After just six years in production, Acura’s upscale RLX sedan is being discontinued. Acura says that it will divert the RLX’s production costs to more popular crossover models and its other sedans. The redesigned 2021 Acura TLX is expected to be vastly more successful than the outgoing RLX.

Even though the Acura RLX was never very popular, it’s still one of the best used Acura models you can buy. The 2017 model currently has a good overall score on U.S. News. If you’re looking for an entry-level luxury sedan, a lightly-used RLX is a good candidate.

About the 2017 Acura RLX

One of the best things about the Acura RLX is definitely its ample interior space. All riders have enough room to stretch out, whether they’re in the back or front row. The seats themselves are made with plush leather and surrounded by padded door panels and soft wood trim.

The front seats also come with standard heating and plenty of adjustability options. The large door openings also make it easier for taller drivers to get situated inside the cockpit. Visibility is great from all angles inside the Acura RLX. Disappointingly, trunk space is below average and it doesn’t come with a split-folding seatback.

The 2017 Acura RLX gets its power from a 310-hp V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The RLX comes equipped with all-wheel steering, which allows the driver to turn all four wheels at the same time. This gives the car less body roll and great cornering abilities.

The engine supplies more than enough power for daily driving and the transmission works smoothly. As an added bonus, the Acura RLX is great on gas. It’s rated for 29 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive is only available on the RLX Sport Hybrid.

2017 was also the year Acura added many standard safety features to the RLX. It has forward-collision warning with brake assist, blind-spot monitors, lane-keeping assistance, rear-cross traffic alert, and a rearview camera. The 2017 RLX also got stellar crash test scores from major safety associations.

Why the RLX isn’t a fan favorite

The 2017 Acura RLX comes with a lot of the most modern tech features. It doesn’t have Apple or Android device support, but Bluetooth is standard. It also has built-in navigation, USB and aux ports, and satellite radio. The navigation is controlled through another larger touchscreen under the main infotainment display.

This system confused both drivers and critics. The navigation feature is slow to recognize inputs and has separate menus for each part of the address. Consumer Reports slammed the RLX’s infotainment system, saying that even basic audio controls are a hassle to use.

Additionally, all Acura vehicles have a reputation for smooth handling and ride qualities. Even with the all-wheel steering, the Acura RLX is a bore to drive. The suspension is also loud when going over cracked pavement and the resulting bumps cause jitters throughout the interior.

Is the 2017 Acura RLX a good value?

When it was first released, the 2017 Acura RLX retailed for over $54,000. You can get a used model for around $36,000, or $43,000 for the hybrid version. Considering all its standard features, that’s a great deal for a luxury car.

The 2017 RLX also has significantly lower ownership costs than other luxury brands. U.S. News estimates that it costs almost $31,000 to own over the course of five years. Rival sedans from Volvo or Lexus cost well over $40,000 to maintain over the same period of time.