What was the last year they made the Acura RLX?
The last model year for the Acura RLX was 2020. Acura ended RLX production after the 2020 model year, and there was no 2021 RLX offered in the U.S. market. In the years that followed, Acura focused on refining its TLX lineup as the brand’s flagship sedan.
To understand why the RLX reached its endpoint, it helps to review the model’s lifecycle, including when it launched, the mid-cycle updates and the brief performance-focused variant, and the strategic shift that led to the RLX’s retirement from Acura’s North American lineup.
Timeline of the RLX
Key milestones chart the RLX’s lifecycle, including its introduction, notable variants, and its discontinuation.
- 2014: Acura introduces the RLX as the brand’s flagship luxury sedan, replacing the RL in the lineup.
- Late 2010s: A performance-oriented RLX Type S variant is offered briefly, expanding the lineup beyond the standard model (availability and release years varied by market).
- 2020: The RLX reaches its final model year, with production ending after the 2020 model year and no successor announced for the U.S. market.
The timeline above highlights the RLX’s evolution from a flagship sedan to its retirement in 2020, marking the end of a generation in Acura’s conventional passenger-car lineup.
Why production ended and what followed
Several factors contributed to the RLX’s discontinuation, including market demand, brand strategy, and the desire to consolidate Acura’s lineup around a fewer-number of, more popular models. The decision aligned with Acura’s broader push to leverage the TLX as a more versatile, efficient, and mainstream flagship platform, while still offering performance-oriented variants in the lineup.
- Sales performance for the RLX did not meet expectations relative to rivals in the luxury sedan segment.
- Acura reorganized its product lineup to focus resources on the TLX platform, which could be upscaled with technology and performance enhancements.
- The RLX Type S, while a notable performance variant, did not sustain long-term demand at scale.
- As a result, no direct successor to the RLX was developed for the U.S. market, and the flagship role shifted toward the TLX-based vehicles and other models in Acura’s range.
In sum, the RLX’s formal end came with the 2020 model year, and Acura redirected its flagship strategy toward the TLX family while continuing to offer high-performance variants within its broader lineup.
Summary
The Acura RLX was produced from its 2014 introduction through its final 2020 model year. After 2020, Acura discontinued the RLX in favor of consolidating its lineup around the TLX as the brand’s flagship sedan, accompanied by performance variants in subsequent models. The RLX’s retirement marks a shift in Acura’s strategy rather than a simple refresh of a single model.
Which is bigger, TLX or RLX?
Step inside the RLX, and you're surrounded by luxury and refinement. The first thing you'll notice is the space; the RLX is larger than the TLX, so you can carry a full load of adult passengers in style. While you ride, the generous legroom makes it possible for everyone to stretch out.
Why did Acura discontinue RLX?
The Acura RLX was discontinued in 2020 primarily due to very low sales, a general market shift away from sedans towards SUVs, and strong competition from the smaller TLX which was also more affordable. Acura also decided to focus on its core, higher-selling SUV models and the more popular TLX sedan instead of the underperforming luxury sedan.
- Poor sales performance: The RLX consistently had low sales figures, failing to attract a significant number of luxury car buyers. For example, only 1,019 units were sold in 2019, compared to 26,548 of the TLX and 62,876 of the RDX.
- Market shift to SUVs: The luxury vehicle market was increasingly moving towards SUVs and crossovers, leaving sedans with declining sales.
- Competition from the TLX: The mid-size TLX was similar in size and more affordable, leading many buyers to choose the TLX over the larger, more expensive RLX.
- Lack of buyer interest: Buyers did not seem interested in the RLX's offerings, such as its standard front-wheel drive or complex hybrid powertrain.
- Focus on core models: Acura decided to discontinue the RLX to focus its resources on its more profitable models, especially the RDX and MDX SUVs, and to revitalize the sedan lineup with the newer TLX.
What Acura to stay away from?
According to CarComplaints.com, the 2003 model is one of the most problematic Acura TL years, with over 400+ NHTSA user complaints. This car's top three most prominent problems are transmission failure, car shakes during acceleration, and the peeling clear coat.
What is the life expectancy of the Acura RLX?
Acura RLX – A Premium Sedan Built to Last
Many RLX owners report over 200,000 miles with proper care.
