Acura RL Review

2009 Acura RL Sedan

As a flagship luxury sedan, the current Acura RL is a bit of an oddity. In terms of size, it's actually classified as a midsize car. It comes with a V6 engine exclusively, even though most competing luxury sedans offer an optional V8. But unlike most of its peers, the RL comes with a price tag that's -- surprise! -- reasonably affordable. So what's the deal with the Acura RL?

Acura didn't design the RL to be a powerhouse sedan or an extravagant luxo-barge. It is, however, a comfortable and refined sedan, packaged with a high level of user-friendly technology. For buyers in this segment, we think that the RL represents the intelligent choice. Alas, it would seem that being the intelligent choice only gets a car so far in terms of sales.

The Acura RL has never attained huge popularity and typically lives in the shadow of more prestigious makes and well-known models. Older Acura RLs suffer from a similar problem, but to an even greater degree. We like the current-generation car, though, and recommend it for buyers who desire an all-wheel-drive luxury sedan, particularly one that's available with all the latest technology.

Current Acura RL

The Acura RL is a midsize luxury sedan. As with other Acura models, selecting a style is quite easy, as Acura makes nearly everything standard. Powered by a 290-horsepower V6 engine, the RL was the first Acura to feature Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This innovative technology continuously varies power among all four wheels to enhance handling and aid wet-weather traction.

Although it doesn't offer the posh reputation of other luxury vehicles, the RL nevertheless features a classy, sumptuous interior adorned in high-quality materials, leather and real wood trim. The dash is awash in buttons, which may confuse some, but they serve a welcome redundancy with the optional navigation system's iDrive-like control knob and voice commands. The RL's 10-speaker surround-sound stereo with six-CD/DVD audio changer, satellite radio and optional iPod integration is one of the best in the business. An optional Technology Package includes a voice-activated navigation system.

In road tests, we found that the Acura RL gets better the harder it's driven thanks to the SH-AWD system that tenaciously maintains traction. The ride is tuned more on the cushier side of the spectrum, so despite offering notable handling abilities, it is still principally designed to be a comfortable cruiser. Our chief complaint has been a lack of low-end grunt. Unlike its competitors, there is no V8 offered.

Past Acura RL Models

The RL was introduced in 2005, and offered in only one trim level: loaded. The following year saw the addition of a Technology Package (now the unimaginatively named CMBS/PAX package) that includes adaptive cruise control, run-flat tires and a collision-preventing radar-based active braking system. At this time, the navigation system was standard.

Consumers interested in used Acura RLs built before 2005 will be dealing with the first-generation Acura RL (known as the 3.5 RL) produced from 1996-2004. The 3.5 RL debuted as a replacement for the popular Acura Legend, but its new uncreative name demonstrated an unfortunate change in Acura's philosophy that saw it move in a more staid, Lexus-like direction. This generation also had a high level of standard equipment and typically cost less than its competition, but it couldn't overcome its reserved-to-the-point-of-anonymity styling, unexciting V6 engine and lax driving dynamics.

While front-wheel drive is beneficial in smaller cars, most luxury car buyers seem to prefer the extra performance and handling that come from rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. This wasn't such a big issue during the RL's early years, but as newer competing models debuted with more power and more features, the RL became increasingly outclassed.

Acura didn't change the 3.5 RL much during its first generation. In 2000, it received a standard stability control system and an improved navigation system. The most significant changes were made in 2002, when it gained a bit more power and a more firmly tuned suspension.

The RL's predecessor was the Acura Legend. Available in coupe and sedan body styles, the Legend largely lived up to its name, being praised for its sporty nature, strong performance and impeccable fit and finish. As with most Acura/Honda products, reliability was very good.

SELECT A SPECIFIC ACURA RL MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.