2014 Acura RLX
Starting MSRP $48,450
Expert Reviews
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National January 9, 2013Vehicle Overview
The 2014 Acura RLX is a new car — though it's arguably a new name for a completely redesigned existing model, the RL. As before, the RLX rides the line between midsize and full-size sedans, with generous interior volume in what's roughly a midsize wrapper. As such, even though Acura also sells the midsize TL, the RLX competes with the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS and Lincoln MKZ.
The RLX's most unique features are its active steering and optional hybrid-based all-wheel drive.
Exterior
The RLX is distinguished mainly by its headlights, which double as daytime running lights: two stacked rows of four separate LEDs on either side. The separate lights inboard of the LEDs are the high-beams. The Acura-signature shield grille is toned down in both size and impact, mitigating a controversial feature of earlier Acuras.
The RLX is close in length to the outgoing RL, but it gains 2 inches in width and wheelbase, the latter of which contributes to greater backseat legroom. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are standard and 19-inch rims are optional.
Interior
The RLX has standard leather upholstery with a stitched instrument panel, center console and steering wheel. Metal trim is included along with imitation wood. Uplevel Milano perforated leather seats are optional.
The dashboard features two large displays: an 8-inch navigation screen up high and a 7-inch touch-screen below it. The top one is mainly navigation and is controlled primarily by a multifunction knob below the smaller screen. The touch-screen mainly incorporates audio, ventilation and other features. Apart from the touch-screen, all buttons are mechanical buttons rather than touch-sensitive, "capacitive" panels.
Standard features include a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a moonroof, three-zone automatic climate control, push-button start and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability. The standard stereo includes satellite radio, a Pandora internet radio interface, and USB and auxiliary jacks. A new Krell-brand premium stereo comes in higher trim levels, one of which is named after the audio system.
Under the Hood
The front-wheel-drive RLX has a new direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 310 horsepower and teams with a six-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with cylinder deactivation, the V-6 engine has a preliminary mileage estimation of 20/31 mpg city/highway.
Four-wheel steering is standard. Though each rear wheel can steer independently, Acura's Precision All-Wheel Steer (that's right, PAWS) essentially turns both rear wheels a few degrees in the opposite direction from the front wheels at low speeds for tight cornering, and the same direction as the front wheels at high speeds for stable lane changes. The rear wheels also toe inward under aggressive braking, again for stability.
Acura says standard automatic Agile Handling Assist can brake individual wheels, allowing the car to follow a tighter line with less steering effort.
Coming later in the model year is an innovative all-wheel-drive system that combines conventional front-wheel drive with electric-powered rear wheels. Termed Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, the system boasts 370 horsepower total. As of the auto-show introduction, Acura predicts this car's mileage as 30/30 mpg city/highway.
Safety
Standard safety features include frontal, front-seat side-impact and side curtain airbags that protect the front and rear seats. Antilock brakes and an electronic stability system are also included, as required by law.
Active safety features, some of which are options, include forward collision warning with Collision Mitigation Brake system, which applies the brakes automatically if a collision is imminent. There's also lane departure warning, lane keep assist and blind spot monitoring. Acura offers a multiview backup camera and standard front and rear parking sensors.
The standard cloud-based AcuraLink connectivity system, which provides many convenience features, can also call for help in the event of an airbag deployment.
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