2008 Acura RL Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 61 RL reviews and test drives.
Acura RL Safety Review
Safety - 9.4 (Excellent)
The 2008 Acura RL provides drivers and passengers with a host of features to ensure peace of mind when it comes to safety -- and it has excellent ratings from the nation's top safety testing agencies to back it up.
In government crash tests, the 2008 RL receives five out of five stars for driver frontal crash test results and five out of five for passenger. The RL also receives five stars for front seat side impact crash test results and five for rear seat.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not yet rated the 2008 RL, but gives the 2007 model a top rating of "good" in frontal offset test results and a "good" for side impact test results.
Accident Avoidance
Reviewers feel the RL provides plenty of driver assists to prevent accidents before they start. Standard features include Electronic Brake Distribution with Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, Xenon High-Density discharge lights, daytime running lights, and 279.8 degree all-around visibility.
The optional Technology Package adds special headlamps that will turn up to 20 degrees either right or left as the driver makes turns. The next tier up, the CMBS/PAX Package, adds an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system that controls the vehicle's speed using the gas and brake pedals. It also includes a Collision Mitigation Braking system, and Michelin PAX run-flat tires. According to Acura, the tires allow the RL to go 125 miles at 50 mph after a tire puncture. And, the tire casing should stay on the rim even in the event of a tire blowout.
Crash Protection
Standard crash protection features include front side air bags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System, side curtain air bags, an Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, side-impact door beams, impact-absorbing front and rear crumple zones, and an OnStar communications system.
