Will Acura bring back the RLX?

No confirmed plans exist to revive the RLX, Acura’s former flagship sedan. The company has not announced a return of the RLX nameplate, and its current strategy centers on SUVs and electrified models rather than reintroducing a discontinued luxury sedan.

RLX: History, decline and current status

This section traces the RLX from its role as Acura’s flagship to its disappearance from the U.S. lineup, and explains how the brand has realigned its priorities since then.

• The RLX was introduced as Acura’s flagship sedan, replacing the RL with advanced traction, handling tech (notably SH-AWD) and, in its hybrid variant, higher output in certain markets.


• Sales performance for the RLX lagged behind rivals and Acura’s own SUV models, contributing to a slow sales trajectory that limited its long-term viability.


• In North America, the RLX was eventually phased out of the lineup, with no formal, announced replacement named as the flagship sedan.


• Today, Acura’s sedan lineup centers on the TLX, while SUVs (including newer electrified offerings) dominate the brand’s sales and product strategy, and there has been no official RLX revival plan disclosed.

In summary, the RLX remains a part of Acura’s past, with no public roadmap indicating a return in the near term. The brand’s current focus is on expanding electrified models and strengthening its SUV lineup.

What Acura has publicly said about reviving the RLX

This section gathers what has been publicly stated by Acura about its flagship strategy and any hints about reviving a discontinued nameplate, noting the absence of an official RLX comeback.

• Official stance: Acura has not announced any plan to bring back the RLX; current briefings emphasize expanding the electrified lineup and strengthening SUVs rather than resurrecting the old flagship sedan.


• Flagship strategy: With TLX serving as the primary sporty sedan and MDX/other models for utility, there has been no confirmation of a new or rebranded flagship sedan under the RLX name.


• Design and engineering considerations: A revival would require a fresh platform and powertrain, likely electrified, to meet modern flagship expectations—but no such program has been disclosed.

Overall, there is no official commitment or concrete development timeline for an RLX revival, and observers should treat any revival as speculative until confirmed by Acura.

The electrification era and what it means for a future flagship

Acura has signaled a broad push toward electrification, with plans to diversify its BEV and hybrid offerings in the coming years. Whether a future flagship would carry the RLX name or a new badge remains unsettled.

• Electrification trajectory: Acura is expanding electrified variants across its lineup as part of a broader Honda-backed strategy to electrify more models in the years ahead.


• Platform and engineering: A potential flagship—whether RLX or otherwise—would likely ride on a dedicated EV platform or a shared Honda/Acura architecture designed for efficiency, performance, and premium features.


• Market dynamics: Flagship sedans have faced shrinking demand in the U.S. market, especially against SUVs and crossovers, which adds risk to any revival unless it offers compelling value or performance.


• Naming strategy: Acura could opt for an all-new flagship or reintroduce a revived nameplate (like RLX) if executives view it as essential to brand identity and competitive positioning.

For now, the absence of an official announcement means a revival remains speculative. Acura’s path appears to favor electrified, premium-focused products within its existing naming framework rather than a straightforward RLX comeback.

Bottom line and what to watch next

Until Acura formally confirms a plan or shares a product teaser, the return of the RLX should be viewed as uncertain. What’s more likely is continued emphasis on electrified variants, improved performance models under the Type S banner, and expansion of the SUV lineup—areas where Acura has shown substantial commitment.

Summary

There is no official confirmation that Acura plans to revive the RLX. The brand’s current emphasis is on electrification and SUVs, with its flagship sedan status effectively carried forward by the TLX in practice. A future flagship could emerge as an EV, but whether it would wear the RLX badge remains unannounced. As always,官方 announcements will determine if the RLX name makes a comeback.

What is the 2026 Acura coming out?

The main 2026 Acura models are the refreshed Integra and the updated MDX and RDX SUVs, with the TLX sedan being discontinued. The Integra receives a mid-cycle refresh with standard technology upgrades, while the MDX is a new luxury SUV available in various trims. The RDX is also part of the SUV lineup. An all-new, all-electric RSX EV is expected to launch in late 2026.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the pricing and features of the 2026 Acura MDX: 57sGold PonyYouTube · Sep 10, 2025
2026 Acura Integra

• Refresh: Features updated styling and technology, including a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad that are now standard on all trims. 
• Engine: Comes standard with a 200-HP VTEC Turbo engine, with an optional 6-speed manual transmission available on some trims. 
• Type S: The performance-oriented Integra Type S offers a 320-HP engine, a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, and performance-focused components. 

2026 Acura MDX

• Redesign: A completely new luxury SUV with a redesigned exterior, including a more aggressive front fascia. 
• Engine: Most models are powered by a 290-HP 3.5L V6 engine, while the Type S trims feature a 355-HP 3.0L turbocharged V6. 
• Trims: Available in various trims, including the Type S, A-Spec, and Advance. 

This video provides an overview of the 2026 Acura Integra Type S: 59sRaiti's RidesYouTube · Oct 19, 2025
2026 Acura RDX

• The RDX continues to be part of the lineup, with a base model starting around $45,100. 

Other models

• TLX: The TLX sedan will be discontinued for the 2026 model year. 
• RSX EV: Acura plans to release an all-electric RSX in late 2026, which will be the brand's first new EV model. 

Is the Acura RLX discontinued?

And go through in detail. Each one of them the ILX the TLX. And the RLX. The ILX joined Acura's lineup for the 2013. Model year as their entry-level. Model in Canada the ILX replaces the CSX.

Is the RLX bigger than the TLX?

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.

Will Acura ever bring back the RLX?

2020 was the final model year for the RLX as the market shifted towards SUVs and crossovers.