The Acura RLX, often blending into the background of the luxury sedan market, takes an intriguing turn with its Sport Hybrid variant. This model isn’t just about subtle enhancements; it’s a showcase of Honda’s innovative engineering, transforming the RLX into something genuinely distinct. The heart of this transformation lies in its advanced powertrain: a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission working in harmony with a front-mounted electric motor and a unique all-wheel-drive system powered by two additional electric motors at the rear wheels.
Key Specs of the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid:
- Original As-Tested Price: $66,870
- Total System Horsepower: 377 hp @ 6400 rpm
- Observed Fuel Economy: 21.8 mpg
While the standard Acura RLX might not immediately capture attention with its understated design or its somewhat dated dual-screen infotainment system, the RLX Sport Hybrid offers a deeper layer of appeal. It’s not about aggressive styling or cutting-edge in-cabin tech; it’s about the sophisticated engineering beneath the surface. This model stands apart within the Acura lineup, distinct from the TLX with its eight and nine-speed transmissions, unrelated to the NSX powertrain, and employing a different hybrid approach than the Accord Hybrid. The RLX Sport Hybrid embodies Honda’s engineering philosophy at its most unique.
capsule review 2015 acura rlx sport hybrid
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the 2015 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid doesn’t quite fit neatly into established categories. It’s not a traditional sports sedan focused on outright performance, nor is it ideally suited for full-size sedan duties due to some practicality compromises. Furthermore, its real-world fuel economy, while respectable, didn’t fully align with expectations. The RLX Sport Hybrid occupies a somewhat unusual space – it’s surprisingly engaging to drive, yet also carries elements of disappointment, and ultimately, it has struggled to gain popularity. Perhaps its defining characteristic is simply its strangeness, which in a market saturated with similar options, might not be entirely negative.
In the competitive automotive marketplace, uniqueness doesn’t always translate to sales success. While some might jokingly say no one buys certain less popular models, the reality is often nuanced. However, in the case of the Acura RLX, its sales figures genuinely reflect a lack of market traction. The RLX experienced a significant sales decline, with monthly sales numbers in 2014 falling below even niche sports cars like the Porsche Cayman. This is in stark contrast to competitors in its segment, such as the Audi A6, which routinely achieves much higher monthly sales volumes.
Yet, this very exclusivity could be seen as part of the RLX Sport Hybrid’s appeal. It’s a rare and somewhat misunderstood vehicle, an uncommon version of an already uncommon car. To the discerning driver, this obscurity might add a layer of cool intrigue.
From a driving dynamics perspective, the rear electric motors contribute meaningfully to the RLX Sport Hybrid’s performance. They not only boost overall power but also enable a form of torque vectoring, enhancing cornering agility. This system effectively mitigates understeer, allowing the car to turn into corners with surprising eagerness. While the sensation of torque steer in an all-wheel-drive luxury sedan might initially feel out of place to those accustomed to rear-wheel-drive dynamics, the RLX Sport Hybrid manages to channel this power effectively. Despite not being optimized for extreme winter conditions, judicious throttle application reveals the RLX Sport Hybrid to be a surprisingly capable performer on winding roads, feeling dynamically smaller and more nimble than its size would suggest.
capsule review 2015 acura rlx sport hybrid
However, like many hybrid vehicles, the brake pedal feel in the RLX Sport Hybrid isn’t as linear or predictable as in traditional non-hybrid cars. The steering, while functional, lacks feedback, reminding the driver of the car’s substantial 4354-pound weight, even with the hybrid powertrain’s enhancements. Nevertheless, when evaluated as a large sedan with sporting intentions, the RLX delivers a satisfying degree of driving engagement. It may not reach the aggressive sportiness of models like the Cadillac CTS Vsport, but it offers a unique blend of luxury and surprising dynamism.
In terms of refinement, the Acura RLX excels in cabin quietness, creating a serene environment for occupants. However, its ride quality on rougher road surfaces might not be as plush as one might expect from a heavy car with a long wheelbase. This slight compromise in tranquility could be attributed to the low-profile winter tires fitted to the test vehicle, which might transmit more road imperfections into the cabin.
Comparing it to the Acura TLX, the RLX offers a more premium and user-friendly interior experience in some respects. Simple features, like physical buttons for heated seats, are appreciated for their immediate and intuitive operation, a welcome contrast to the sometimes cumbersome touchscreen-dependent interfaces found in many modern cars. In the RLX, basic controls are readily accessible without navigating through layers of digital menus, enhancing the overall ease of use, especially in cold weather conditions.
capsule review 2015 acura rlx sport hybrid
Despite its exterior dimensions, which are comparable to large sedans like the Chevrolet Impala and even longer than Acura’s own TLX, the RLX Sport Hybrid’s interior packaging presents some compromises in practicality. While front and rear window seat passengers enjoy ample space, the rear center seat is less accommodating due to a high floor hump and an elevated seat cushion, making it best suited for four occupants. Furthermore, the trunk space in the Sport Hybrid version is reduced compared to the standard RLX, offering a modest 11.6 cubic feet, even less than Acura’s smaller ILX sedan. This limits its suitability for carrying luggage for multiple passengers on long journeys.
Fuel economy is a key consideration for hybrid vehicle buyers. The EPA ratings for the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid are 28 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. However, during a week-long test drive in cold weather conditions with winter tires and a mix of driving environments, the observed fuel economy was 21.8 mpg. While still respectable for a vehicle with its power output, it fell short of the advertised figures and might be a point of consideration for potential buyers focused on maximizing fuel efficiency.
Ultimately, the most significant drawback of the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid might be its understated styling, a characteristic that defines its flagship sedan status for Acura. However, over time, the driving experience reveals numerous positive aspects. The seats are exceptionally comfortable, the 377 horsepower powertrain delivers brisk performance, the handling exhibits an unexpected sharpness reminiscent of the Integra Type-R, and the car comes well-equipped. Its low profile design means it doesn’t attract unwanted attention, which can be a benefit for some buyers.
However, the original as-tested price of nearly $67,000 is a significant hurdle. In a segment filled with more visually striking and attention-grabbing competitors, the RLX Sport Hybrid struggles to justify its price point for many consumers. Acura possesses the engineering talent to create innovative powertrains like the one in the RLX Sport Hybrid. If they could similarly empower their design teams to create more visually compelling vehicles, they could potentially unlock the true market potential of their technology and attract a wider range of buyers beyond the current niche appeal of models like the Rlx Hybrid. Currently, its sales numbers reflect its position as a largely overlooked and underappreciated offering in the luxury hybrid sedan market.
