DecodedCars2016 Acura RLX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD Hybrid
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 301 hp
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 28 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 196.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,365 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2016 midsize car (26.2 MPG).
- 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 30 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 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 30 MPG combined (28 city / 31 highway), 15% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,750 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 8 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
What changed for 2016
- New hybrid version
- All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available
- Best combined MPG up from 23 to 30
- Lightest version 423 lb heavier
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 RLX →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Tahara, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2016 RLX configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
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 (AM7) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 / 31 / 30 | +15% | $2,750 | 302 |
| RLX | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 23 | -12% | $3,550 | 380 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Acura RLX 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.7% |
Similar 2016 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Acura RLX (this car) | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 7 Series | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A6 | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Tesla Model S | 315 mi | Not rated | 10 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Acura RLX.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2016 Acura RLX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Acura RLX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Structure › Body — 2 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Suspension — 2 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 19,700 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 2016 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 →