DecodedCars2018 Acura RLX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 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)
- 28 combined · 28 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 197.6 in
- Curb weight
- 4,354 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
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.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 34 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 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 198 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,354 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (28 city / 29 highway), 3% better than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 RLX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 RLX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD Hybrid | 197.6 in | 74.8 in | 57.5 in | 112.2 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,354 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 | 28 / 29 / 28 | +3% | $2,950 | 316 |
| RLX | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S10) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -15% | $3,550 | 383 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Acura RLX 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.7% |
Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Acura RLX (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Lexus LS | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Lincoln Continental | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Tesla Model S | 335 mi | Not rated | 11 |
Recalls (1)
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.
Not every 2018 Acura RLX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Acura RLX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel System, Gasoline — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine And Engine Cooling — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 92,000 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 2018 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 →