2019 Acura RLX

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Rating8.3

Ranked #2 in 

Midsize Sedan
Write Review
$54,900
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Extensive list of safety features

Interior style feels dated

Redesigned front grille

Plush and spacious interior

Old-fangled infotainment system

New traffic-jam assist feature

Enhanced engine responsiveness

No other major changes

Specs & Features

$54,900

price

310 hp @ 6500 rpm

horsepower

272 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

torque

TBD

transmission

3.5L 6cyl 10A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Acura RLX is a luxury midsize sedan available as a standalone model with a standard Technology Package. The 2019 Acura RLX features Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) and gets a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an efficient and smooth transmission system. The All-Wheel steer adjective does not mean the All-Wheel-Drive mechanism for the Acura RLX comes with a Front-Wheel-Drive configuration only. 

Buying Advice

Since there’s only one model/trim available with the 2019 RLX, Acura does not leave us with many choices. Prices for the 2019 RLX P-AWS with Technology package start from $54,900 and if you’re looking for something more on the lines of the same car, then there’s the 2019 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid, which is its more efficient option. 

In this price tag, Acura gets you all the safety and driver-assist features that one would ask for in their car. But with no Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, the vehicle feels a bit lagging from its competition.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Following a refresh last year, the 2019 RLX P-AWS remains unchanged and continues to bear a similar MSRP of $54,900. The Acura’s prowess is easily overshadowed by the German trio of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, hence its competition is not at the top. It’s a mid-tier competitor which includes the likes of the Cadillac XTS, Jaguar XF, and the sophisticated yet understated Volvo S90

Features

The 2019 Acura RLX comes standard with the Technology Package and equips the sedan with all the bells and whistles you would expect at the price point. This includes the AcuraWatch suite which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, Lane-Departure and Warning System, Road-Departure and Mitigation system, and Collision Braking System.

Also standard on the RLX is a powered-moonroof, power-folding side mirror, plush ignition button, seats draped in Milano leather, and Acura’s Navigation with 3D view. While the base RLX does perform its job with great aplomb, for extra fuel efficiency, there’s the 2019 Acura RLX Sport hybrid which pairs this V6 to three electric motors for a combined power output of 377hp, a 10-speed dual-clutch transmission, all-wheel drive, and improved combined efficiency.

Trim

2019 Acura RLX

MSRP (FWD)

$54,900

Key Features

AcuraWatch Safety and Driver Assistive Suite

 

ELS Studio Premium

 

Acura Navigation System

 

On-demand multi-use display

 

19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels

 

Front-heated leather seats

 

Traffic-Jam assist with Speed of up to 40 MPH

Which Trim should you buy?

Since there’s only one model/trim available with the 2019 RLX, Acura does not leave us with many choices. Prices for the 2019 RLX P-AWS with Technology package start from $54,900 and if you’re looking for something more on the lines of the same car, then there’s the 2019 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid, which is its more efficient option. 

In this price tag, Acura gets you all the safety and driver-assist features that one would ask for in their car. But with no Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, the vehicle feels a bit lagging from its competition. 

Engine and Performance
9.3/10

Neither is an engine option available with the 2019 Acura RLX nor is it required. The 3.5-liter V6 engine unit that sits under the hood, produces 310 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque, and it comes mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels. This unit is good enough to take the RLX from zero-to-sixty in under 6 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 155 mph. 

There’s no dual-clutch transmission option, but there are steering-mounted paddle shifters for manual shifts. The RLX P-AWS engine gets i-VTEC and VCM technology that helps with fuel efficiency and the availability of an all-wheel-steering system induces an element of stability to the drive. 

Models

2019 Acura RLX

2019 Cadillac XTS 

2019 Jaguar XF 25t 

2019 Volvo S90 T5 

MSRP

$54,900

$46,895

$49,965

$47,350

Engine

3.5-liter V6

3.6-liter V6

2.0-liter Turbo Inline-4

2.0-liter Turbo Inline-4

Drivetrain

FWD

FWD

RWD

FWD

Transmission

10-speed automatic w/Manual mode

6-speed automatic w/Manual mode

8-speed automatic w/Manual mode

8-speed automatic w/Manual mode

Power 

310 hp @ 6500 rpm

304 hp @ 6800 rpm

247 hp@ 5500 rpm

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque 

272lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

264lb-ft @ 5300 rpm

269lb-ft@ 1200 rpm

258lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

0-60 MPH (seconds)

5.8

6.7

5.7

6.7

Quarter-Mile (seconds)

14.3

15.2

13.5

15.3

Top-Speed (MPH)

155

130

121

130

Both the Cadillac XTS and Acura RLX have power figures above 300 hp thanks to their V6 engines. But despite being configured with an inline-4 engine and producing the lowest power output of 304hp, the Jaguar XF ends up with quicker 0-60 mph timings at 5.7 seconds. This is due to the turbo boost it receives at the lower rev band. The Jaguar is also the only mid-size luxury sedan with an RWD configuration in the competition. 

Despite housing a V6 engine, the Cadillac XTS is one of the slowest vehicles in the segment and can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and can complete a quarter-mile run in just above 15 seconds, similar to what the 2019 Volvo S90 manages. 

How well does the 2019 Acura RLX handle?

The 2019 Acura RLX P-AWS uses this technology called the Precision All-Wheel Steer System. This standard fitment on its Front-Wheel Drive model provides independent toe angle control of the RLX’s rear wheels. It is supposed to perpetuate better agility, and improved stability, during faster steering with better responsiveness. 

However, despite the technology, the ride quality is nowhere as sophisticated as a BMW 5 Series or a Mercedes-Benz E-class, which are its direct rivals. Steering feedback is light and accurate, and the RLX feels at home when driven in the city. It’s out on the highway, where the inconsistency is visibly felt. The Acura doesn’t have the cornering ability and grip offered as much in some rivals. The comfort of the seats is the only saving factor, in an unsettling ride. 

Braking Performance

With a curb weight of almost 4000 lbs, the 2019 RLX takes 126 ft to come to a standstill from a cruising speed of 60 mph. Its brakes at 12.3 and 12.2 inches at the front and rear are not the biggest in the competition, however, advanced braking features like ABS, Brake Assist, EBD, and automatic brake hold, are available for added assistance.

Models

2019 Acura RLX

2019 Cadillac XTS 

2019 Jaguar XF 25t 

2019 Volvo S90 T5 

Brake Rotors: Front (inches)

12.3

13.6

12.8

13.6

Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)

12.2

12.4

12.8

12.6

Curb Weight (lbs)

3977

4021

3590

3870

60-0MPH (feet)

126

121

NA

112

Both the Cadillac XTS and Volvo S90 have bigger brakes and are the largest at the front measuring 13.6 inches. This is followed by the Jaguar XF which has proportionate brakes and is lighter than the RLX too. The 2019 Volvo S90 stops the quickest from 60-0MPH thanks to its larger brake rotors and lightweight nature and covers 112 ft when decelerating, while the Cadillac is marginally slower taking 121ft.

Fuel Economy
7.1/10

As mentioned before, the 2019 RLX’s 3.5-liter V6 features an updated i-VTEC system and a Variable Cylinder Management system. The latter deactivates the three rear banks of cylinders when cruising on the highway. This helps the vehicle achieve a respectable 29 mpg on wide-open roads. On a full tank, it can do 537 miles, which is to and fro from New York to Massachusetts. 

While a combined mileage of 23 MPG does feel low as per segment standards, the availability of the hybrid variant, the 2019 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid, improves frugality and is rated at 28 MPG. The standard 18.5-gallon fuel tank comes as a relief and aids in improving the range covered. 

Models

2019 Acura RLX

2019 Cadillac XTS 

2019 Jaguar XF 25t 

2019 Volvo S90 T5 

MPG (City)

20

19

25

23

MPG (Highway)

29

28

34

35

MPG (Combined)

23

22

28

27

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

18.5

19.0

19.5

14.5

Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)

370/537/425.5

361/532/418

488/663/546

334/508/391.5

However, the 2019 Volvo S90 outshines the Acura with 35 mpg on the highway. But with a bigger fuel tank at 19.5 gallons and higher fuel economy on city roads and combined driving cycles, Jaguar offers a whooping 663-mile highway range and combined range of 546 miles, which is segment-defining. Jaguar XF easily takes home the win in the fuel economy section with its combined average of 28 MPG, while the 2019 Cadillac XTS lurks at the bottom of the table managing just 22 MPG. 

Interior
9.3/10

The interior of the RLX has consistently been luxurious. Luxurious bits like fine plastics and wood inlays of high quality are in abundance throughout the cabin. The front row in the 2019 RLX is spacious with 42.3-inches of legroom, and a whopping 59.4 -inches of Headroom. There’s a dual-screen infotainment setup with graphics that feels a bit dated. 

The 2019 Acura RLX can seat five passengers even without an iota of compromise. While the front row is too spacious, the rear row feels a bit cramped. Aside from that, comfort features include both driver’s seat and passenger seats up front are ventilated and heated, standard Milano leather on all seats, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The instrument cluster is still analog, in an otherwise modern setup. 

Models

2019 Acura RLX

2019 Cadillac XTS 

2019 Jaguar XF 25t 

2019 Volvo S90 T5 

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg, in inches)

37.6/59.6/42.3

39.0/57.9/42.1

37.5/56.9/41.5

37.8/57.5/42.2

Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg, in inches)

36.9/57.0/38.8

37.8/56.3/40.0

37.6/56.4/36.6

37.8/55.4/40.4 

Cargo Capacity (cubic feet)

14.9

18

17.8

13.5

2019 RLX accommodates 14.8 cu. ft of cargo loads. Though adequate for a majority of family needs, there’s no option to put down the seats to increase cargo space. However, with 17.8 cu. ft of space, the Jaguar XF can clearly accommodate more luggage but in this competition, XTS offers the most spacious interior room along with the highest standard cargo capacity of 18 cu. ft. And while the 2019 Volvo S90 has adequate space for both rows, its cargo capacity of 13.5 cu.-ft feels disparagingly low for a sedan of its class.

Standout interior features: 

  • Power moonroof
  • Perforated Milano leather upholstery 
  • Heated front seats
  • 12-power adjustable front seats
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
  • GPS-Lined Tri-Zone automatic climate control

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2019 RLX gets a dual-screen infotainment system setup with a 14-speaker Acura ELS premium audio setup. The 8-inch screen at the top controls the audio, information, and navigation functions; and the lower 7-inch screen houses audio controls. Additional connectivity includes just Bluetooth functionality. However, there’s no Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available. 

Standout infotainment features:

  • Dual-screen infotainment system
  • 14-Speaker Acura ELS Studio
  • USB Ports
  • Siri Eyes-Free
  • HD Radio and satellite radio
  • Acura Navigation with Real-Time Traffic

Exterior
9.3/10

The RLX looks conservative and muscular enough to mistake it for a German car. It is a typical mid-size luxury car. Its 198.1-inch length makes it longer than the Jaguar XF and with 74.4-inches of width, it is the widest in its competition. The exterior continues unchanged with the 2018 mid-cycle refresh. The Pentagon-shaped grille with chrome detailing and lower sills with bright trim detailing stands out and makes the 2019 RLX a modern-looking car. 

Aside from that, the 2019 Acura RLX can be availed in seven standard exterior color options. There’s also two more exclusive exterior color options available: Brilliant Red Metallic and Gilded Pewter Metallic. Both these options can be availed for an additional cost of $400. Acura’s attempt to make the RLX a fitting midsize sedan is evident in its dimensions. While its curb weight of 3,977 lbs makes it one of the heavier vehicles in the segment, its ground clearance, and wheelbase of 3.8 and 112.2 inches are the lowest as per segment standards. In terms of overall height, width, and length, however, the 2019 RLX is comparable to its competitors. 

Models

2019 Acura RLX

2019 Cadillac XTS 

2019 Jaguar XF 25t 

2019 Volvo S90 T5 

Curb Weight (lbs)

3977

4021

3590

3870

Length (inches)

198.1

200.9

195.0

200.1

Width (inches)

74.4

72.9

78.2

74.4

Height (inches)

57.7

59.4

57.4

57.1

Ground Clearance (inches)

3.8

NA

4.1

6.0

Wheelbase (inches)

112.2

111.7

116.5

120.5

The 2019 Cadillac XTS has the shortest wheelbase in this competition at 111.7-inches, but at 59.4 and 200.9 inches, it is also the tallest and longest car in the segment, respectively. The Volvo S90 has the largest wheelbase at 120.5 inches, and with 6.0-inches of ground clearance helps in uneven road surfaces. The 2019 Jaguar XF might be the widest at 57.4 inches, but it is rather small in all other dimensions. Its ground clearance of 4.1 inches is better than the Acura but still feels low for a true-blue sedan and it is also the lightest vehicle in the sedan at 3,590 lbs. 

Standout exterior features:

  • Power Moonroof with Tilt and Slide function
  • Jewel LED headlights with Auto On/Off 
  • LED Tail Lights
  • Heated, Power Folding and Integrated LED turn signals
  • Gloss Black Diffuser

Safety
9.9/10

The 2019 Acura RLX is in receipt of the highest possible ratings from federal and non-federal agencies. While NHTSA gave it an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, the IIHS has rated it ‘Good’ in all five safety crash tests. It has also been applauded separately for how well its headlights illuminate the road. 

Besides the federal validation which includes a rearview camera, front seat belts, and electronic stability control, the standard safety features of the 2019 RLX are:

  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Multiview Parking Camera
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Traffic Jam Assist
  • Lane Departure warning
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Road Departure Mitigation Warning
  • Automatic High-Beam headlights

Some of the optional advanced safety features include:

  • Surround-View Parking Camera System
  • Head-Up Display 
  • Front and Rear Parking Sensors

Competition
6.0/10

2019 Acura RLX vs 2019 Cadillac XTS

For 2019, Cadillac has not made any changes to the XTS also. But the XTS gets a standard wireless smartphone charging facility, something that is absent in the Acura. It's minute features like this that make the 2019 XTS more exclusive than the RLX, despite an underpowered V6 engine.

2019 Acura RLX vs 2019 Jaguar XF 

The 2019 Jaguar XF is all about opulence and British royalty. Not only does it have a superior and plush cabin, but it also features one of the most sought-after and clutter-free setups like the gear lever, which is in the form of a dial button that hides in the center console when the car is turned off. On top of that, the XF is fuel-efficient and with an RWD platform, it drives like a sports car, as well.

2019 Acura RLX vs 2019 Volvo S90

The 2019 Volvo S90 feels every bit better than the RLX. It has a larger wheelbase, gets both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a super 9-inch infotainment system, and its rear seats fold back to offer a cavernous cargo area and cargo space is something that is lacking in the Acura.

Final Verdict

Yes, only if you’ve run out of options. Clearly, a brand new 2019 Acura RLX lacks the refinements and feature options that can be found in other cars. Available as a standalone, and with a standard Technology Package, the 2019 RLX will offer all the luxurious amenities and more, for a second-hand car, at best. Its competition is clearly better equipped and offers much more premium options, and if Acura really has to sell their RLX - they better upgrade. 

Trims

    P-AWS
    $54,900 onwards
    • Engine: 3.5L 6cyl 10A
    • Horsepower: 310 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 272 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7 sec
    • Top Speed: 124 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 23 mpg
    Technology Package
    $54,900 onwards
    • Engine: 3.5L 6cyl FWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 310 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 272 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7 sec
    • Top Speed: 124 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 23 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$54,900

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.33

Horsepower

310 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque

272 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$46,795- $72,995

Gasoline

6.8

304 hp @ 6800 rpm

264 lb.-ft. @ 5300 rpm

5

Read Review

$50,400- $67,700

Gasoline

6.46

330 hp @ 7000 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm

5

Read Review

$53,100

Gasoline

6.28

375 hp @ 6000 rpm

350 lb.-ft. @ 2250 rpm

5

Read Review

$29,570- $47,070

Gasoline

6.77

194 hp @ 6300 rpm

187 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

-

Read Review

$33,100- $44,100

Gasoline

6.87

290 hp @ 6400 rpm

253 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm

5

Read Review

$46,860- $51,450

Gasoline

7.85

241 hp @ 5800 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1650 rpm

5

Read Review

$33,000- $45,950

Gasoline

6.93

206 hp @ 6800 rpm

182 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$41,000- $54,650

Gasoline

7.72

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,090- $31,820

Gasoline

7.09

160 hp @ 5700 rpm

184 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

-

Read Review

2019 Acura RLX vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    2019 Acura RLX

    Ranked #14

    7 sec13.5 sec124 mph
    4.2 sec--
    2019 Kia K900

    Ranked #2

    5 sec13.6 sec149 mph
    5.1 sec12 sec155 mph
    5.5 sec--
    6 sec14.5 sec145 mph

    2019 Acura RLX vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      2019 Acura RLX

      Ranked #10

      20 mpg29 mpg23 mpg18.5 gal.- -
      29 mpg41 mpg34 mpg14.5 gal.420.5/594.5 mi.
      30 mpg38 mpg33 mpg14.8 gal.444/562.4 mi.
      28 mpg39 mpg32 mpg16.2 gal.453.6/631.8 mi.
      29 mpg36 mpg32 mpg15.8 gal.- -
      25 mpg35 mpg29 mpg15.8 gal.- -

      2019 Acura RLX vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        198.1 in.74.4 in.57.7 in.3.8 in.112.2 in.
        205.8 in.74 in.58 in.8 in.122.4 in.
        2019 Kia K900

        Ranked #2

        201.6 in.75.4 in.58.7 in.5.3 in.122.2 in.
        201.4 in.75.3 in.58.5 in.6 in.117.9 in.
        200.9 in.72.9 in.59.4 in.7 in.111.7 in.
        200.1 in.74.4 in.57.1 in.6 in.120.5 in.

        2019 Acura RLX vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          2019 Acura RLX

          Ranked #23

          -102.1 cu.ft.6 cu.ft.
          2019 Audi A6

          Ranked #1

          13.7 cu.ft.101.5 cu.ft.323.1 cu.ft.
          16 cu.ft.107.8 cu.ft.16 cu.ft.
          2019 Mazda 6

          Ranked #3

          14.7 cu.ft.99.8 cu.ft.148.9 cu.ft.
          65.7 cu.ft.102 cu.ft.120.1 cu.ft.
          23.3 cu.ft.93.8 cu.ft.40.9 cu.ft.

          2019 Acura RLX vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            6 cu.ft.-6 cu.ft.-
            77.7 cu.ft.11.3 cu.ft.73 cu.ft.-
            2019 Kia K900

            Ranked #3

            10.6 cu.ft.15.3 cu.ft.10.6 cu.ft.-
            -13.1 cu.ft.--
            20.8 cu.ft.15.8 cu.ft.15.8 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.16 cu.ft.83.1 cu.ft.67 ft.

            2019 Acura RLX vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              -1016 lbs.- -
              2019 BMW X3

              Ranked #1

              4400 lbs.937 lbs.4034 lbs.
              2000 lbs.950 lbs.3870 lbs.
              2000 lbs.1525 lbs.3810 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3410 lbs.
              1000 lbs.904 lbs.3285 lbs.

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