The Acura RLX, in its standard form, might blend into the background of the luxury sedan segment. However, the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid version injects a dose of Honda’s innovative engineering into this often-overlooked model. This transformation includes a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission working in concert with a front electric motor and a distinctive all-wheel-drive system powered by two additional electric motors at the rear wheels. This unique setup makes the Hybrid Rlx a standout, albeit a somewhat enigmatic one.
• USD As-Tested Price: $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 contests with its conservative styling. The infotainment system with its dual screens can be cumbersome, and certain aspects like the slow engagement of reverse gear or the less-than-generous trunk space and rear passenger room are undeniable drawbacks.
Despite these shortcomings, the hybrid RLX serves as a rolling showcase of Honda’s engineering ingenuity, a trait not quite replicated in their other vehicles. Unlike the TLX with its newer transmissions or the Accord Hybrid’s different hybrid system, the RLX Sport Hybrid operates on a different plane. This is Honda pushing boundaries, Honda being distinctively Honda.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the 2015 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid doesn’t quite fit neatly into the sports sedan mold, nor does it excel as a spacious family car. Furthermore, its real-world fuel economy didn’t live up to expectations. The hybrid RLX experience is a blend of intrigue and disappointment, a car that’s both strangely appealing and strangely niche. Perhaps, its defining characteristic is simply its strangeness, and in a world of automotive conformity, that might not be entirely negative.
capsule review 2015 acura rlx sport hybrid
Image: Front three-quarter view of a silver 2015 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid, highlighting its understated exterior design.
Market Reality and the RLX’s Rarity
In the automotive marketplace, perception often clashes with reality. While it’s easy to exaggerate the unpopularity of certain models, in the case of the RLX, its sales figures genuinely reflect its struggle. The RLX experienced a significant 32.5% year-over-year sales decline in the U.S., resulting in fewer than 300 units sold monthly in 2014. To put this into perspective, these numbers are comparable to niche sports cars like the Porsche Cayman, while mainstream competitors in its class, such as the Audi A6, were moving around 2000 units per month.
One could argue that the hybrid RLX‘s exclusivity adds an element of cool mystique. It’s a rare variant of an already uncommon car, likely to be overlooked or misunderstood by the general public. This rarity might appeal to a select few who appreciate automotive oddities and engineering experiments.
Driving Dynamics: A Surprising Dose of Fun
The rear electric motors in the hybrid RLX contribute to its already respectable power output and introduce a unique form of torque vectoring. This system allows for surprisingly nimble cornering, effectively mitigating understeer and enabling the car to be thrown into bends with unexpected eagerness. While the sensation of torque steer in an all-wheel-drive luxury sedan might be unsettling for rear-wheel-drive enthusiasts – a trait more associated with sport compacts rather than refined vehicles – the RLX manages to harness this power effectively. Despite not being the ultimate snow traction machine, with judicious throttle control, the hybrid RLX reveals itself as a surprisingly capable performer on winding roads. It shrinks around you, feeling much smaller and more agile than its actual size would suggest.
capsule review 2015 acura rlx sport hybrid
Image: Interior view of the 2015 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid dashboard, focusing on the dual-screen infotainment system and button layout.
Refinement and Interior Comfort: A Mixed Bag
Brake pedal feel in the hybrid RLX, like many hybrids, lacks the consistent feedback desired by driving purists. The steering, while accurate, is light and somewhat devoid of feel, reminding you of the car’s 4354-pound weight despite its cornering prowess. However, when assessed as a large car with sporting aspirations, the RLX delivers a decent amount of driving enjoyment, though it lacks the outright aggression of sportier rivals like the Cadillac CTS Vsport.
In terms of refinement, the cabin of the RLX is impressively quiet, contributing to a sense of luxury. However, it doesn’t quite achieve the serene ride quality expected from a heavy car with a long wheelbase, particularly on rough road surfaces. This slight compromise in tranquility might be attributed to the low-profile winter tires (Michelin X-Ice 245/40R19) fitted to the test vehicle.
Compared to the Acura TLX, the RLX offers a more user-friendly interior, especially in winter conditions. The heated seats are controlled by conventional buttons, a welcome departure from the often-frustrating touchscreen-dependent controls. In the RLX, simple functions are easily accessible without navigating layers of digital menus – a small but appreciated detail in cold weather.
Practicality and Value: Where the RLX Falters
Despite its substantial 196.1-inch length, the RLX’s interior packaging isn’t optimized for maximum passenger and cargo space. While only slightly shorter than a Chevrolet Impala and longer than Acura’s own TLX, the rear seat is best suited for two occupants due to a prominent center hump and an uncomfortable middle seat position. While outboard passengers enjoy ample space, the hybrid RLX realistically functions as a four-seater. Furthermore, the trunk capacity is reduced in the hybrid version, shrinking from the standard RLX’s 14.9 cubic feet to a meager 11.6 cubic feet – less than Acura’s smaller ILX sedan. This limited cargo space compromises its practicality for long journeys, especially with multiple passengers.
Fuel economy, a key consideration for hybrid buyers, proved disappointing in real-world testing. Despite EPA ratings of 28 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, the observed fuel economy during the test week, which included cold weather and winter tires, was only 21.8 mpg. While respectable for a powerful car, it fell short of hybrid efficiency expectations.
Conclusion: A Unique Proposition with Market Challenges
The Acura RLX Sport Hybrid’s most significant drawback might be its understated, some might say uninspired, styling. However, as the test week progressed, the driving experience grew increasingly enjoyable. With supremely comfortable seats, 377 horsepower, surprisingly sharp turn-in inspired by the Integra Type-R, and a high level of equipment, the hybrid RLX offers a compelling package on paper. Its anonymous styling might even be a plus for those who prefer to fly under the radar.
However, the as-tested price of USD $66,870 is a significant hurdle for a car that struggles to stand out in a crowded luxury sedan market. Acura possesses the engineering talent to create innovative powertrains like the hybrid RLX system. If they could combine this engineering prowess with more compelling and visually appealing designs, they could potentially transform the RLX from a niche curiosity into a more successful model.
As it stands, the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid remains a fascinating but ultimately underappreciated and under-sold vehicle. It’s a testament to Honda’s engineering capabilities, wrapped in a package that struggles to resonate with the broader luxury car market.
