25 mpg highway typical of this class—and to do that while maintaining class-standard acceleration is a real feat.
That said, the Sport Hybrid is easily the favorite to date not only for its economy, not only for its refined powertrain and not only for its enticing credentials on paper, but primarily because it simply handles like a sports car built for the everyday commute "should." Aside from the obvious performance perks that come with SH-AWD, the Sport Hybrid also offers 60 additional horses with its electric-gas pairing and uses a 7-speed automated manual as opposed to the 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters obligatory to the FWD RLX. Drivers who've gotten to test the pair already call the ride rougher than your typical luxury sedan's for its lack of ability to absorb bumps, but the Sport Hybrid takes the FWD's confident cornering up just a slight notch to make it fun.
However, the RLX wasn't built to pick a performance side of the sport-commuter contest. It chooses to shine inside the cabin rather than under the chassis for an effortless and spacious experience from A to B. Offered in 5 versions, the Base is available with four upgrade packages: Navigation, Technology, Krell Audio and Advance. The RLX offers an 8-inch touchscreen in the Base and features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance at the top shelf, but nothing a la carte in between. Compared to its RL predecessor, the RLX is both hugely roomy and massively more tech-inclined, with 3 cloud-based apps for smartphone integration and user-friendly interfaces for audio and navigation controls with improved sound routing based on the infotainment system's current mode.
The adaptive cruise control works at any speed with any traffic density, and the lane-departure system gently takes over the steering wheel to nudge the car back on-center. Infiniti's new Q50 for 2014 also features a similar system, but in its first application of drive-by-wire for a production vehicle, Infiniti offers more autonomous correction, but without the tactile feedback of the RLX's version. The clear defining line between an RLX and any other luxury midsize is its reliability; Acura uses time-tested technology and solid mechanical construction with the best responsiveness feedback on the market today. Acura—sounds like “accurate." That's probably not an accident.
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2014 Acura RLX Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 15GB hard drive · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 404 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.25
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in. and 8 in. (dual)
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in mirror
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.9
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 33 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Sun sensor climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 15GB hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 404 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.25
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: AcuraLink · Infotainment screen size: 7 in. and 8 in. (dual)
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.9
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 33 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · 15GB hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 588 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: in dash · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.25
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: AcuraLink · Infotainment screen size: 7 in. and 8 in. (dual)
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: remote operation
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.9
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 33 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 15GB hard drive · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Krell premium brand · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 450 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: in dash · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.25
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: AcuraLink · Infotainment screen size: 7 in. and 8 in. (dual)
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.9
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 33 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · 15GB hard drive · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Krell premium brand · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 450 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in dash · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.25
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: AcuraLink · Infotainment screen size: 7 in. and 8 in. (dual)
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.9
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 33 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: remote operation