Acura RLX vs. Lexus ES 350

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Acura RLX and Lexus ES 350 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Acura RLX and the Lexus ES 350.

When comparing the Acura RLX's and the Lexus ES 350's specifications and ratings, the Acura RLX has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The Lexus ES 350 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Acura RLX's and the Lexus ES 350's specifications and ratings, the Lexus ES 350 is a better car than the Acura RLX.

Pricing: A used 2020 Acura RLX ranges from $26,981 to $35,960 while a used 2020 Lexus ES 350 is priced between $26,999 to $37,988.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Acura RLX loses 52.4 percent of its value and the Lexus ES 350 loses 41.1 percent of its value. This means the Lexus ES 350 retains 11.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Acura RLX.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Acura RLX is 8.3 out of 10 while the Lexus ES 350's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Acura RLX being ranked 2 out of 24 Best Luxury Large Cars and the Lexus ES 350 being ranked 2 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Acura RLX is 7.8 out of 10. For the Lexus ES 350 the reliability rating is 9.0 out of 10. This gives the Lexus ES 350 an advantage in reliability compared to the Acura RLX.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Acura RLX’s base engine makes 310 horsepower, and the Lexus ES 350 base engine makes 302 horsepower. The RLX is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 537 miles. The ES 350 is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 509 miles.This gives the Lexus ES 350 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Acura RLX the advantage in maximum range. The RLX uses premium unleaded, and the ES 350 uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Acura RLX, a large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room and rear shoulder room. The Lexus ES 350, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front leg room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Acura RLX and the Lexus ES 350 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.