ABOUT THE 2020 Acura RLX SH-AWD

2020 Acura RLX SH-AWD sport hybrid is offered in the following styles: Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM). The 2020 Acura RLX Hybrid comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 7-speed automated manual. The 2020 Acura RLX Hybrid comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. For more similar products, visit SHOP

PRODUCT OVERVIEW OF 2020 Acura RLX SH-AWD

The RLX flies under the radar compared with ostentatious rivals and goes down the road with its supercar-derived hybrid powertrain. Acura‘s low-volume luxury sedan has the basic tenants of its species—upscale features and spacious accommodations—but lacks the wow factor that we expect. Its obsolete infotainment system and generic cabin design are easy to overlook, but its solid build quality and notable fuel economy will satisfy buyers. Along with a standard V-6 engine, there’s a unique hybrid model that operates smoothly and accelerates rapidly. Still, the 2020 RLX is too unassuming to challenge its snazziest classmates.
There aren’t many reasons to choose the RLX over similarly priced luxury alternatives, but its powerful hybrid system is certainly one. Although the Sport Hybrid model costs an extra $7000, it makes the Acura one of the quickest and most fuel-efficient sedans in the segment. The upgrade also brings all the best content such as a 360-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors, head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, remote start, and more. Other than a handful of accessories, that rounds out the available options on the 2020 RLX Sport Hybrid.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance OF 2020 Acura RLX SH-AWD

A 310-hp V-6 is standard and comes linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The regular RLX also has rear-wheel steering that helps improve cornering. The Sport Hybrid model pairs a 3.5-liter V-6 with three electric motors that generate a combined 377 horsepower. In fact, the hybrid powertrain is derived from the one used in the Acura NSX supercar. The Sport Hybrid’s blistering acceleration and seamless operation made it enjoyable to navigate through city streets or blast down highway straights. Unfortunately, the RLX felt less athletic in turns because most of its mass sits up front. Although Acura’s all-wheel-drive system (called SH-AWD) is designed to aid handling, it isn’t as pleasing on twisty roads as alternatives such as the Genesis G80 and the Jaguar XF.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2020 RLX boasts two different powertrains with two different sets of EPA fuel-economy ratings. The standard V-6 setup is expected to earn 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. While the latter number doesn’t change on the hybrid RLX, its city rating significantly increases. The Sport Hybrid model is EPA-rated at 28 mpg city, which is 4 mpg more than luxury alternatives such as the Mercedes-Benz E-class and the Audi A6. However, we haven’t had a chance to test the Acura sedan on our 200-mile real-world fuel-economy test route.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside the RLX’s nicely trimmed cabin, occupants will find plenty of space in both the front and the back. Comfortable seating and a long list of standard amenities are sure to please. Leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats with heat, three-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, and a power sunroof come on all models. While the regular RLX offers up to 15 cubic feet of cargo space in its trunk, the Sport Hybrid model’s battery pack shrinks it down to 12 cubes.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every 2020 RLX is outfitted with an outdated infotainment system that is displayed through dual screens. Despite a useful rotary controller and physical buttons, the experience is hampered by generic graphics and a lack of contemporary features. A 14-speaker ELS Studio audio system and built-in navigation are standard, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is missing.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

While the 2020 RLX has a competitive limited and powertrain warranty, Acura doesn’t offer any complimentary scheduled maintenance. Meanwhile, rivals such as BMW and Jaguar offer impressive complimentary periods.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance