Anyone who knows me knows that I like Acura. Behind the wheel of an Acura, it just feels good and that includes driving the 2016 Acura RLX. Largely the same as in 2015, the 2016 model does offer a few changes like 19-inch wheels and added safety features. The Acura folks also did away with the base trim level this year.
Fitting into the midsize luxury sedan range, the RLX is unadventurous in terms of styling, but for car buyers who want a good, clean looking vehicle that offers dependability the 2016 Acura RLX is definitely worth a look.
The competition for the Acura includes the Audi A6, Hyundai Genesis and the Lexus GS 350 as well as the BMW 5 Series or the Mercedes E-Class. This will be a different breed of car buyer that would go for the latter two mid-size options in this market since Acura is more about the value you get and not the wow factor.
The RLX comes in three trim levels that are called packages. You can choose from the Navigation, Technology and Advance Package. And if you want the hybrid version of the RLX, that can be had with the Technology or Advance packages.
On the Navigation trim, you get 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and eight-way power and heated front seats. There is also driver memory settings and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. As for the technology on this one, there is a rearview camera and all the necessary phone and audio connect needs as well as a CD player and USB/iPod plugs.
If you want the next step up, which is the Technology trim, there are automatic wipers and leather upholstery additions as well as 14 speakers for a great sound experience. On the high-end Advance trim package, you get a power rear sunshade, rear passenger shades and remote start and air conditioned front seat add ons. In the back seat there are also heated seats and there is a heated steering wheel and auto-dimming outside mirrors. The sound system in the Advanced trim offers 14 speakers and there is the Acura Watch included with driver aids that give a nod to added safety.
Under the hood on the 2016 Acura RLX, it is a front wheel drive six speed automatic with a 3.5-liter V6 engine cranking out 310 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque. On the RLX Sport Hybrid, it is a V6 engine with a three-motor hybrid system offering a seven-speed automated manual transmission and all-wheel drive.
The Sport Hybrid, which I drove, had excellent power under the hood. That, coupled with great fuel economy, made this version of the Hybrid a real head turner. This Hybrid RLX also came in at 5.5 seconds when going from zero to 60.
Safety features on the 2016 Acura RLX include a rearview camera and front side curtain and driver knee airbags. There is a forward collision and lane departure warning and stability and traction control standard too.
With the Technology and Advance trims, you also add automatic braking, lane departure and road departure intervention and blind sport monitoring. For the Advance Package, you also get a parking camera system with a top-down 360 degree view of the entire vehicle.
Overall, the RLX gets very high safety marks and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests gave this Acura a good score rating in all the tests including the body strength of the car and the collision scoring.
Overall, the 2016 Acura RLX is comfortable and there is plenty of room for passengers in the front and back seats. In fact, in the back seat, there is a bit more leg room back than in other sedans in the mid-size luxury category. The trunk space comes in at 15.3 cubic feet, but the rear seats don’t fold down. There is a center seat pass for longer objects that might need to be hauled but take note too that the Sport Hybrid has a bit smaller trunk with 11.6 cubic feet.
The knobs and buttons are easy to use in the RLX and there is a seven-inch touchscreen along with a larger map display. You can even use the voice commands for all your needs to get from point A to B, making it about as easy as you will find on any luxury mid-size sedan.
Driving is also a luxury in the Acura since it is smooth and gets on the highway with ease. The Sports Hybrid even adds a sporty vibe to the overall package too. While there is little change for 2016, the few small tweaks that were included do add to the level of comfort and enjoyment that loyal Acura owners have come to appreciate.
Should You Need to Know: On the highest level Advance trim take note you can get from zero to 60 miles per hour in 6.3 seconds.
Miles Per Gallon: On the 2016 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid I drove it came it at 28 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: The 2016 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid with AWD had a price tag of $66,870.
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