2013 Acura RLX 3.5L V6 FWD (310 HP)

Vehicle Overview

After the disappointing RL that was the worst-selling Acura up to 2013, the RLX came as a surprise, ready to fight back on the premium car market.

Introduced as a 2014 model-year, the RLX came fitted with many standard features and a new image made to impress. In addition, the car’s interior was upgraded with many tech features, and thanks to the increased wheelbase compared with the RL, it offered more room inside its cabin. Last but not least, the Japanese automaker installed a new V6 engine under the car’s hood.

The front of the vehicle showed the already-known Acura shield on the broad grille, with chromed trims on it. It was flanked by standard LED headlights that sported a swept-back design, with a few sharp corners that connected the curved lines of the headlamps. From the profile, the flared wheel arches were nicely connected to the rest of the vehicle, with the sculptured lines that continued on the doors towards the back of the car. Finally, on the rear fascia, the automaker installed LED taillights.

Inside, it was a pleasant surprise since it came loaded with all the tech available. On the center stack, the automaker placed an 8″ touchscreen for the HVAC and sound system, while a second 8″ display used only for navigation was installed above, in a separate cluster, on top of the dashboard. The driver could enjoy the clear layout for the instrument cluster, a feature already common for most Acuras. There was room enough for five passengers, with bolstered front seats and a wide bench in the back. Since the RLX wasn’t available with an all-wheel drive system, the center tunnel was not that big anymore.

Under the hood, Acura installed e redeveloped version of the J-family engine. The V6 powerplant was fueled by a direct-injection system, and the 310 hp were sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.