2016
Acura RLX

Starts at:
$50,950
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New 2016 Acura RLX
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn Navigation
    Starts at
    $50,950
    20 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Tech Pkg
    Starts at
    $54,450
    20 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Advance Pkg
    Starts at
    $60,450
    20 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX 2016 Acura RLX

Notable features

AcuraWatch active safety system now available
Retuned suspension for a smoother ride
Spans mid- and full-size sedan class
Four-wheel steering standard
V-6 with front-wheel drive
All-wheel-drive hybrid version available

The good & the bad

The good

Distinctive headlights
Roomy interior
Interior quality
Front/rear parking sensors

The bad

Not as large as some flagship sedans
High floor in backseat
Backseat doesn't fold
See all specifications

Expert 2016 Acura RLX review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The RLX is Acura’s flagship sedan, and it’s offered as a conventionally powered gas car and as a hybrid. The RLX rides the line between midsize and full-size sedans, with generous interior volume in what’s roughly a midsize wrapper. As such, the RLX competes with the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS and Lincoln MKZ.
New for 2016
The available AcuraWatch active safety system includes distance-pacing cruise control, forward collision warning with collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning and prevention, blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Advance Package now includes a surround-view camera system. It uses four cameras to show different views around the car, and it can combine those views to create a bird’s-eye view of the area around the car.

Acura has also revised the RLX’s suspension for a smoother ride. The shocks and springs are softer, and the rear stabilizer bar isn’t as stiff.
Significant Standard Features

  • LED headlights
  • Four-wheel steering
  • Three-zone automatic climate control
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Pandora integration
  • Navigation system

Significant Available Features

  • AcuraWatch suite of safety features
  • Hybrid-based all-wheel drive that combines conventional front-wheel drive with electrically powered rear wheels 
  • Adaptive cruise control with high- and low-speed operation
  • Road Departure Mitigation uses the steering and braking systems to help keep the car on the road

2016 Acura RLX review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The RLX is Acura’s flagship sedan, and it’s offered as a conventionally powered gas car and as a hybrid. The RLX rides the line between midsize and full-size sedans, with generous interior volume in what’s roughly a midsize wrapper. As such, the RLX competes with the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS and Lincoln MKZ.
New for 2016
The available AcuraWatch active safety system includes distance-pacing cruise control, forward collision warning with collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning and prevention, blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Advance Package now includes a surround-view camera system. It uses four cameras to show different views around the car, and it can combine those views to create a bird’s-eye view of the area around the car.

Acura has also revised the RLX’s suspension for a smoother ride. The shocks and springs are softer, and the rear stabilizer bar isn’t as stiff.
Significant Standard Features

  • LED headlights
  • Four-wheel steering
  • Three-zone automatic climate control
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Pandora integration
  • Navigation system

Significant Available Features

  • AcuraWatch suite of safety features
  • Hybrid-based all-wheel drive that combines conventional front-wheel drive with electrically powered rear wheels 
  • Adaptive cruise control with high- and low-speed operation
  • Road Departure Mitigation uses the steering and braking systems to help keep the car on the road

Safety review

Based on the 2016 Acura RLX base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
5/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
9.7%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
9.7%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
6 years / 70,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years old and newer from their original in-service date, with 80,000 miles or fewer at time of vehicle delivery.
Basic
2 years / 100,000 miles
Dealer certification
182-point inspection
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

80% of drivers recommend this car
4.2 / 5
Based on 10 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.6
Value 4.3
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 3.8

Most recent

  • By Scarlette RLX
    Owns this car
    July 12, 2024

    Bought this car 2 years ago.

    Bought this car 2 years ago. Very underrated car! Driven this car 3K miles round trip 3 times in 24-hour trips, seats were very comfortable, very quiet even with the stereo off, 29 mpg. It makes me smile every time I drive or look at it. This car is worth the look. I HAVE the Technology Pkg in pomegranate red/seacoast. A fun drive, especially in Sport mode. Voice-activatation sometimes "mishears', but the ACC, BSI, CMBS work impressively. A/C cools cabin in 3-5 mins in 115F in LAS summer! KEEP it maintained and you will have a very reliable car. Performance is impressive, tech is off the hook! Worth a test drive....
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Gerryp from Fort Myers
    Owns this car
    July 9, 2020

    Awesome car to drive!!!!!

    This vehicle is loaded with features, a joy to drive, it has an awesome audio system and it is not afraid to get up and go!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Ed Stevens from Edmonds, Wa
    Owns this car
    August 19, 2019

    Design suggestions

    Even with a 310 hp engine, this car gets an impressive 34 mpg when driving 60 to 70 mph when freeway driving . The 260 hp Maxima, we had previously, got only about 27 mpg on the same highways. However, I'd be a lot happier with a CVT transmission in this car. I can feel it shift. And the automattic following distance control activates violently when seeing a slower car ahead or ocassionly when scensing a slower car in an adjacent lane, while in cruise-countrol.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By GatorFan from Baltimore, MD
    Owns this car
    December 17, 2018

    Not up to rivals' level of quality.

    This is a nice car and has all of the latest safety devices. The car is much louder than expected and has transmission shift issues at 3/4 to full throttle. The only reason I purchased this car was the dealer was taking significant $$$ off. The local Acura Service Department, Hunt Valley Acura in MD, is the worst. Could not repair transmission issue, which they recreated, so just told me to bring it back when the transmission completely fails. I complained to corporate and received no response. I will never buy another Acura.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Bpsmith from Geismar
    Owns this car
    July 2, 2018

    Love my new car

    This car is very comfortable and has a lot of ?get up and go.? I love the quiet cabin and smooth ride. I also like the windshield being large which really gives you a good field of view. Overall great car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Acura from Toronto
    Owns this car
    May 27, 2018

    Acura

    Meet all my expectations its relaible and very safe with good quality products they use for the car its fast safe and good and cheap if you need mentanance.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Alex from Charleston, SC
    Owns this car
    March 19, 2017

    Great car

    Great car! Poor interior. Very reliable. Great milage. Not expensive servise. Easy to resale.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By joe k from Towson, MD
    Owns this car
    November 23, 2016

    Just Test Drive

    Fun sporty driving car. One test drive and I was sold. It drives as if its on rails with AWS. Some critics say the suspension is rough, but I like the sports car feel. I have no idea why this car does not get the love. I decided to pass on Lexus (GS 350), BMW (535), and Audi (A7). Best decision I ever made and was able keep thousands in my wallet.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By TKNJ from Cherry Hill, NJ
    Owns this car
    August 7, 2016

    Worst Acura I've even owned

    My fifth and by far worst Acura. The RLX has engineering issues making for a miserably uncomfortable, unsafe ride. Three tire sidewall separations in the first few months of ownership--Enough said, especially when the dealer, Acura and Michelin all fail to own up to the problem. Never had this issue even once, so 3 times is more than just unlucky. It is unsafe and this car should be avoided.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By AWB from Plano, TX
    Owns this car
    June 15, 2016

    Excellent car....highly underrated!

    For some reason this car gets no love from critics or consumers and I really don't understand why. I love Acura, have owned 2 TLs and an MDX. I have always liked the RLX and now I finally have one! I could not be happier with my purchase, ride quality, technology and the understated exterior are just some of my favorite things about this car. The only thing I wish this car had is larger cup holders! If you are looking for a reasonably priced luxury car with all the bells and whistles, this would be a great choice. Since they are not very popular, getting a good deal on one is relatively easy. I would highly recommend!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2016 Acura RLX?

The 2016 Acura RLX is available in 3 trim levels:

  • Advance Pkg (1 style)
  • Navigation (1 style)
  • Tech Pkg (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2016 Acura RLX?

The 2016 Acura RLX offers up to 20 MPG in city driving and 31 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2016 Acura RLX?

The 2016 Acura RLX compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2016 Acura RLX reliable?

The 2016 Acura RLX has an average reliability rating of 3.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2016 Acura RLX owners.

Is the 2016 Acura RLX a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2016 Acura RLX. 80.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.2 / 5
Based on 10 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 4.3
  • Reliability: 3.8

Acura RLX history

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