One automaker is synonymous with hybrids – no rival brands even come close. Indeed, Toyota essentially invented the modern gasoline-electric vehicle when it introduced the frugal
fuel-sipping Prius around 30 years ago
. Continuing this proud tradition, between its eponymous mass-market division, and the Lexus luxury brand, Toyota offers a whopping 30 electrified vehicles in the U.S. today. But, of course, plenty of other automakers offer hybrid vehicles, all different styles and powertrain configurations, from Ford and Hyundai to BMW, Stellantis, and Volvo, to name just a few.
Indeed, plenty of car companies build hybrids these days, some pretty great ones, too. As with the Prius, these electrified vehicles are usually laser-focused on minimizing fuel consumption to save drivers as much money as possible at the pump, but there’s more to hybrids than just fun-sucking frugality. Sometimes, in luxury models or even sporty cars, a hybrid powertrain can be used to help dramatically improve a vehicle’s performance while still saving a good bit of fuel. Suppose you’re looking for a luxurious four-door sedan with plenty of features, a spacious interior, surprisingly strong performance, and responsible levels of consumption. In that case, there’s a little-known model, a forgotten gem from Japan that you definitely have to put on your used-car shopping list.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds.com, Consumer Reports, AutoGuide.com, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
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2019 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid: The Luxury Sedan You Overlooked
Have you heard of the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid before? Many drivers probably haven’t, and that’s a real shame because this upscale four-door offers a great blend of efficiency, performance, and luxury amenities. Almost exactly the same size as a Toyota Avalon of this vintage, the RLX is 196.1 inches long and features a rather lengthy 112.2-inch wheelbase.
Despite its generous exterior dimensions, there is one downside to this Honda-based hybrid; it doesn’t have an overwhelming amount of trunk space. The rear cargo hold clocks in at around 12 cubic feet, a decent amount, but that’s less than what its rival from Toyota provides. Indeed, the 2019 Avalon Hybrid should have a whisker more than 16 cubes in its trunk, about four more than this Acura. Additionally, there’s no pass-through for carrying long items, something that severely limits this car’s versatility.
A Premium Hybrid Sedan With Up-Scale Looks That Dazzle Onlookers
It may not have as much cargo space, but one area where the RLX Sport Hybrid trounces the Toyota Avalon is in styling. This luxury sedan looks clean and classy. Up front is a version of Acura’s signature Diamond Pentagon grille, which looks far more tasteful than the Avalon’s comically large front-end opening. This one fits the RLX very well and is filled in with a sort of sparkly texture that radiates outward from the centrally mounted – and massive – Acura logo.
That grille is outlined in chrome, a material used tastefully elsewhere on this car’s exterior, and is flanked by Jewel Eye LED headlamps that are comprised of an attractive array of lighting elements. Up top, the 2019 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid’s hood features several creases, including a bead running right down the center to break up what would otherwise be a very large, flat, and boring swing panel.
In profile, this car looks impressively clean, with no tacked-on trim or visually busy creases or scallops. The front fenders feature noticeable bulges for a planted look, though the dash-to-axle measurements – basically how far the centerline of the front wheel is from the base of the windshield – as well as the large overhangs betray this sedan’s front-wheel-drive-based underpinnings. Attractive 19-inch wheels should be standard.
This Acura’s good taste continues to the rear, where the back of the car is impressively clean, simple and attractive. The standard LED taillights look nice and fit the design well, there are dual exhaust outlets integrated into the lower fascia, and there’s a tasteful spear of chrome that runs across the trunk lid for a bit of restrained visual pizazz.
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A Powerful And Efficient Hybrid Powertrain
As its name suggests, this upscale sedan is motivated by a hybrid powertrain. What a shock, right (no pun intended)? The engine and gearbox are augmented by not one, not two, but a whopping three electric motors. One of these is mounted up front where it helps the engine and transmission power this car’s front wheels by providing 47 horses and 109 pound-feet of twist, but the rear axle features two additional dynamos.
Each of these motors delivers an additional 36 horses and 54 pound-feet of torque, and, not surprisingly, this setup also provides all-wheel drive, specifically an electric version of Acura’s famed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, which features torque vectoring for better handling in turns. The outer wheel can deliver more power to help the car rotate while navigating corners.
2019 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid Performance Specs
|
Engine |
3.5-Liter V-6 w/ Three Motors |
|
Horsepower |
377 Total System HP |
|
Torque |
341Total System Lb.-Ft. |
|
Transmission |
7-Speed Auto |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.9 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
130 MPH |
A 1.1-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack is also included in this car, which stores and releases energy as needed to improve performance and efficiency. Regardless, what does all this fancy technology get you? Well, the RLX Sport Hybrid packs a potent 377 total system horsepower and 341 lb-ft of peak torque, more than enough to deliver strong acceleration, even in a vehicle that weighs around 4,380 pounds.
Combining V-6 Power With Hybrid Efficiency
When it comes to fuel economy, this Acura sedan is rated at an EPA-estimated 28 miles per gallon in the city and 29 on the highway. Combined, the RLX Sport Hybrid should return a more-than-respectable 28 MPG, five mpg more than non-electrified versions of the RLX sedan can muster on the same testing cycle. Either way, though, it’s recommended you run premium-grade fuel in this car, at least 91-octane gasoline.
This Acura prioritizes performance over efficiency. Yes, this car is quite economical, but the 2019 Avalon Hybrid is significantly thriftier. In comparison, this Toyota is rated at up to 43 MPG city, 44 highway, and 44 MPG combined, MUCH bigger numbers than the RLX delivers. It’s worth keeping in mind, of course, that this Acura has a robust 377 total system horsepower and all-wheel drive. Contrast that to the Avalon Hybrid, which has an adequate 215 system hp and is only offered with front-wheel drive. So, if you want excellent performance with good fuel economy, grab the RLX, but if efficiency is more important than straight-line speed or handling prowess, consider the Avalon instead.
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Premium Interior With Cutting-Edge Technology
Matching its exterior, this Acura has a lovely cabin, one that’s cleanly styled, built of quality materials, and quite spacious. You get 42.3 inches of maximum legroom in the front seats, and 38.8 in the rear. Headroom is impressive, too, clocking in at 37.6 inches up front and 36.9 in the back; more than enough space for adult passengers to fit – and stay comfortable – for hours at a stretch.
Up front, 12-way power bucket seats are standard, complete with four-way lumbar support. For an extra-premium touch, both of these chairs are heated and ventilated for year-round comfort. There’s also a push-button ignition, pretty standard for cars of this period, and even an electronic shifter on the center console, though this is an odd spot to locate the gear selector as it could have been put in a more out-of-the-way spot to free up additional interior storage space.
One area where this cay shows its age, however, is with in-cabin tech. Navigation is integrated, and it offers a 3D view, but the dual-screen infotainment system looks dated, and the graphics were clunky even when this sedan was new. One of the displays is touch-enabled, but the other can only be operated with a control knob, a very odd combination.
A Well-Appointed Cabin With Advanced Driver Aids
In addition to all those goodies, the RLX Sport Hybrid also comes with a Krell audio system that has 14 speakers. There are standard front and rear parking sensors to make maneuvering in tight places a snap. You also get heated exterior mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and even a head-up display.
When it comes to other amenities, this luxury sedan offers plenty. The AcuraWatch suite of driver aids is standard fare, which bundles a bunch of helpful features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. You also get:
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Road departure prevention system
- Adaptive cruise control
- 360-degree camera system
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Why The RLX Sport Hybrid Stands Out In The Used Market
There’s plenty to like about the 2019 RLX Sport Hybrid, from the comfort, features, and driver aids to the styling, performance, and fuel efficiency. Another feather in this car’s cap, though, is crash safety. This Acura has earned a couple of five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the highest score this government agency hands out. The RLX has also been tested by the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the car received a Top Safety Pick nod from them as well. In short, this vehicle should be extremely safe in all manner of crashes.
This Acura has earned a couple of five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the highest score this government agency hands out.
A Hidden Luxury Hybrid With Lasting Value
Unfortunately, Acura never sold many 2019 RLX Sport Hybrids when this car was new. Drivers of the period may have gravitated toward better-known luxury sedans, which is a real shame. Examples are certainly available, but this Acura four-door flagship is nowhere near as easy to find as, say, a used Ford F-150. Scanning some used car listings reveals that examples with around 50,000 miles are going for roughly $30,000. Cars that have traveled more than that will cost a bit less and, naturally, copies with fewer miles are going to be a bit pricier, though none of the figures seem outrageous for what you’re getting.
