So, when I first got my RLX Tech, I pushed it on an exit ramp and thought the handling was a bit 'spooky.'

Now that I've lived with mine for about a year, I must revise that observation. The PAWS works! The car does not understeer as much as a large FWD car would ordinarily push.

I've pushed mine and have come to really appreciate the precise turn-in and the smooth and confident manner in which it handles.

I've seen the handling of the RLX criticized for a lack of agility. I disagree. The big Acura handles beautifully. Its ride is a bit stiff, but I suppose Acura traded cush for precision. It would be nice if they could combine the qualities as Jaguar has done, but I'm glad for the choice they made.

The 310 HP RLX is getting quicker and quicker. I find myself leaving it in Sport Mode, paying the economy penalty, and enjoying the heck out of its strong acceleration.

Of course, I'd like to see Acura massage the 3.5 for 340+ HP output, real wood interior trim instead of the plastic, a real high definition back up camera, and a quicker and more powerful navigation system. (My 2005 RL, 2009 and 2012 TLs had high def back up cameras and the RL had gorgeous wood trim slathered on the dash.

All in all, the RLX has proven to be bullet proof reliable, very quick (could be quicker) and comfortable.

A solid B+, but for $55,000 msrp, I'd hope for an 'A' car from Honda/Acura.

I also figure Acura could have built a good looking car for the same money. Good design does not cost any more than a mediocre design.

 

Eco mode? Pfffft. Sport Mode peps up the performance of our J35 nicely. Nice follow-up.

 

Well I've had mine since 2014 and now a solid two years in (and 25K miles) I've found that if you want the car to be upscaled, a simple change of rubber is in order.
After dealing with the miserable 19" OEM Michelin rubber, at 22K I was forced to deal with two bent rims and a sidewall bubble. So I took a page from another RLX poster here and changed over to 255's Continental Extreme DWS06 as opposed to the 245's that are OEM.
Wow!. No more slippage or squeal from loss of traction. My fillings no longer rattle. Handling is much more precise and my other DD is a 2014 Stingray Z51 so I can make a decent comparison for precision handling.
I believe that most of the complaints users have registered here regarding ride and handling are due to the miserable OEM rubber.
Its a better car with slightly wider but totally different compound rubber.

 

I think the OEM Michelin suffer being low rolling resistance compound. It enables Honda to eek out better mileage with the car, but at the expense of harshness. I too feel they have too little rim protection.

I'd hate to replace them so soon, but will likely do so when. He new car feel has worn off and need that freshness returned.

The Continental are on my short list, but I read good things about the Pirelli Cinturato P7 A/S. Have yet to see and RLX review with those.

 

I switched the tires to Michelins Pilot Super Sports about 2,000 miles ago, and let me tell you what a difference! Its handles, and rides much much better. Under the advise from George i was going to keep the OEMs on until they were worn, but the SH hydroplaned a couple of times when we had a few downpours. The grip the SH has with these tires are simple amazing, although i tend not to push it too hard. I have Georges warning in the back of my mind, about these tires are a lot grippier that what the car is setup for. The biggest difference is the braking though! The braking distances are much much shorter, that what it was with the OEMs. I chose these because i have a dedicated set of snow tires for the winter. I had these on my 2012 TL and my 2012 TSX wagon, and IMHO they are the best tire in dry and wet conditions (45 degrees and higher).

 

pgeorg - did you notice any difference in gas mileage with your new tires? The OEM tires, at least for the SH [don't know if the PAWS OEM tires are different] do have a softer rubber compound that is suppose to improve gas mileage. I only learned about it after I popped a tire on a freeway pothole and had to wait 3 days for the dealer to special order in the OEM tire. They could have gotten the same size Michelin, but without the special rubber in a few hours.

 

Actually my mileage went up a couple of miles per gallon since i put these tires on. I made a point to pay attention to that, and sure enough i get into the 28s-29s all the time now. Even my overall mileage (Trip B) that i have not reset since i bought the SH (8,300 miles), went up one mile to 27. I cant say for sure that its the tires, but my driving style has not changed and i fill up at the same 2 stations (NY-MA).

 

I have seen no appreciable mpg difference in my 2014 PAWS going from OEM Michelins to Continentals.

 

You really need to stop trying to get me to spend money.

 

You are too funny George:-). You are welcome to come up to NY and drive my SH anytime you like!