Verdict
C
← Acura RLX · 2014-2020 · KC1/KC2
Acura RLX 1st Gen (KC1)
Sport Hybrid with 377 hp three-motor SH-AWD is the technical curiosity. Standard cars are forgotten flagship sedans.
BHP
310-377 bhp
0–60
5.6 s
Top speed
150 mph
MPG
23.0 mpg
Used
$15,000-$30,000
Two distinct cars under one badge. Standard RLX: 3.5L V6, FWD, 310 hp, 6-speed automatic to 2017 then 10-speed from 2018. Comes with P-AWS rear-steering. Sport Hybrid: same V6 but with one electric motor up front and two at the rear (one for each rear wheel independently), making 377 hp combined, with electric SH-AWD that vectors torque purely electronically. The Sport Hybrid hit 60 mph in around 5.6 seconds and was technically more advanced than the regular car by a significant margin — but it cost ~$10k more, sold poorly, and disappeared into obscurity. The 2018 facelift introduced Acura's diamond pentagon grille and added the Sport Hybrid the 10-speed automatic (no, wait — the hybrid kept its 7-speed dual-clutch). Length grew to over 5 metres for 2018, making it the longest Honda/Acura sedan ever.
Strengths
- First Acura with Jewel Eye LED headlights (now a brand signature)
- Sport Hybrid's three-motor SH-AWD is genuinely unique
- Quiet, isolated cabin — proper luxury car
- Standard adaptive cruise + collision mitigation
- Heavily depreciated — strong used value
Weaknesses
- FWD-only on standard cars (no AWD option)
- P-AWS rear-steering is gimmicky in practice
- Outclassed by German rivals on perception and resale
- Sport Hybrid maintenance is expensive
- Ended without replacement
Notable tech
- First Acura with Jewel Eye LED headlights
- Sport Hybrid: three-motor electric SH-AWD (one front, two rear)
- 377 hp combined system output (Sport Hybrid)
- P-AWS Precision All-Wheel Steer rear-steering on standard cars
- 10-speed automatic from 2018 facelift (standard cars)
- Krell premium 14-speaker audio option
Common issues
- Sport Hybrid battery cooling system maintenance
- VCM oil consumption on standard V6
- Infotainment dual-screen system criticism
- Air suspension leaks (Sport Hybrid)
- Front strut mount knocking
Used-market budget
$22,000
2018+ post-facelift cars preferred for styling and updated tech. Sport Hybrid examples command $24-30k but are mechanically complex; standard RLX from $15-22k.