2015 Acura RLX Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The driver's jury has spoken on the 2014 debut of Acura’s latest midsize sedan, and it’s not all good. A few returning brand fans were hoping for a greater progression forward in technology and luxury, but most of the complaints stem from a plague very common to first-year models: sloppy manufacturing. Acura sent just a few RLX models off the line last year that were begging for suspension, transmission and technological glitches, and though the maker is silent about it, those problems disappeared later in the year, indicating a swift correction of factory procedure.
Otherwise there are essentially no changes over last year. The Advance package gets a heated steering wheel, and the Sport Hybrid will not get updated for 2015, but that’s it. That leaves the RLX in somewhat of an odd position, not quite competing with its class brethren on things like sporting character, luxury or technology, but instead working to raise the bar for interior space and practicality in a luxury midsize. It’s not for everyone, but the RLX is a sedan every discerning driver can appreciate.
The RLX does a bit better on fuel than most in its class with a V6—the EPA rates it at 20 mpg city/31 highway—but you could take a mile off that economy as well as a half-second off the 6.3 seconds to 60 mph offered by the RLX and have a Lexus IS instead. That rear-wheel-drive Lexus also offers a more luxurious cabin, but it’s not as spacious as the RLX, and if you like to feel the road, there’s no better maker than Acura. Not to mention the RLX’s front-wheel drive is considerably easier to handle in hairy situations.
Effortless, spacious and familiar are RLX hallmarks. The 3.5-liter V6 putting out 310 hp and 272 lb-ft/torque matches up with a 6-speed automatic and traditional drivetrain technology for a tried-and-true character you won’t find in makes with something to prove. There’s nothing questionably by-wire, no awkward gesture-based remote controls and no need to fiddle with climate controls to compensate for a half-baked car if you opt for the Navigation package—the GPS detects which side is in direct sunlight and takes care of that for you.
The basic package still includes technology like a rear-view camera and 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity—the RLX is not a relic of a way-gone time, just a commuter on a mission to be thoroughly intuitive. And unlike the Lexus IS, the RLX offers memory for driver's settings, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors and tri-zone automatic climate control at its baseline. Opt up to the Navigation package for an 8-inch screen, voice commands and AcuraLink telematics and integration.
Moving up to the Technology package nets features like automatic wipers, power-folding mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, leather upholstery and a stereo upgrade. Going for the Advance adds adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, front and rear parking sensors, auto-dimming outside mirrors, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and that heated steering wheel. There’s a second stereo upgrade available to Technology buyers that also adds automatic sunshades, but otherwise no options are available individually—it’s all or nothing, which is pretty much an apt description for the RLX itself. Take it or leave it. The RLX is what it is.
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2015 Acura RLX Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Sun sensor 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 · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
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: 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: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · 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 · 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: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
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: remote operation
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · 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: leatherette
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 · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · 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: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · 15GB hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium brand: ELS Studio · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14
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: leather · 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: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · 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 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: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
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: front · Impact sensor: alert system · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · 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: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
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 · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation
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
Sun sensor 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 · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 15GB hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Krell premium brand · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14
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: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · 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 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 on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
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: front · Impact sensor: alert system · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · 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: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: perforated
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 · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Sun sensor 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 · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 15GB hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Krell premium brand · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14
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: alloy · 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: front · 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: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · 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: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: LED · 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: remote operation
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 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: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
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 · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse