It may not have the bulletproof branding of some competitors, but the RLX is not without charms. Its old beak grille has finally been replaced by a prettier pentagonal nose, and a sharp 10-speed automatic now pairs to the standard 310-hp V-6 engine. Our choice is the Sport Hybrid, which uses a 377-hp powertrain derived from the one used in the NSX and has Acura’s SH-AWD system to aid handling. We like driving the RLX, but the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto still stings.
Pros Strong performance, comfortable seats, standard driver aids, high value.
Cons Invisible styling, slow navigation system, complex two-screen infotainment interface, subpar paint quality.
The 2019 Acura RLX wraps a forward-thinking powertrain in a comfortable but cookie-cutter package.
Pros Supple ride Supportive front seats Good fuel economy for hybrid Excellent audio system Hybrid all-wheel drive
Cons Banal sedan shape Dual-screen infotainment Dated cabin styling Small rear seat No options
The 2019 Acura RLX comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 7-speed automated manual.The RLX carries over into 2019 unchanged.
PROS Sport Hybrid model offers fast, fuel-efficient acceleration Long list of standard safety and convenience features Spacious cabin and seating, especially for rear passengers
CONS Dual-screen infotainment system isn't intuitive to use Interior design looks dated Steering feels disconnected from the road Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't available
The 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport is a new mini crossover vehicle that slots between the Nissan Rogue and funky subcompact Nissan Juke in terms of size. Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, we expect the 2017 Rogue Sport to be a popular pick for its pocket-size versatility.
The 2017 Rogue Sport will join Nissan's crossover lineup this year, slotting in between the subcompact Nissan Juke and the larger Nissan Rogue. The Rogue Sport is designed for those who find the Juke's interior accommodations too cramped, or are perhaps put off by its polarizing design, but also don't quite want or need something as big as the larger Rogue.
Even though they are based on the same fundamental chassis, the Rogue Sport is a foot shorter in length and 5.6 inches shorter in height than the Rogue. This makes the Rogue Sport more adept at navigating tight urban spaces, though it concedes a fair amount of rear passenger legroom and about 9 cubic feet of cargo space (22.9 cubic feet versus the Rogue's 32 cubes). Compared to the rest of subcompact crossover faction, the Rogue Sport is generous on cargo space but short on rear legroom.
The Rogue Sport comes powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four making 141 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. The engine drives the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and is capable of distributing power to all four wheels if equipped with all-wheel drive. It rides on an independent suspension, front and rear, which helps the wheels maintain better contact with the ground and, according to Nissan, provides a sportier drive experience, according to Nissan.
