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I'm a current TL owner, looking hard at picking up a certified RLX (if I can shake the Lexus GS350 bug).
Is there a significant difference in the 2014 vs 2015 model year? There are some 2014 Advance Package RLXs floating around the dealerships in my area that I wouldn't mind checking out. I just want to make sure there wasn't some gaping flaw in that model year or something...
Avoid 2014 non-hybrid RLXs, especially early-build RLXs, unless
a) all TSBs (suspension, etc.) addressed.
b) You have an extended (more than 10-15 minutes) test drive on varied surfaces including bumpy roads to ensure that the suspension is to your liking, and is not making any untoward noises.
That said, you should be able to score a used 2014 RLX for Accord money. Even better would be an Advance model as this has the Krell audio system and all the safety gadgets.
If you're looking for a 2014 hybrid RLX, most of the bugs were fixed by the time those were finally released in the wild, so those are OK. I'm saying that as a current lessee of one.
Not sure where you are from but in Canada we also had the 2015 SH-AWD RLX which is my ride. Other than the remote start being standard for the 2016 there is no difference that I have noticed between those two. For the 2014's most other people can speak to that better than I.
Not sure where you are from but in Canada we also had the 2015 SH-AWD RLX which is my ride. Other than the remote start being standard for the 2016 there is no difference that I have noticed between those two. For the 2014's most other people can speak to that better than I.
I think that your 2015 Canadian Sport Hybrid (Advance) already had the surround camera system that we only got in the USDM in 2016.
That would be correct. The only other difference that I have heard between the '14 vs '15 is the change in suspension. The '15 reportedly having a slightly softer set up at least for the SH versions but that's more anecdotal than factual so I don't know the specifics. Anyone else know?
That would be correct. The only other difference that I have heard between the '14 vs '15 is the change in suspension. The '15 reportedly having a slightly softer set up at least for the SH versions but that's more anecdotal than factual so I don't know the specifics. Anyone else know?
Sorry to revive a old thread, but curious to hear from 2015 SH owners on their opinions/thoughts on the suspension/ride quality. Perhaps there isn't a good sized sampling on the forum since it wasn't sold in the US - but curious to know of the differences in ride quality from 14 to 15 and 15 to 16.
I've picked PGEORG's brain a lot recently (thank you so much BTW) about the improvements to the 2016 but this thread seems to imply improvements were made to the 2015 as well. I've decided to go and test drive a low mileage 2015 SH on Monday - so I'll have a better idea of the differences vs my very early build 2014 P-AWS.
I'm also curious to know more about the engine idle stop feature - can it be disengaged on the SH? I absolutely hate that feature on all TLX loaners I've driven so this might drive me crazy on an RLX.... I would disengage it each time I started the car as I don't think I could ever get used to that.
I had the TLX previously and the level of subtlety and sufistication between the two different stop/start set ups is significant. After the TLX I thought I would never use that again by the RLX SH is much smoother. You cannot disable it but I don't believe you will want too. Test drive, test drive, test drive. The proof is not n the pudding but a friendly bet says you will like the difference. I'm not a techy, just a consumer who loves to drive and vote with my wallet (just to put the proper context on my comments).
I had the TLX previously and the level of subtlety and sufistication between the two different stop/start set ups is significant. After the TLX I thought I would never use that again by the RLX SH is much smoother. You cannot disable it but I don't believe you will want too. Test drive, test drive, test drive. The proof is not n the pudding but a friendly bet says you will like the difference. I'm not a techy, just a consumer who loves to drive and vote with my wallet (just to put the proper context on my comments).
Great - thanks for the feedback. As you said, I'll have a better feel once I drive it. I am a bit worried though as every SH owner seems to warn that a test drive will lead to a purchase lol.
So you have been happy with your 2015 in general and with and the ride quality specifically? I have a love/hate relationship with my 14 P-AWS for a variety of reasons and really miss the SH-AWD I had in my 2012 TL. I get the feeling I'll really like the SH.
Sorry for a few typos, sausage fingers on a smart don't make for good sentence structure and spelling. I very much enjoy the 2015 RLX-SH-AWD and I have had it for a year and a half. Small quirks are Reversing in EV mode is a little different so don't forget the try that. Because there are 2 drive trains there is a touch more slip with the rear than with the mechanical SH-AWD but once you know how it works it's very effective in winter conditions. There is very little difference if any between 2015 & 2016 RLX suspension. Most of the regulars on this site are much more articulate And more rounded and in the tech than I. That said I have been a Honda guys for most of my life with brief ventures with an M3 and a Chevy truck. For Acura's I have had a TLX and a 2010 TL 6mt SH-AWD and this is the best car so far although the TL was the most engaging by far.
Ugh, no more smart phone keyboard for me, got back to my keyboard (wife doesn't like me using my smart phone during a boring play for some reason). The differences from the 2015 to the 2016 RLX are simple and only two form what I have seen. First, the 360 view is on the centre console in the 2015 where as I believe they are on the end of the light control on the steering column in the 2016. Second is the with the Elite package you get remote start with the 2016 and not at all with the 2015.
I agree with everything Ugpo said, except from the suspension. I am going by my 2015 P-AWS and not a 2015 SH-AWD.
The suspension on my 2016 SH is softer and much more compliant, without losing that sport-planted Honda feeling. Also there is more body roll, and body lean on the 2016. Quick lane changes unsettles the SH a bit, but all of those are a non issue as soon as you get used to it. It took me a couple of thousand miles going from the 2015 P-AWS to the 2016 SH, but now I would not go back to the stiffness of the 2015.
All of the above are my personal opinion, so you definitely need to test drive the car yourself.
All in all the SH is a totally different car from the P-AWS, either its a 2014-2015 or a 2016.
Stop / Start is disabled if you leave the car in SPORT mode. You do not loose the power of the electric motors, just the efficiency of the auto stop. Also the SPORT mode has more aggressive shifting logic, resulting in lower efficiency.
The 360 cam on 2016+ models has both a center console button and button on the end of the lighting selector stalk.
2016 introduced additional AcuraWatch features (named AcuraWatch Plus): Road Departure Warning (RDW) - which is an extension of LKAS and CMBS, and Cross Traffic alert.
The suspension modifications arrived with the 2016 MY - which included improved shock tower mounts as a lesser diameter rear roll bar. These changes are more noticeable on PAWS models and lesser so on the SH models (which behave suggesting the suspension was tuned for the SH).
Last edited by TampaRLX-SH; 02-25-2017 at 09:00 AM.
Thanks Tampa for the detailed difference. My frame of reference is having driven a 2014 PAWS to my current 2015 SH-AWD so its just a seat of my pants observation. Still curious why only Canada only got the 2015 SH-AWD and why now we can only get the SH-AWD in Canada. My premise on stop/start was that if he had the TLX then he already knew about normal versus Sport. Not trying to be defensive, just establishing perspective.
I'm also curious to know more about the engine idle stop feature - can it be disengaged on the SH? I absolutely hate that feature on all TLX loaners I've driven so this might drive me crazy on an RLX.... I would disengage it each time I started the car as I don't think I could ever get used to that.
You can't disable it on the SH. I was sitting in a MDX Advance yesterday at the Cleveland Auto Show and was surprised to see that it could be turned off via a button on the center panel next to the shifter.
In any case, I have never felt the transition to 3-cylinder mode in this car. It's pretty seamless. I wouldn't worry about it. Do make sure you do a test drive on your intended SH to be sure you are not one of those who senses this transition.
Lane Departure Warning and associated "Lane Keeping Assist", as Acura cals it for 2017 cars, and Road Departure Mitigation/associated RDW are part of the "Road Departure Mitigation System", part of Acurawatch in 2017 cars.
From Acura's website:
While the Lane Keeping Assist uses a monocular camera (mounted on the upper portion of the windshield) to identify solid or dashed painted lane lines, Botts' dots and Cat Eye marker, the Road Departure Mitigation System can identify objects such as trees or parked cars which would indicate spaces beyond the side of the road.
So I guess it's an updated version of the LDW that's in the pre-2017 Acuras. Sounds pretty neat!
Here's how I see the three features differentiate:
LKAS - keeps the car centered in the lane for you with gentle auto-steering
LDW - throws a visible/audible warning that the vehicle is drifting out of the detected lane borders (no steering effect, just warnings)
RDM - gently tugs (and vibrates) the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the side of the lane that you are drifting out of.
RDW - has to do with the rear of the vehicle, and throws warnings when you are backing up and it detects an object (car, person, etc) moving in the direction that may cross your path as your backing up.
^^^ agree. RDM will also brake the car if it leaves the road and / or detects objects on the side of the road (trees, cars, possibly bicyclists and pedestrians)
Originally Posted by TampaRLX-SH
RDW also will brake the car if it crosses the line and leaves the road. Basically it engages CMBS.
Ah, didn't know RDM would brake as well. Hopefully I won't ever get into a condition that requires it!
From the manual:
Braking is applied only when the lane
markings are solid continuous lines.
The system cancels assisting operations when you turn the steering wheel to avoid
crossing over detected lane markings.
------------
And if you do not like the wheel tugging or the possibility of braking:
When you have selected Warning Only from the
customized options using the multi-information
display, the system does not operate the steering
wheel and braking.
05-23-2016, 04:21 PM
