2020 Acura RLX

It's now half a decade since the Acura RLX large luxury sedan arrived in the US. In automotive terms, that's a long time, but it's especially long for a competitor that has failed to capture the imagination of shoppers in this segment despite a significant refresh in 2018. Holding the RLX back is an uninspiring driving experience, an infotainment system that is miles behind the class best, and strong competition that includes the likes of the German trio (Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class) as well as the Lexus GS. There's also cheaper in-house pressure from the accomplished Honda Accord. So, while the RLX in its current form is unlikely to see a change in fortunes on the sales chart, it isn't entirely without its merits. There's a smooth 310-horsepower V6 engine, comfortable seating, and loads of safety and convenience features. If you must have the largest Acura sedan you can get, then this will do the job, but you'll probably change your mind if you take a drive in one of the competitors mentioned above.

The price of the Acura RLX has increased for the 2020 model year, but you're still stuck with just a single trim in the form of the RLX with Technology Package. It carries an MSRP of $54,900 - this base price excludes taxes, licensing, and a destination and handling charge of $995.

Although doing without the hybrid model's all-wheel-drive system, the non-hybrid RLX is fitted with the brand's Precision All-Wheel-Steer (P-AWS) system. By offering independent toe angle control of the rear wheels, Acura claims that the system enhances stability, responsiveness, and agility.

The system does work to some extent as the large RLX feels pretty maneuverable for its size. The steering also has good feel and is light enough to make parking easy, but it feels stable and predictable at higher speeds, too. This isn't a sporty car in the same vein as a BMW 5 Series, but neither is the RLX an absolute dullard, either. Ride quality is more of a concern as a car in this segment should be smooth and composed at all times, but the RLX doesn't suppress mid-corner bumps as well as it should. On smoother surfaces and driven at more modest speeds, there's less to complain about. In the Acura's favor are high levels of refinement and comfy seats, but neither of these positives can completely make up for a package that could do with a little more polish.

What really makes a good car? If it's a reasonably attractive four-door sedan that is quiet, comfortable, fast enough, and safe for the whole family, then yes, the RLX is a sedan that ticks all the right boxes and Acura's bosses can pat themselves on the back for a job well done. Unfortunately, any new car in the USA must be judged by the standards of its competitors and here the Acura RLX rapidly begins slipping into obscurity. Whether your priority is comfort or dynamism, the RLX is neither as fun nor as polished as rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. While the safety specification is good, the on-board tech falls far short of these rivals as well as cheaper competitors like the Genesis G80. Finally, the RLX is saddled with just one configuration/powertrain option that diminishes its wide-ranging appeal, and the below-average trunk capacity knocks more points off its overall score. The Acura RLX may be a passable large luxury sedan, but alongside the competition, it has little to recommend it.

With only one model available and a scarcity of options, it won't take long to order your Acura RLX. The only option we'd consider are the LED fog lights for safety and aesthetic purposes, otherwise, the lack of how much you can add on is disappointing.

If you've already decided that you want an Acura sedan, but aren't sure which one, then it's worth considering the smaller TLX. It's seven inches shorter than the RLX so there's a bit less passenger space and the trunk is smaller, but the TLX's rear seats can fold flat, making it a much better option for carrying extra cargo. The base model TLX has a 2.4-liter four-pot with 206 horsepower, but you can also get it with both a V6 and the Technology package, saving you almost $15k over the equivalent RLX. Both have comfortable interiors, even if the lower-spec TLX uses leatherette instead of the real deal. However, only the TLX gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which are missing on the RLX. Along with the TLX's more attractive proportions, its better value proposition, and its more engaging driving experience, we'd happily go for the smaller of Acura's sedans.

The problem for many Acura products at the moment is that for way better pricing, you can get a more accomplished Honda. Yes, that may mean ditching a premium, luxury-car badge for something more mainstream, but does that really matter? If it doesn't, the Honda Accord is a superb midsize sedan that trounces its pricier, bigger cousin in several crucial aspects. For one, the Accord is not only far more enjoyable to drive, but it rides better than the RLX by comparison. Although there's no V6 engine option, the range-topping Accord is nearly $20k cheaper than the RLX yet has a meaty 252 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbo engine, ventilated seats, adaptive dampers, and a head-up display. The Accord also has a larger trunk and a much better infotainment system. About the only area that the RLX wins in, is refinement: it's the quieter car here as the Accord suffers from a bit too much road noise. Other than that, it's hard to argue with the Accord's overall appeal.