Why is Acura discontinuing the RLX?
Acura is stopping production of the RLX, its flagship sedan, due to weak demand and a strategic pivot toward SUVs and electrified models.
The move reflects broader market trends and a corporate realignment. The RLX was introduced in 2014 as the brand’s premium three-box sedan and later gained a high-performance RLX Type S variant, but it failed to attract enough buyers in a market that increasingly favors crossovers, SUVs, and electrified powertrains. In response, Acura chose to concentrate its investments on higher-volume models and future-forward performance and electrification initiatives rather than maintaining a low-volume flagship sedan.
Market realities behind the decision
These factors help explain why the RLX was retired and how Acura plans to reshape its lineup.
- Weak demand for traditional large luxury sedans in North America, especially as buyers shifted toward SUVs and crossovers.
- An aging RLX platform and design that struggled to compete with newer rivals in technology, interior quality, and styling.
- A strategic shift to SUVs/crossovers, with MDX and RDX driving most of Acura’s sales and growth potential.
- Cost and resource considerations: maintaining a low-volume flagship sedan required ongoing engineering, marketing, and production investment with limited payoff, diverting funds from higher-margin or growth-oriented models and electrification efforts.
Concluding: Taken together, these market pressures and strategic priorities led Acura to discontinue the RLX after the 2020 model year, freeing resources for its core SUV lineup and future electrified models.
What Acura is focusing on instead
With the RLX out of the lineup, Acura is leaning into segments and technologies that align with current demand and long-term strategy.
- SUVs and crossovers: Continuing to expand and refresh the MDX and RDX to meet strong demand in the luxury SUV segment.
- Performance-oriented variants: Emphasizing the brand’s sportier edge through TLX and its Type S derivatives, while consolidating sedans around more popular models.
- Electrification and future EVs: Advancing electrified powertrains across the lineup and pursuing all-electric models, including upcoming battery-electric offerings to broaden Acura’s appeal in a greener market.
Concluding: This strategy aims to boost profitability, modernize the portfolio, and position Acura for growth as consumer preferences tilt toward utility and electrified performance.
History of the RLX in brief
A quick look at the RLX lifecycle helps contextualize the discontinuation decision.
- 2014: The RLX launches as Acura’s flagship sedan, offering premium seating and technology and introducing the SH-AWD system on higher trims.
- 2017: The RLX Type S arrives, bringing a turbocharged V6 and enhanced performance, signaling Acura’s attempt to broaden the model’s appeal.
- 2020: Production ends for the RLX after the 2020 model year, with Acura shifting its focus to SUVs and future electrified models.
Concluding: The RLX’s run illustrates the broader shift in the luxury market away from large sedans toward crossover utility, sportier performance variants, and electrified powertrains.
Summary
Acura's decision to discontinue the RLX stems from persistently weak demand for a flagship sedan in a market leaning toward SUVs and electrified models, combined with a strategic reallocation of resources to higher-volume vehicles and future technologies. By focusing on the MDX, RDX, and electrified performance offerings, Acura aims to strengthen its competitive position in a rapidly evolving luxury segment, marking a clear departure from maintaining a low-volume flagship sedan like the RLX.
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.
What is the Acura RLX comparable to?
Cars similar to 2020 Acura RLX. The Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class are the core of the mid-size luxury sedan segment along with the BMW 5-Series, and offer German quality and panache with tech superiority.
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.
How much is a 2014 Acura RLX worth today?
The value of a used 2014 Acura RLX ranges from $4,907 to $13,380, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
