Hi, I am looking for some help with a possible purchase of a 2015 RLX Sport Hybrid, 38,000km (Canadian vehicle). My concern is the hybrid portion, is it reliable. The vehicle has very low mileage for the year. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

I believe the warranty is for 8 years, so you're playing with house money. My 2018 has 50+ and runs like a top!! LOVE IT!!

 

Thanks appreciate it, I know the 3.5 is a great engine however the price of a battery might be a deal breaker. Is your 18 equipped with the krell audio, if so how does it sound.

 

Another 18 SH owner with +44,000 miles. I purchased used in 2019 with 7200 miles and the the only issues in 5 years was bad OEM 12v battery, TSB for 7DCT firmware update, and rear shade replacement. I did have a pinch flat and two bent rims because of potholes. The Krell is outstanding; but, no Carplay with the entire RLX model years (you can add it aftermarket for around +$500). The battery pack concern has been talked about and I don't know of any 14-20 RLX SH, 17-20 MDX SH, or +17 NSX owner that needed a replacement? I don't know the thread; but, I "think" replacement cost was around +/- $2000 parts+labor $$ minus trade in of old battery pack. Not 100% sure if the 14-17 RLX SH uses the same battery pack of the 18-20 RLX SH and if that changes the replacement cost.

The 18-20 RLX does have updated exterior styling inline with the current design style. The interior updates with the +18 RLX are the softer/wider front seats. The 18-20 RLX does have the updated Acuralink module if you are planning to add the smartphone app. Acura also softened the suspension for the +18 RLX SH compared to earlier models.

The EV powertrain maintenance includes:
- DW-1 for 7DCT/TMU fluid changes (recommend every 4 years or 30,000 mile intervals)
- coolant fluid every 105,000 miles for secondary coolant system for the DC inverter (uses same coolant as engine)
- RLX uses FNC brake rotors that don't need to be resurfaced (brake pads can last +100,000 miles because of regen braking)

Another excellent option and probably at a cheaper price is the 18-20 MDX SH. The differences with the MDX SH are:
- exact same EV powertrain (7DCT, TMU, DC inverter, FNC brake rotors, maint schedule/cost, etc...)
- 4 different IDS modes with electronic dampers for a more sporty or comfortable ride as needed (IDS controls change steering feel, throttle response, sh-awd, regen braking, 7DCT, and electronic damper setting)
- Carplay standard with update 4G Acuralink module (17 MDX has RLX like info-tainment with no Carplay and can have older 3G Acuralink module)
- 19.4 gal gas tank for 425-450 mile range in city/combine/hwy
- zero issues with pinch flats
- exact same utility as the 3.5L MDX with roof rack, SUV interior space, and adding a hitch for bike/cargo box (zero towing)
- real wood interior trim
- front seats are more sporty and more comfy for me for road trips compared to the RLX
- ELS is good; but, not as great compared to Krell
- noticed the MDX LEDs illuminate a bit better compare to the RLX (probably because of the LEDs being mounted higher on the SUV)
- No HUD with MDX (really sucks)

 

Krell is fine. I'm 75 and a former fighter pilot, so the marginal benefit gained by those obsessed with all of that is lost on me.

 

@DanL07RL Cool! Where was your profile photo taken?

 

I was an Air Force pilot, and that pic was taken at the McDonnell Douglas F-15 factory in St. Louis where I was assigned for four years.

We Air Force pilots flew the new aircraft to make sure all the systems worked properly prior to them going into the active Air Force fleet. GREAT job....can't believe they actually paid me to do it!!

 

I can imagine it must have been great, both to have that job and the ability (and the nerves) to do it!