I'm getting the itch for a new car. Unfortunately, there's nothing on the market right now that presses all my buttons--that makes both practical/financial sense and gets the emotions running. That being said, I'm awfully tempted by a new RLX. Here are the pros and cons in my mind; please let me know what I have right, what I have wrong, and what I'm missing.

PROS:
- Looks: I actually really like how the RLX looks. I don't need to turn heads or get ego rubs from people admiring my badge. That being said, I actually think the RLX has evolved to a nice balance of aggression and class. I also like the interior, which seems well thought-out and well-built.
- Performance: The SH-SHAWD seems like it has all the pep in terms of acceleration and cornering that I'd want. I do like sporty cars, but have no illusions that a luxury sedan is going to be like an NSX. It seems sporty enough to bring a smile to my face.
- Quality: Being the last built-in-Japan Acura, I expect the fit-and-finish to be as wonderful as my '97 Integra GS-R was. The car is expensive, relatively speaking, and I expect at least some of that cost to have gone into solid build, tight tolerances, and bulletproof reliability.

CONS:
- Outdated Interior: My biggest complaint about my '14 MDX is the ludicrously awful infotainment system, and I think it's the same one that's still in the RLX. I honestly don't care about Android Audio, but am frustrated every time I have to input a destination to my nav and it literally takes five seconds for the system to "think" between inputs. I'm also not a big fan of the old fake wood-loaded interiors of Acuras past, and that's what the RLX looks like to me (less offensive in the greystone interior, to be honest).
- Last Model Year: I'm honestly surprised the RLX got a '20 model at all; I certainly do not expect a '21. There are lots of rumors about a new Legend, including the Type S concept they showed at Pebble Beach a few months ago. I'd hate to buy a car now and in a year be lusting after something far superior, but then again I fear the Type S concept will be more of a replacement for the TLX and there won't be a full-sized sedan in the Acura lineup at all.
- Other Flaws: The RLX seems, from a distance, like it should have been a big seller. It's got great performance, high quality, and a competitive price. But it clearly is NOT a big seller--is there something I'm missing besides poor Acura marketing and brand reputation these days?
- Tough to Find: Since the RLX sells so poorly, it's not like they're sitting on dealer lots waiting to be test-driven and ripe for great deals. I'll likely have to special order to get the color combination I want--I don't mind waiting several months, but won't be happy if dealers aren't willing to offer a good, fair price.

 

Too many personal items for someone to analyze and make intelligent decisions for someone else. The thing to do is write down as you have, on a list or several lists and rate each item with a 'Maybe", "not important", 'Must have" and any other criteria. Give each qualification a point value.. Once done, then review each model (SH-AWD, Tech package only, and Base. Then see where it all falls in. O course, you may have a price limitation a well...Good Luck!

 

Maybe I wasn't clear, Acure4RDX. I'm not looking for anyone to do analysis or make a decision for me. What I'm looking for is input on the items I've already prioritized and analyzed, from those who have owned this car and know it far better than I do. I'm only considering the SH model (hence the thread title), and price is not a limitation, except inasmuch as I want to feel like I'm getting a fair deal whenever I make a final decision. Have I missed anything big in my list of pros and cons? Are my assessments accurate?

 

I just purchased an used 18 CPO RLX Sport Hybrid in Brilliant Red Metallic/Ebony with around 7200 miles for $41,500. It was traded in after one year and the Acura sales manager was using it as his daily driver. I had to travel from ABQ to Roseville, CA, outside of Sacramento to pick her up. The same exact 2020 models were listed at $63,000. Couldn't go for new since there was zero changes from 2018-2020, the RLX was CPO, the ONLY CPO Red/Ebony +18 RLX in the entire USA at the time I was looking, and the depreciation was around $20,000 the first two years if I went for a new 2020.

PROS:
- Looks: I agree with you about looks with a very good blend of luxury, sportiness, and conservative styling that will stay current for +10 years. I wasn't too crazy about all the chrome accents and going to black out the chrome in a few weeks.
- Performance: The RLX sport hybrid is a sleeper muscle car that happens to get 26-28 mpgs. It weighs in about the same as my 19 MDX Adv Sport Hybrid; but, the RLX uses EV power/mode more often. Almost invisible EV-to-I.C.E. transition with a ton of tq available at anytime. The RLX only has two IDS modes of Sport or Sport+. The default mode is always Sport and you have to select Sport+ everytime you start the RLX.
- Handling: Very smooth and luxury ride with the RLX similar to my MDX in Comfort/Normal modes . No active dampers on the RLX like my MDX sport hybrid. The RLX does have more body roll, more dive, more squat, and bounce over bumps compared to my MDX in Sport mode with active dampers on max. My MDX in Sport Mode feels more controlled around the curves/bumps compared to the RLX on the same roads.
- Quality: So far, excellent quality with the RLX. Extremely quiet at hwy speed compared to every other Acura/Honda ever made. The only issue I have is about 1/2 cup of water in the spare tire wheel well when I wash the car. Going to take it in to have it looked at. I have several annoying rattles/creaks with my 19 MDX that I hear at hwy speeds.

CONS:
- Outdated Interior: The interior of the RLX is probably the best looking I've seen for Acura and very comfy. I like it better than the +19 RDX precision cockpit interior. The RLX interior makes my 19 MDX look several steps down in comparison. Since there isn't Carplay, the best way to use the Acura Navi system is sign up for Acuralink (3 months free for new/CPO). You can send addresses to the RLX in seconds after a google search in the app, Acuralink can access your calendar to notify you and map to the calendar event (if you added an address), you can send addresses on the go, and your spouse/significant other can send an address to your from from their Acuralink app anywhere around the world to you while your are driving. The info-tainment is still about the same start-up speed and response time as my newer 19 MDX with Carplay. I don't know if the pre MMC MDXs and +MMC RLX use the exact same processor or not? Both my 19 MDX and 18 RLX Navi seem to preform about the same speed. The only advantage with my 19 MDX is I can bypass Acura navi and use Waze.

Acura had to cut corners by using fake plastic interior trim with the RLX. I understand the need to save money to lower the price for an under-performing model. This was the main reason I went for the Ebony interior because the plastic trim looked the best in that color to me and my wife.

- Last Model Year: Acura always has "Issues" with any 1st-2nd model year vehicles. You might be getting new set of issues with a next gen RLX compared to known issues with the current model. My SWAG is Acura will skip making a next gen RLX starting in 2021 to see how the market pans out since everyone in SUV crazy right now.
- Other Flaws: There is nothing wrong with the RLX other than times have changed to CUVs/SUVs being hot right now. Pretty much every similarly priced luxury sedan have the same amount of depreciation % the first 1-2 years as the Acura RLX. Acura concentrated on the powertrain and just hasn't kept up with market changes with no info-tainment/navi updates, no digital dashboards, no large tablet touchscreen look, kept the conservative styling, no adaptive suspensions, no Carplay, no +20 way adjustable seats, etc...
- Tough to Find: When I was looking, selection was few and far between. I expanded my search to +18 sport hybrids and mileage seemed to be consistent at 2000-7000 mile range (dealer loaner cars) or right at 25,000 miles range (lease returns). I would expand your search nation wide if you want a particular color combo.

 

Thanks, mrgold35--great inputs!

 

My only input here is that my wife has moved thru most of the Acura luxury sedans over the years. A 93 Legend, a 96 RL, and a 12 TL SH-AWD. And now an 18 RLX Sport Hybrid. To her, it is by far the best driving, best handling, most comfortable ride, and best built Acura she’s owned. Combine that with MPGs in the mid 30s and performance that’ll snap your neck if you’re not careful, she’s over the moon. A lot of what you have in your list is subjective, so can’t really say you’re right or wrong. All I can say is drive it for a long and varied test drive, and if you love it like my wife did after a similar drive, then get it. The Sport Hybrid, based on the posts in this forum, is an extremely reliable car.

good luck!

 

I used to work as an Acura salesman, and we have a fleet of Acuras in my house (I have a 15 TLX and my dad has a 18 RLX Sport Hybrid, plus several other Acuras)

You nailed it by saying what a beautiful car it is with an outdated infotainment system. If your unhappy with your wifes MDX system, its the exact same thing, so get used to it.

My dad bought his 2018 RLX Hybrid Advance upgrading from his 09 TL. We knew going in it has a poor interface and a terrible resale value. NO REGRETS. He still loves it and has no buyers regrets.

It handles amazing, with 377HP he averages 30.5 MPG, woah!

Working at an Acura dealer in southern california, we did not sell RLX. Literally about 2 a year. No one ever came in asking for it, no one knows what it is, its a secret gem.

If you don't care about 2 things, horrible resale value and outdated interior, the rest of the car is pretty sweet!

 

The info-tainment really needed Carplay for the +18 RLXs; but, that is something that can be added with Navtool or Grom for $500-$700. The best thing about the info-tainment is the Krell audio system. Not sure why Acura didn't use this system in the MDX Adv models also? Just don't use the DTS digital surround sound feature because it slightly mutes and muddles the rear speakers and lowers the overall volume of the system.

 

Make sure to drive one in the rain with the OEM tires. Earlier years had tires that would let the back end get loose when making turns or navigating curves in the rain or snow. This happened even when coasting through the turn or corner due to the computer controlled handling system. Tire changeout to Michelin pilot A/S 3+ cures this. This can be unnerving to the normal driver.

 

The worst thing about the system in the MDX is how unbearably S L O W it is. Seriously, the system hangs up for a few seconds after every input. Putting a destination in the nav is a painful, lengthy process. I heard they somewhat fixed this with a software update to the 2014 1/2 and newer vehicles, at least on the MDX. Is the system in the RLX ridiculously slow? If not, we don't necessarily mind the system itself...

 

I don't find it objectionable. At start up you have to wait about 30-45 seconds before you can type in an address, and you have to be stopped to put in a new address. That is a pain. Other offerings out there by other manufacturers are generally better. Tesla and Volvo seem the fastest, while MB and BMW are right behind those as far as speed.

 

Okay, thanks for the advice. I guess it's time for a test drive so I can check things out first-hand. Thanks again, everyone!

 

Hands Free Voice CommandControl?

 

That only gives you access to previously entered addresses I believe, and not all of them. Am I wrong? If so I stand corrected.

 

As to the tires, yes the new A/S+3 are a great fit for the car. I went up one size, to 255/40/19 from what was the OEM 19". The car tracks better and the slight increase in the sidewall takes the edge out of the suspension of my 2014 which is dialed in hard from the factory. no road noise, great wet traction and it just turned the car into a nice luxury drive. They barely needed balancing so you know they are high quality constructed.

 

Took the RLX to see about the water leak and it was caused by a rubber seal around a wire through the trunk area wasn't in place. They pushed the rubber seal back in place around the wire, tested for leaks, and didn't charge me for the visit. Acura did uncover the reason for the rubber not being seated was the rear bumper was either removed or replace when repainted. Probably from an unreported fender/bender or the previous owner backed into something for the reason for not being on CarFax. Acura said they did and excellent job repairing and everything looks factory.