DecodedCars2017 Acura RLX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD Hybrid
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 29 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 196.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,365 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Acura RLX is a midsize car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 197 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,365 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (29 city / 30 highway), 8% better than the 2017 midsize car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,850 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 RLX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 RLX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD Hybrid | 196.5 in | 74.8 in | 57.5 in | 112.2 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,365 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RLX Hybrid Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 29 / 30 / 29 | +8% | $2,850 | 306 |
| RLX | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 23 | -14% | $3,550 | 380 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Acura RLX 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.7% |
Similar 2017 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Acura RLX (this car) | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2017 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Tesla Model 3 | 310 mi | Not rated | 16 |
| 2017 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Lexus LS | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2017 Acura RLX.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2017 Acura RLX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Acura RLX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Suspension — 2 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Wheels — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 42,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Acura RLX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RLX years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →