Luxury cars, you know? They often spark thoughts of Acura and Lexus. It’s truly fascinating how the Acura RLX and Lexus ES stack up. These sedans always promise comfort and style. But here’s the thing, they deliver surprisingly different drives. They truly appeal to unique kinds of people. This piece will dive into their luxury feel and ride quality. We’ll also shine a light on Acura’s special features. Those really boost what it means to own one. Come on, let’s explore this world together.
A Glimpse into Their Stories
First, let’s paint a picture. The Acura RLX stood as Acura’s top sedan. It made its debut in 2013. It took the place of the older Acura RL. This car mixed strong performance with great comfort. It also packed advanced technology inside. Quite a blend, right?
Now, the Lexus ES is a different story. It’s been a solid luxury sedan for ages. It first appeared back in the early 1990s. Folks know it for its super smooth ride. Plus, its inside always feels really high-quality. Honestly, it’s no secret the ES has loyal fans. For instance, in 2021, Lexus moved over [30,000 ES units](https://www.lexus.com/news/Lexus-Division-Announces-2021-Year-End-Sales.html). That was just in the United States. This truly speaks volumes about its reach.
The RLX, though, had a tougher journey. It consistently struggled with sales. It couldn’t match the ES’s numbers. In 2020, Acura sold just above [6,000 RLX units](https://www.hondanews.com/releases/american-honda-posts-strong-2020-annual-sales-results). This shows its big challenge clearly. It faced a really competitive market. Many buyers probably didn’t even know it existed. It felt like a hidden gem, didn’t it? A quiet contender indeed.
What About the Luxury Features?
Now, let’s really dive into their luxury touches. The Lexus ES is truly famous for its plush interior. They use really good quality materials inside. Every small detail shows careful thought. For instance, the Lexus ES 350 often includes leatherette. Pricier versions come with real leather. They also show off elegant wood accents. That adds a lot of class, doesn’t it?
The Acura RLX, to be honest, shouldn’t be ignored here. It also offers top-tier features. You’ll find soft leather everywhere inside. Both front seats are heated and ventilated. The cabin feels super big and open. The RLX even boasts an amazing sound system. It’s a 15-speaker ELS Studio setup. People honestly rave about its clarity. On the other hand, the basic Lexus ES has just 12 speakers. You can upgrade to a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system. That system is truly something special.
But here’s where things get interesting: tech. The Lexus ES typically uses a big 12.3-inch touchscreen. It feels simple enough to navigate. However, its touchpad controller often faces criticism. Many drivers find it super distracting while on the road. To be fair, it does demand some getting used to. The Acura RLX takes a different path. It features a cool dual-screen layout. There’s an 8-inch screen above a 7-inch touchscreen. This setup helps access navigation and music easier. It’s a completely different idea, isn’t it? Some folks just love it.
How Do They Ride? And What About Performance?
Let’s chat about how they feel on the road. Ride quality is absolutely essential in a luxury car, wouldn’t you say? The Lexus ES, without a doubt, is famous for its smooth, quiet ride. This comes from its smart adaptive suspension. This system changes instantly with the road. It guarantees a truly comfortable trip. Based on the 2021 [J.D. Power Initial Quality Study](https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2021-us-initial-quality-study-iqs), the ES scored really well. It got an 87 out of 100 for its ride. That put it ahead of many competitors. Pretty impressive, wouldn’t you agree?
Now, the Acura RLX goes a different direction. It gives you a much sportier drive. This is especially true with its [Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)](https://acuranews.com/en-US/releases/super-handling-all-wheel-drive-acura-technology) system. This system really boosts how it handles turns. It helps performance quite a bit. That makes it exciting for drivers who love a thrill. But, the RLX’s ride can feel stiffer than the ES. You notice it, especially when you hit sport mode. It’s a bit of a give and take, isn’t it?
Under the hood, the RLX’s 3.5-liter V6 engine pushes out 310 horsepower. This provides some serious power. The ES 350’s 3.5-liter V6 delivers 302 horsepower. That’s a tiny bit less. Yet, it still offers really smooth acceleration. Both of these cars actually get good fuel mileage. The ES usually hits around 29 mpg combined. The RLX manages about 27 mpg. So, efficiency numbers are quite close. Not a huge difference.
What About Ownership Satisfaction and Acura’s Features?
So, when we talk about how happy owners are, Acura truly stands out. It offers some amazing features. These really make owning the car a better experience. A prime example is the [AcuraLink system](https://acuralink.acura.com/). It gives you so many ways to connect. You can start your car from far away. It even shows where your vehicle is located. Plus, it sends helpful maintenance reminders. That’s super practical, isn’t it?
Also, the RLX includes Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body. This design seriously boosts safety. The [IIHS gave the RLX a Top Safety Pick+ rating](https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/acura/rlx/2020). This highlights Acura’s deep dedication to safety. This can really improve how you feel owning it. For families especially, safety comes first. That’s non-negotiable, I think.
Beyond that, the RLX provides a great warranty. Acura offers a 4-year or 50,000-mile basic plan. Then, there’s a 6-year or 70,000-mile powertrain warranty. This really competes well in luxury cars. It gives owners a lot more calm. Lexus has a similar warranty. But here’s the thing, Lexus often gets praise for amazing customer care. That kind of service truly adds to overall happiness. Frankly, good service goes a long way. It absolutely does.
A Closer Look at Luxury and Ride Quality
To be honest, looking at the Acura RLX and Lexus ES reveals distinct ideas. It’s always fascinating to compare. The ES really focuses on passenger comfort. It tries for a calm driving journey. It’s perfect for folks who crave a smooth ride. A truly opulent interior is its main goal. The RLX, while still fancy, feels more athletic. It attracts drivers who enjoy spirited performance.
Now, imagine yourself driving on a twisty road in the RLX. You feel its steering responding perfectly. The car handles so incredibly well. It’s genuinely thrilling, isn’t it? Then, imagine cruising silently on the highway in the ES. You’re totally enclosed in a quiet space. Gentle music plays with perfect sound. Each car really speaks to different drivers. That’s something huge to think about.
The Evolving World of Luxury Sedans: Future Trends
As we peek into the future, luxury sedans are transforming. More and more folks are picking hybrid and electric cars. A [McKinsey report](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/automotive-and-assembly/our-insights/the-future-of-automotive-sales) suggests huge growth for EVs. This market will expand a lot next decade. This change will definitely shape future Acura and Lexus models. It’s a super exciting time for car fans. I am excited to see what comes next.
For instance, Lexus already has hybrid ES versions. They give you better gas mileage. They do this without losing any power. Acura also joined the hybrid movement. The RLX Sport Hybrid gave an eco-conscious option. So, both brands are learning and adapting. It’s truly encouraging to witness.
Both car makers also obsess over new technology. Fancy driver-assistance systems are becoming standard. The RLX features [AcuraWatch](https://www.acura.com/acurawatch). This is a whole set of safety tools. The ES provides [Lexus Safety System+](https://www.lexus.com/drivers/safety/safety-system). These technologies are absolutely needed. They bring in new customers. It just makes sense, doesn’t it? Safety and smart tech truly count.
Counterarguments and Criticisms
Look, both these cars are great, but no car is perfect. They all have downsides. The Lexus ES has definitely gotten some flak. Its infotainment system sometimes feels a bit old. Many drivers truly struggle with the touchpad. Critics say it spoils the whole experience. That’s a totally fair criticism.
Then, there’s the Acura RLX, which also gets some heat. Its sales numbers were consistently low. It just wasn’t very visible in the market. Some people feel its design isn’t memorable. Compared to other cars, it can seem a bit plain. This might turn off some potential buyers. It’s a seriously tough market out there.
However, I believe these points won’t stop everyone. Each car has its own special strengths. They really appeal to different tastes. What one person dislikes, another might love. It truly makes you think, doesn’t it? It’s all about perspective.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
So, to wrap things up, both the Acura RLX and Lexus ES give you distinct rides. They truly go head-to-head in luxury sedans. The RLX is great for tech and sportiness. The ES really shines in comfort and pure fancy feel. I am happy to see how both brands are moving forward. Their dedication to technology and green options is very hopeful. Ultimately, your best choice comes down to you.
Just imagine owning one of these amazing cars. The final decision is completely yours. Will you go for the exciting drive of the RLX? Or maybe the super calm experience of the ES? This choice could seriously change your everyday life. So, take your sweet time. Drive both vehicles. Really compare their features carefully. Think about your life and what truly matters most.
Honestly, both brands have so much good stuff. I am eager to see which one feels right for you. You really won’t be let down by either pick. The whole point is finding a car that fits your life. It should make driving truly better. The world of luxury sedans keeps evolving. Staying updated is important. Make the smartest choice for your future drives.
FAQs and Common Myths
Is the Acura RLX more reliable than the Lexus ES?
Both cars show good reliability. But Lexus often gets higher scores in big consumer reports. However, Acura’s clever engineering means solid dependability too. It’s often a very close call.
Which car has a better resale value?
Generally speaking, Lexus cars keep their value better. This is more than many Acura models. Think about this if resale value matters to you. It’s a real financial point.
Is the ride quality in the Acura RLX less comfortable than the Lexus ES?
It really depends on what you prefer. The RLX definitely feels sportier. The ES is famous for its super plush ride. Driving both will truly help you decide. You just have to feel it.
Does the Acura RLX come with a hybrid option?
Yes, it actually did. The RLX Sport Hybrid offered a greener choice. It got much better fuel economy. Acura was exploring that path.
Why did Acura discontinue the RLX?
Acura stopped making the RLX. Its sales were always quite low. The luxury sedan world is super fierce. It just struggled to truly stand out.
Is the Lexus ES interior really more luxurious than the RLX?
Many car reviewers say the ES feels more upscale. It often uses softer, fancier materials. But the RLX still has a very premium cabin. It’s honestly a matter of personal taste.
Which car is better for long road trips?
The Lexus ES usually wins this one. Its quieter inside. The softer ride makes long drives peaceful. The RLX can be great too, of course.
What is AcuraLink, and how does it work?
AcuraLink is a connected service system. It provides many remote functions. You can remotely start your car. It also tracks its location easily. Plus, it sends you maintenance alerts. It works through a mobile app.
What is Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)?
SH-AWD is Acura’s unique system. It actively sends power. It distributes power to all four wheels. This truly improves handling and stability. It’s awesome for fun driving.
Does the Lexus ES infotainment touchpad get easier to use?
Some drivers do get used to it. But many others never find it simple. It’s a really common complaint. Lots of people wish for normal buttons.
Are parts for these luxury cars expensive?
Yes, luxury car parts generally cost more. Upkeep can be pricier too. Both Acura and Lexus are premium brands. Remember this for your budget.
Which car offers better advanced safety features?
Both offer really complete safety packages. AcuraWatch and Lexus Safety System+ are very capable. They both include smart collision prevention systems. They truly protect you well.
Can I find used RLX models easily?
Used RLX models are less common to find. This is because sales numbers were lower. You might need to look around a bit more. But you could score a fantastic deal.
Is the Mark Levinson audio system in the Lexus ES worth the upgrade?
Many serious music lovers say absolutely yes. It offers truly outstanding sound quality. If music really matters to you, consider it. It makes a giant difference.
What kind of maintenance schedule do these luxury sedans typically follow?
Both follow regular maintenance plans. This includes oil changes and tire rotations. You usually visit the dealer every 5,000-10,000 miles. Following this schedule keeps them running well.
Do these cars offer enough trunk space for family travel?
Yes, both have good trunk room. The Lexus ES offers around 13.9 cubic feet. The Acura RLX is slightly smaller. They usually fit luggage for a family trip.
