Acura's flagship sedan fails to match the standards of its luxury car competition. Even worse, multiple alternatives, costing $15,000 less, surpass the RLX's look, feel and driving dynamics.
Not without virtues, the RLX has a very spacious and well finished interior with comfortable seats. A refined and powerful V6 powertrain provides good fuel economy and performance. But the same can be said of a Toyota Avalon.
The big Acura lacks the ride comfort and driving dynamics that are key elements of a luxury sedan. Neither particularly luxurious nor sporty to drive, the RLX doesn't have the quiet cabin and ride comfort of even a Chevrolet Impala or the agile handling of an Audi A6. Lifeless electric steering only makes matters worse. Most RLX models will be equipped with front-wheel drive, although a more powerful all-wheel-drive hybrid model is an even pricier option.
Inside, the complicated radio controls could serve as an ergonomics lesson in what not to do.
If it was priced in Avalon territory, the RLX might be worth consideration. But with a sticker price over $55,000, it is simply out of its league, and makes a good case for a $30,000 Honda Accord V6.