Acura sees the RLX's competition hailing from Germany in the form of the E-Class, 5-Series, and A6--but more realistically, given those brands' strong repeat business, we think the competition comes more from some other brands and some interesting vehicles.
The Cadillac XTS is a pick of the crop: the big sedan has unexpectedly nimble handling, an available adjustable suspension, and the touchpad CUE interface, if you're up for the cutting-edge learning experience.
The Lincoln MKS and Volvo S80 share a front-drive architecture and all-wheel-drive availability, but the MKS is the surprising choice for its optional 365-hp turbocharged engine and its discreetly American styling.
The Hyundai Genesis is a superb bargain among imported sedans; it's rear-wheel drive but doesn't have European road manners--and we'd steer downmarket to the V-6 version, not the stiff-riding 429-hp R-Spec edition.
Lastly, the Lexus GS has a lovely new shape and an equally stylish interior; opt up to the F-Sport and crisp handling is (finally) part of the package, too.
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 2014 Acura RLXBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Cadillac XTSBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Hyundai GenesisBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Lincoln MKSBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Volvo S80Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2014 Acura RLX leaves the bold ambition to other brands; it's a studied update that delivers smoother looks, quicker performance, and better fuel economy, but no more excitement. |
For those focused on safety, technology, and comfort—but not necessarily performance—the 2014 Cadillac XTS is everything a big luxury sedan should be. |
Everyday comfortable, yet track-ready, the 2014 Hyundai Genesis is one of the better performance-car picks if your budget is tight. |
The 2014 Lincoln MKS doesn't fly in the same business class with the best German luxosedans, but it's a quiet, capable alternative in the second tier of big, upscale sedans. |
The 2014 Volvo S80 isn't at all about performance, but what it does–and does well–is offer a safe, stylish, supremely comfortable sedan for fashion-conscious families. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $48,450 | $44,600 | $26,350 | $38,850 | $39,900 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 20 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Premium Unleaded V-6 | Gas V6 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded I-6 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Midsize Cars | Large Cars | Subcompact Cars | Large Cars | Midsize Cars |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door Sedan | 4-Door Sedan FWD | 2-Door I4 2.0T Manual R-Spec | 4-Door Sedan 3.7L FWD | 4-Door Sedan 3.2L PZEV |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Coupe | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/manual shift | Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2014 Acura RLX vs. 2014 Cadillac XTS | 2014 Acura RLX vs. 2014 Hyundai Genesis | 2014 Acura RLX vs. 2014 Lincoln MKS | 2014 Acura RLX vs. 2014 Volvo S80 | |
