The Acura RLX might not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of luxury sport sedans, and the standard model certainly blends into the background. However, the Acura Rlx Sport Hybrid is a different beast altogether. Beneath its understated exterior lies a fascinating blend of engineering ingenuity, featuring a cooperative seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, a front-mounted electric motor, and a uniquely configured all-wheel-drive system powered by twin rear electric motors. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill hybrid; it’s Honda pushing boundaries in a way rarely seen in their other vehicles.
• As-Tested Price (USD): $66,870
• Total System Horsepower: 377 @ 6400 rpm
• Observed Fuel Economy: 21.8 mpg
Let’s be honest, the Acura RLX isn’t winning any beauty pageants with its conservative styling. The dual-screen infotainment system can be clunky, the reverse engagement is sluggish, and practicality takes a hit with a smaller trunk and a less-than-spacious rear middle seat. Yet, the RLX Sport Hybrid is a showcase of Honda’s engineering prowess, a unique creation unlike anything else in their lineup. It doesn’t borrow the newer transmissions from the TLX, it’s not a diluted NSX powertrain, and it’s distinct from the Accord Hybrid’s setup. This is Honda operating on a different wavelength, creating something truly unique.
capsule review 2015 acura rlx sport hybrid
The 2015 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid isn’t a track-ready sports sedan, nor is it the ideal choice for hauling families and luggage. And, as we discovered, its fuel economy in real-world conditions falls short of expectations. It’s a car that’s strangely enjoyable, yet also strangely disappointing, and undeniably, strangely unpopular. Perhaps its very strangeness is part of its overlooked charm. In a market saturated with predictable luxury cars, maybe being different isn’t such a negative trait.
From a sales perspective, the Acura RLX has struggled. While we often exaggerate when we say “nobody is buying X car,” in the case of the RLX, it’s closer to reality. Sales figures reveal a significant year-over-year decline, translating to very low monthly sales numbers, comparable to niche sports cars rather than mainstream luxury sedans that typically sell in much higher volumes.
However, this exclusivity might be part of the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid’s appeal. It’s a rare variant of an already uncommon car, an enigma that might go unnoticed by the average observer. But for those in the know, the RLX Sport Hybrid offers a unique driving experience.
The rear electric motors contribute significantly to the car’s power and handling. They provide a form of torque vectoring, effectively simulating four-wheel steering. This allows the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid to corner with surprising agility and minimal understeer. While all-wheel-drive systems in powerful cars can sometimes introduce torque steer, a sensation more at home in sporty compact cars than refined luxury sedans, the RLX Sport Hybrid manages to mostly mitigate this. Despite not being the ultimate snow traction machine, with some assertive throttle input, the RLX Sport Hybrid reveals itself as a surprisingly capable performer on winding roads, feeling much lighter and nimbler than its size would suggest.
Brake pedal feel, a common characteristic of hybrids, isn’t as linear or predictable as one might desire. And the steering, while accurate, lacks feedback, reminding you of the car’s substantial 4354-pound weight despite its dynamic abilities. Yet, considering its size, the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid delivers a surprising amount of driving enjoyment when pushed, though it doesn’t quite reach the aggressive sportiness of rivals like the Cadillac CTS Vsport.
capsule review 2015 acura rlx sport hybrid
In terms of refinement, the Acura RLX excels in quietness. However, its ride quality on rough surfaces isn’t as composed as expected from a large, long-wheelbase sedan. This might be partly attributed to the low-profile winter tires fitted during our test, which could compromise some of the ride comfort.
Compared to the Acura TLX, the RLX offers a more serene cabin experience. Simple, button-operated controls for features like heated seats are a welcome departure from the often-frustrating touch-sensitive interfaces found in many modern cars. In the RLX Sport Hybrid, basic functions are easily accessible without navigating through layers of menus on a touchscreen, a welcome relief, especially in cold weather.
Despite its exterior dimensions, the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid doesn’t fully deliver on the promise of big-car spaciousness. While it’s longer than Acura’s own TLX and only slightly shorter than a Chevrolet Impala, the rear seat is best suited for two occupants. The high central floor hump and raised middle seat cushion make the center position uncomfortable for adults. While outboard passengers enjoy ample legroom, the RLX Sport Hybrid feels more like a four-seater in practice. Furthermore, the trunk space is reduced compared to the standard RLX, offering a rather small 11.6 cubic feet, even less than Acura’s compact ILX sedan. Long road trips with five occupants and their luggage are definitely not recommended.
Fuel efficiency, a key consideration for hybrid buyers, proved to be somewhat disappointing in our testing. The EPA rates the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid at 28 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. However, in cold weather conditions with winter tires and a mix of city and highway driving, we observed 21.8 mpg. While respectable for a powerful car, it fell short of the advertised figures.
Perhaps the most significant drawback of the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid is its understated styling. Yet, over the course of a week with the car, its driving charm grew on us. With supremely comfortable seats, a potent 377 horsepower hybrid powertrain, surprisingly sharp turn-in, a generous equipment list, and an anonymous design that doesn’t attract unwanted attention, there’s a lot to appreciate.
However, the as-tested price of nearly $67,000 is a significant hurdle for a car that struggles to stand out in a crowded luxury segment. Acura needs to give its designers the freedom to create more visually appealing cars, matching the innovative engineering found under the skin. Combining striking design with their proven powertrain technology could make Acura a much more compelling contender in the luxury market, potentially selling more than just a handful of RLX Sport Hybrids each month.
Currently, the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid remains a largely overlooked and underappreciated gem.
