23 MPG combined isn’t a standout figure, especially for a luxury sedan. But for the 2019 Acura RLX with its naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 and 10-speed automatic transmission, it’s a practical compromise. It’s not a fuel-sipping hybrid or a tire-scorching performance machine. It’s a comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped sedan designed for drivers who want a smooth ride and reliable power over ultimate efficiency, while still avoiding excessive gas consumption.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Acura RLX at 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the characteristics of the engine and transmission. The 3.5-liter V6 provides plenty of power for merging and passing, but its design prevents it from matching the efficiency of a smaller, turbocharged engine in stop-and-go traffic. The 10-speed automatic helps optimize fuel economy on the open road, letting the engine cruise at lower RPMs to achieve that 29 MPG highway figure. The RLX buyer appreciates the immediate, linear throttle response of a naturally aspirated engine and may find that it’s worth the slight fuel economy penalty.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Acura RLX is $2,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is a useful benchmark for comparing running costs across different vehicles, but your actual fuel expenses will depend on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. The RLX requires premium fuel, which increases the annual fuel cost compared to vehicles that use regular unleaded.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standardized baseline, but real-world fuel economy often varies. Drivers who spend much time in heavy traffic are likely to see figures close to or below the 20 MPG city rating. But those who primarily drive on the highway, maintaining a steady speed, may exceed the 29 MPG estimate. Aggressive driving, frequent hard acceleration, and neglecting routine maintenance can all hurt fuel economy. The RLX has Acura’s Intelligent Multi-Traction Management, which can adjust power distribution and affect fuel consumption, especially in bad weather.

How it compares

In the mid-size luxury sedan segment, the 2019 Acura RLX’s fuel economy is about average. The Lexus ES 350, known for its comfort and reliability, gets a similar 26 MPG combined. The ES 300h hybrid gets a much higher 44 MPG combined, which is good for buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency. The BMW 530i, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, delivers about 27 MPG combined. For buyers looking at all Acura fuel economy data, the RLX is a compromise between efficiency and performance in the Acura lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking are key to maximizing fuel economy in the RLX. The V6 engine’s smooth power delivery allows for relaxed driving, reducing the need to accelerate hard, which consumes extra fuel. Anticipating traffic flow and maintaining a consistent speed can also help.

Regular maintenance is critical for fuel economy. Make sure the tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, as under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce efficiency. Keeping the engine well-maintained, with regular oil changes and tune-ups, will also help it run efficiently.

Minimize idling time. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. The RLX doesn’t have auto stop-start technology, but manually turning off the engine during long stops can save fuel, especially in city driving.

Reduce weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s weight, which decreases fuel efficiency. Remove any items you don’t need, such as golf clubs or sporting equipment, to lighten the load.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy compared to varying your speed. Be mindful of road conditions and traffic when using cruise control, and be ready to disengage it if needed.

The 2019 Acura RLX delivers luxury, comfort and reliable performance. Its fuel economy may not be the best, but it’s a reasonable compromise for buyers who want the smooth power and refined driving experience of a naturally aspirated V6 engine. Buyers can review RLX MPG across all years online to see how the model’s fuel economy has changed.