DecodedCars2015 Acura RLX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, 4dr Sedan - Sport Hybrid
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 196.5 in
- Curb weight
- 3,942–4,365 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 Acura RLX is a midsize car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine 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 3,942 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 30 highway), 11% worse than the 2015 midsize car average of 25.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2015
- No hybrid version any more
- All-wheel / four-wheel drive no longer offered
- Best combined MPG down from 30 to 23
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 RLX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 196.5 in | 74.8 in | 57.5 in | 112.2 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 3,942 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan - Sport 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 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 23 | -11% | $3,550 | 381 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Acura RLX 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.7% |
Similar 2015 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Acura RLX (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2015 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2015 Audi A6 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2015 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Tesla Model S | 270 mi | Not rated | 9 |
| 2015 Jaguar XJ | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Dec 18, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2,490,460 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Crash Imminent Braking · May 20, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V301000 · 19,502 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.
- Risk
- If the CMBS unexpectedly applies emergency braking force while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the CMBS software, free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's numbers for this recall is JQ4, JQ5 and JQ6.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Dec 16, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V792000 · 9,751 vehicles
- Problem
- American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 22, 2012, to January 30, 2014, 2015 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to November 18, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles manufactured November 5, 2013, to July 25, 2014. An aluminum film applied to the inner reflector of the headlight may experience adhesion issues causing the film to delaminate. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- Risk
- Delamination of the aluminum film may diminish output of the headlight, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both of the headlights, free of charge. The recall began February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JN2.
Not every 2015 Acura RLX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Acura RLX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 7 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Suspension — 2 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 121,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 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 →