The 2023 Acura RLX stands as the flagship luxury sedan from Honda’s premium division, combining a blend of elegance, cutting-edge technology, and impressive performance. While the RLX has been discontinued in the U.S. after the 2020 model year, the 2023 version remains available in other markets and continues to hold appeal for enthusiasts of refined luxury sedans. The RLX is known for its comfortable ride, advanced hybrid powertrain, and high-end interior features, making it a compelling alternative to competitors like the Lexus ES, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The RLX has long been positioned as a sophisticated and well-balanced luxury sedan, offering a combination of comfort and performance that few rivals can match. The 2023 model refines this formula further, introducing subtle updates in design, technology, and safety features to maintain its competitive edge. This review takes a deep dive into the design, performance, fuel efficiency, safety features, entertainment technology, pricing, and the overall pros and cons of the 2023 Acura RLX.
Exterior Design
The 2023 Acura RLX embodies a sophisticated and sporty aesthetic that reflects the brand’s modern design language. Acura has infused the RLX with clean lines, a bold front grille, and an athletic stance that sets it apart from other sedans in its class. From the front, the RLX features Acura’s signature Diamond Pentagon grille, which gives it an assertive and upscale look. The Jewel Eye® LED headlights provide excellent visibility and a distinctive appearance. These multi-element lights offer a crisp, white illumination that enhances nighttime driving and adds a futuristic touch to the RLX’s face. The front bumper is sculpted with subtle chrome accents, adding a premium touch to the overall aesthetic.
From the side, the RLX maintains a sleek and aerodynamic profile. Its long wheelbase and sculpted body lines create a sense of motion even when stationary. The car is fitted with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels as standard, which add to the sporty yet refined look. The chrome window trim and body-colored side mirrors with integrated turn signals enhance the premium feel. The rear of the RLX is understated yet elegant, featuring LED taillights and a dual-exhaust outlet with chrome finishes. The subtle trunk lip spoiler enhances the sporty character without looking excessive.
Acura offers the 2023 RLX in a variety of color options, including Majestic Black Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Performance Red Pearl, and Fathom Blue Pearl. These colors are designed to highlight the car’s sculpted body and accentuate its refined aesthetic. The overall exterior design reflects Acura’s commitment to blending sportiness with sophistication, making the RLX a standout in the luxury sedan market.
Interior Design and Comfort
Stepping inside the 2023 Acura RLX reveals a luxurious and well-crafted cabin that emphasizes comfort and advanced technology. Acura has focused on creating a driver-centric cockpit while ensuring rear passengers enjoy a spacious and comfortable ride. The interior is characterized by high-quality materials, including soft-touch plastics, woodgrain accents, and perforated Milano leather seats with contrast stitching. The seats are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, offering both heating and ventilation for the front seats. The front seats are 12-way power-adjustable with memory settings, ensuring that drivers can find the perfect seating position with ease.
Rear passengers are treated to ample legroom, with 38.8 inches of rear legroom providing enough space for long-distance comfort. The rear seats also feature a reclining function, enhancing passenger relaxation. The dashboard is designed with a minimalist yet high-tech approach, with soft-touch materials and woodgrain accents that add warmth and elegance to the cabin. Acura’s dual-screen infotainment setup includes an 8-inch upper display for navigation and a 7-inch touchscreen for audio and climate controls. The interface is responsive and intuitive, though some users may find the dual-screen setup slightly outdated compared to single-screen systems used by competitors.
Ambient lighting enhances the interior atmosphere, creating a calming environment during nighttime driving. The cabin is well-insulated from road noise, thanks to Acura’s Active Noise Cancellation technology, which uses the audio system to counteract unwanted sound frequencies. This ensures a quiet and serene ride, even at highway speeds. The overall interior design reflects Acura’s attention to detail and commitment to providing a refined driving experience.
Performance and Driving Experience
The 2023 Acura RLX is powered by a sophisticated hybrid powertrain that combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with three electric motors. The gasoline engine produces 310 horsepower, while the combined output from the electric motors increases the total power to 377 horsepower. This hybrid setup is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, which enhances traction and cornering stability.
The RLX delivers strong acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.5 seconds, placing it among the quicker vehicles in its class. The SH-AWD® system actively distributes power between the front and rear wheels and even between the left and right rear wheels, improving handling and providing a confident, composed driving experience. The RLX excels in cornering performance, with minimal body roll and precise steering feedback. The suspension is tuned to provide a balance between comfort and responsiveness, absorbing road imperfections while maintaining road feel.
In city driving, the RLX feels smooth and quiet, with the electric motors providing immediate torque for quick acceleration from a stop. On the highway, the car remains stable and composed, with the hybrid powertrain delivering ample passing power. The regenerative braking system helps recharge the battery while providing a smooth and predictable braking feel. Overall, the RLX offers a refined yet engaging driving experience that caters to both comfort and performance-oriented drivers.
Fuel Efficiency
Thanks to its hybrid powertrain, the 2023 Acura RLX offers impressive fuel efficiency for a vehicle of its size and power. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the RLX achieves 28 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and a combined 28 mpg. This places the RLX among the more fuel-efficient luxury sedans in its class, particularly when compared to non-hybrid competitors. The hybrid system’s ability to operate in electric-only mode at low speeds further enhances its efficiency, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2023 Acura RLX comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features. Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure is designed to absorb and distribute crash energy, improving passenger protection in the event of a collision. The RLX is equipped with AcuraWatch™, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, and collision mitigation braking.
Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system further enhance situational awareness and parking convenience. The RLX also includes traffic jam assist, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to reduce driver fatigue in heavy traffic. These features work together to create a safer and more confident driving experience.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The RLX’s infotainment system includes a 14-speaker ELS Studio® premium audio system, delivering crisp and immersive sound quality. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard, providing seamless smartphone integration. The system also includes a built-in navigation system with real-time traffic updates and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wireless charging and multiple USB ports ensure that devices remain powered during long trips.
Pricing and Value
The 2023 Acura RLX is priced starting at approximately $54,900 for the base model and up to $61,900 for the Sport Hybrid version with SH-AWD®. This pricing positions the RLX competitively against rivals like the Lexus ES, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6.
Pros and Cons
The 2023 Acura RLX stands out for its refined hybrid powertrain, comfortable ride, and advanced safety features. Its fuel efficiency, thanks to the hybrid system, adds to its appeal. However, the dual-screen infotainment setup feels slightly dated, and some competitors offer more luxurious interior materials and more intuitive technology interfaces. Additionally, the RLX’s conservative exterior design may not appeal to those seeking a more aggressive or modern look.
Conclusion
The 2023 Acura RLX remains a compelling choice for buyers seeking a refined, comfortable, and efficient luxury sedan. Its hybrid powertrain delivers a balanced blend of performance and efficiency, while the spacious and well-equipped cabin ensures a premium driving experience. Despite some minor drawbacks, the RLX’s combination of comfort, technology, and value make it a strong contender in the luxury sedan market.