The Acura RLX, in its standard form, often fades into the background of the luxury sedan segment. However, the Acura Rlx Sport Hybrid variant injects a dose of intriguing complexity under its unassuming skin. This model isn’t just a mild electrification of a familiar formula; it’s a showcase of Honda’s innovative engineering spirit, combining a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, a front electric motor, and a distinctive all-wheel-drive system powered by twin rear electric motors.
Key Specifications at a Glance:
- Original As-Tested Price: $66,870 USD
- Total System Horsepower: 377 hp @ 6400 rpm
- Observed Fuel Economy: 21.8 mpg
While the Acura RLX might not immediately captivate with its conservative styling or the somewhat dated dual-screen infotainment system, the Sport Hybrid version offers a deeper appreciation for Honda’s engineering capabilities. It’s not a parts-bin special, borrowing components from other Acura or Honda models. This powertrain is unique. It’s not the eight or nine-speed transmissions found in the TLX, nor is it a diluted version of the NSX’s hybrid setup, or the transmission-less system in the Accord Hybrid. The Acura RLX Sport Hybrid stands alone, representing a distinct and somewhat unconventional approach to hybrid performance.
capsule review 2015 acura rlx sport hybrid
However, despite its technical intrigue, the 2015 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid faces an identity crisis. It doesn’t quite embody the sporty demeanor its name suggests, nor does it fully excel as a spacious and practical large sedan. Fuel economy, while decent, also falls short of expectations for a hybrid. The RLX Sport Hybrid occupies a peculiar space – strangely engaging in some ways, yet ultimately disappointing in others, contributing to its low popularity. Perhaps, its defining characteristic is simply its strangeness, which in a world of homogenous automobiles, isn’t inherently negative.
From a market perspective, the Acura RLX has struggled significantly. While some might jokingly claim “nobody buys the Acura RLX,” the reality is closer to that statement than one might expect. Sales figures reveal the RLX’s struggles in a competitive market. Its sales decline placed it in a niche territory, selling in numbers comparable to sports cars like the Porsche Cayman, rather than mainstream luxury sedans like the Audi A6, which commands significantly higher monthly sales.
This exclusivity, however unintentional, could be spun as a unique selling point for the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid. It’s a rare and somewhat misunderstood vehicle, an uncommon variant of an already uncommon car. To the casual observer, it likely blends into the background, but for those in the know, it represents something different.
The magic of the Sport Hybrid lies in its rear electric motors. They not only boost overall power but also contribute to a unique form of torque vectoring. This system effectively mitigates understeer, allowing the rather large sedan to corner with surprising agility and immediacy. While the sensation of torque steer, inherent in front-wheel-drive based all-wheel-drive systems like this, might perturb purists, the RLX Sport Hybrid manages to deliver a rewarding driving experience on winding roads. With deliberate throttle input, it transforms into a surprisingly capable back-road performer, feeling considerably smaller and more nimble than its actual dimensions would suggest.
capsule review 2015 acura rlx sport hybrid
Like many hybrid vehicles, the brake feel in the RLX Sport Hybrid isn’t entirely linear or predictable, a common characteristic of regenerative braking systems. The steering, while accurate, lacks feedback, reminding the driver of the car’s substantial 4354-pound weight. Despite these nuances, when assessed as a large sedan with sporting aspirations, the RLX Sport Hybrid delivers a level of driving enjoyment that surpasses expectations, though it might not reach the outright aggression of sport-tuned rivals like the Cadillac CTS Vsport.
In terms of refinement, the Acura RLX excels in noise isolation, creating a remarkably quiet cabin. However, its ride quality on rough road surfaces isn’t as plush as one might anticipate from a car of its size and wheelbase. This slight compromise in serenity could be attributed to the low-profile winter tires equipped during the test, which might sacrifice some ride comfort for enhanced cold-weather grip.
Contrasting it with the Acura TLX, the RLX offers a more serene interior environment and user-friendly controls. Notably, the heated seats are operated by traditional buttons, a welcome departure from the sometimes-frustrating dual-screen infotainment interface that requires navigating menus for basic functions. In the RLX, simple tasks like activating heated seats are achieved with a single button press, a small but appreciated convenience, especially in cold weather.
Despite its exterior dimensions – nearly as long as a Chevrolet Impala and longer than Acura’s own TLX – the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid doesn’t fully translate its size into interior spaciousness. While front and rear outboard occupants enjoy ample room, the rear center seat is compromised by a high floor hump and an elevated seating position, making it less comfortable for adult passengers. The RLX Sport Hybrid effectively functions as a comfortable four-seater. Furthermore, the trunk space is reduced in the hybrid version compared to the standard RLX, shrinking to a compact 11.6 cubic feet, even smaller than the trunk of Acura’s compact ILX sedan. This limited cargo capacity impacts its practicality for long journeys, especially with multiple passengers.
Fuel economy figures obtained during testing were somewhat disappointing relative to EPA ratings. While the EPA estimates 28 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, real-world testing in cold weather conditions with winter tires yielded an average of 21.8 mpg. While still respectable for a powerful sedan, it falls short of the higher efficiency often associated with hybrid vehicles.
Perhaps the most significant drawback of the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid is its understated design. In a segment where visual appeal is often paramount, the RLX’s conservative styling fails to make a statement. However, as the test week progressed, the driving experience grew increasingly enjoyable. The comfortable seats, potent 377 horsepower output, agile handling reminiscent of the Integra Type-R, and generous equipment levels all contributed to a positive impression. Moreover, its anonymous styling meant it didn’t attract unwanted attention.
However, the original MSRP of nearly $67,000 USD is a significant hurdle. In a market segment brimming with more visually striking and perhaps more overtly luxurious competitors, the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid struggles to justify its price point. Acura’s engineering prowess in developing such a unique powertrain is undeniable, but to truly succeed, they need to equally empower their design team to create vehicles that are as visually compelling as they are technically advanced. Combining Honda’s renowned engineering with more captivating design could unlock the true potential of Acura and allow them to move beyond niche status in the luxury market.
Currently, the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid remains a relatively obscure and underappreciated model.
