The Acura Rlx Sport Hybrid is an automotive enigma. It’s a vehicle packed with innovative engineering hidden beneath a decidedly understated exterior. While it might not turn heads with its styling and some interior features leave something to be desired, the RLX Sport Hybrid offers a unique driving experience thanks to its sophisticated powertrain. Let’s delve into what makes this often-forgotten Acura a surprisingly interesting piece of automotive technology.
• USD As-Tested Price: $66,870
• Total System Horsepower: 377 @ 6400 rpm
• Observed Fuel Economy: 21.8 mpg
Stepping into the RLX Sport Hybrid, you might not immediately be captivated. The conservative design language, the somewhat dated dual-screen infotainment system, and quirks like a slow-engaging reverse gear are unlikely to ignite passion. Similarly, the limited trunk space and a less-than-spacious middle rear seat are practical drawbacks. However, to dismiss the RLX Sport Hybrid based on these initial impressions would be a mistake. This sedan is a showcase of Honda’s engineering prowess, a unique blend of technology not found in other vehicles from the brand. It’s not borrowing components from the TLX, the NSX, or even the Accord Hybrid; the RLX Sport Hybrid stands alone with its distinct approach to hybrid performance. This is Honda at its most unconventional, pushing boundaries in its own way.
capsule review 2015 acura rlx sport hybrid
While not a true sports sedan in the mold of European performance models, and perhaps not entirely fulfilling traditional large car expectations either, the 2015 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid possesses a strange allure. It’s fun in unexpected ways, yet also carries a hint of disappointment, and its market unpopularity is undeniable. Perhaps the defining characteristic of the RLX Sport Hybrid is simply its strangeness, which, in a world of increasingly homogenous cars, might actually be its most compelling feature.
From a sales perspective, the RLX has struggled significantly. While it’s often said jokingly that certain less popular cars have no buyers, the RLX’s sales figures sadly approach that hyperbole. Its sales decline was substantial, leading to very low monthly sales numbers, comparable to niche sports cars rather than mainstream luxury sedans. In a segment where competitors like the Audi A6 achieve thousands of sales per month, the RLX’s figures are strikingly low.
However, this exclusivity could be seen as a unique selling point for some. Owning an RLX Sport Hybrid means driving a rare version of an already uncommon car, something that flies under the radar and might be appreciated by those seeking something different and technologically intriguing without the need for flashy aesthetics.
The real magic of the RLX Sport Hybrid lies in its all-wheel-drive system. The rear electric motors not only boost overall power but also enable a form of torque vectoring, effectively enhancing cornering agility. This system mitigates understeer, allowing the car to turn into corners with surprising eagerness. Despite being a front-wheel-drive based hybrid, the integration of rear electric motors minimizes torque steer, a characteristic typically associated with less refined performance cars. While not a perfect snow traction machine, the RLX Sport Hybrid, with judicious throttle application, reveals itself as surprisingly capable on winding roads, feeling much smaller and more nimble than its size would suggest.
Brake feel in the RLX Sport Hybrid, as is common in many hybrids, lacks the linear predictability that driving enthusiasts prefer. The steering, while accurate, is light and somewhat devoid of feedback, a reminder of the car’s substantial weight. Despite these typical hybrid characteristics, when viewed as a large sedan with sporting intentions, the RLX delivers a surprising amount of driving enjoyment, although it doesn’t reach the aggressive performance level of dedicated sport sedans.
capsule review 2015 acura rlx sport hybrid
In terms of refinement, the RLX cabin is remarkably quiet, effectively isolating occupants from wind and road noise. However, on rougher road surfaces, the ride isn’t as plush as one might expect from a large, long-wheelbase sedan. This slight compromise in tranquility could be attributed to the low-profile winter tires fitted to the test vehicle, which may transmit more road imperfections into the cabin.
Compared to the Acura TLX, the RLX Sport Hybrid offers a more serene interior environment. Simple, user-friendly controls, like conventional buttons for heated seats, are a welcome departure from the often-frustrating touch-sensitive interfaces found in many modern cars. In the RLX, basic functions are easily accessible without navigating complex menus, a refreshing touch in an era of overly complicated infotainment systems.
Despite its exterior dimensions, nearly as long as a Chevrolet Impala and longer than Acura’s own TLX, the RLX Sport Hybrid doesn’t fully translate its size into interior spaciousness. While front and rear outboard passengers enjoy ample room, the rear middle seat is compromised by a high floor hump and an elevated, less comfortable cushion. Effectively, the RLX Sport Hybrid functions best as a four-seater. Furthermore, the hybrid powertrain necessitates a smaller trunk compared to the standard RLX, offering less cargo capacity than even Acura’s compact ILX sedan. This limited trunk space restricts its practicality for long trips with multiple passengers and luggage.
Fuel economy was another area where the RLX Sport Hybrid underperformed against expectations. Despite EPA ratings suggesting impressive city and highway MPG figures, real-world testing in cold weather and with winter tires yielded significantly lower results. While still respectable for a powerful sedan, the observed fuel economy fell short of the hybrid’s promise.
Ultimately, the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid’s most significant drawback might be its lack of visual flair. However, as the week-long test drive progressed, the car’s inherent strengths became more apparent. The comfortable seats, potent 377 horsepower powertrain, surprisingly agile handling, and generous equipment levels created an enjoyable driving experience. Its understated nature even offered a degree of anonymity, blending into the background without attracting unwanted attention.
However, the as-tested price point is a significant hurdle. In a competitive luxury sedan market filled with more attention-grabbing models, the RLX Sport Hybrid’s price tag is a tough sell. Acura possesses the engineering talent to create compelling powertrains and the design capability to match. If they could combine these strengths, the company could potentially create a truly desirable flagship sedan that resonates with a broader audience.
As it stands, the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid remains a technologically interesting but commercially unsuccessful vehicle. It’s a testament to Honda’s engineering innovation, wrapped in a package that, unfortunately, fails to capture the attention of most luxury car buyers. For those seeking an unusual and technically sophisticated sedan that prioritizes substance over style, the RLX Sport Hybrid offers a unique, if somewhat flawed, proposition.
