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Acura RL - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Acura RL ranks 3 out of 13 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 8 published reviews and test drives of the Acura RL, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2010 Acura RL doesn't carry the same cachet as some more well-known luxury cars, but it's an excellent choice for many buyers. With outstanding cabin electronics, bulletproof Honda reliability and resale value, and a price that doesn't climb high when you start adding options, it's a great value.  But some reviewers say it is underpowered for its price, and short on space for its size.

While most large luxury cars offer just slightly different takes on the same high-power formula, the Acura RL is a little different. There is no supercharged V8 offered here. That's not to say the RL isn't sporty - its unique SH-AWD system (that's "Super Handling - All Wheel Drive") means it holds a precise line in a hard corner - but the RL is more about agility than speed, and more about high-tech digital luxury than old world leather-and-wood elegance.

The RL's 3.7-liter V6 is nothing you'd find in a more affordable car. It makes a V8-like 300 horsepower.  But it can be a beat slower than many V8-powered cars, and reviewers are disappointed with the car's 16/22 mpg EPA rating -- the RL actually ranks in the bottom half of its class for fuel economy even though uses two fewer cylinders than most of its rivals.  That SH-AWD system, however, makes it fun to drive. The system actually helps to steer the car, varying the speed of each wheel independently to point the car into turns while maintaining excellent grip.  It gives the car an entertaining personality on a winding road. But those truly looking for an athletic large sedan will want to try out the superbly balanced BMW 5-Series, or perhaps the muscular Jaguar XF.

Those cars, however, might not be the RL's most direct rivals. If the RL interests you, there's another car you should consider before laying money down. The RL's smaller sibling, the Acura TL, is worth a look.  It isn't much smaller, and the two cars share so many mechanical components that buyers might find the TL essentially offers the RL experience at a discounted price.

The RL is offered in just one trim level for 2010, an available Technology Package adds a voice-controlled navigation system with traffic and weather updates that, some reviewers say, is the best one found anywhere. A Technology Package with Collision Mitigating Braking System increases the safety quotient.

• "Wanting only in the areas of price and power, Acura's RL offers a fresh take on the luxury sedan formula. Count standard all-wheel drive, especially comfortable seats, and a handsome cabin among RL's chief pluses. On the downside, RL prices are high for the class, and the only available engine comes up just short of being sporty." -- Consumer Guide
• "Though lacking in prestige and personality, the 2010 Acura RL is still luxurious and packed with technology. It's a smart choice for value-conscious luxury sedan shoppers." -- Edmunds
• "The Acura RL offers excellent voice control across its full complement of interior configurations, an advanced all-wheel-drive system, great cruising manners, and good overall efficiency.  The 2009 Acura RL remains at the cutting edge in terms of features, and while not necessarily sporting, its performance and ride are very smooth." -- CNET
• "The RL left me wondering where the big advantage was in moving up from a much more fun-to-drive TL model, or even a very top-of-the-line, totally optioned out Accord. The savings in the final example would be substantial." -- MarketWatch
• "The new RL is a car that straddles the line between performance and luxury" -- Mother Proof
• "Wow, this Acura RL is a respectable car, but $54,860? Really? And I don't even get a six-speed automatic for that price? Yep, for $55K, there are all-wheel-drive sedans I'd rather have, but, then again, they would be German, and they probably wouldn't have the stellar reliability that I bet this Acura will provide over the long haul" -- Automobile Magazine
• "The new-for-2009 TL can be equipped with the same technology package, same all-wheel-drive system, and a 305-hp version of the same engine. That car has grown in size, which puts it huggy close to RL's overall packaging." -- Motor Trend

 

RL Performance - 8.6 (Very Good)

Reviewers rave about the 2010 RL's SH-AWD system, which actually helps to steer the car by accelerating the outside wheels and decelerating the inside wheels in a turn. It gives the car remarkable balance and grip in cornering. The RL's V6 is strong for a small engine, but while it seems as though it should be more fuel-efficient than the V8s most competitors offer, its actual fuel economy is a letdown. Many luxury car buyers are willing to pay the fuel costs associated with V8 performance, but might be disappointed that Acura's V6 doesn't cost much less to operate. Read More

RL Exterior - 6.5 (Mediocre)

In recent years, Acura has followed a new design theme that many reviewers don't like at all. It features a huge, pointed chrome grille that visually dominates the car's look. The RL is the most tame sedan in the Acura lineup - less garish than the TL, for instance. For that reason, some reviewers are willing to look past the huge chrome beak, and admit that the rest of the car is quite stylish. But others can't get beyond the grille. Read More

RL Interior - 8.8 (Very Good)

The 2010 RL may look odd to some from the outside, but it's beautiful to most from the inside. Its 10-way power adjustable heated and cooled front seats are among the most comfortable found in a class full of plush cars. It also offers one of the most comprehensive technology packages available anywhere.  Nearly everything can be operated with voice controls, and the navigation system, with real-time traffic updates, seems to impress many reviewers. Still, its rear seats are smaller than those found in some competing cars. Read More

RL Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)

The 2010 Acura RL achieves five stars in every government safety test. While the 2010 model hasn't been tested by the insurance industry, the nearly-identical 2009 edition was named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick" in its class.  An optional pre-collision braking system improves the safety performance of the car, for an added price. Read More

RL Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2010 Acura RL reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 RL is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. The car is unique in its class, however, for how it handles long-term maintenance.  Acura's new Maintenance Minder no longer depends on routine maintenance at fixed mileage intervals, instead attempting to measure engine wear based on how the car is used. Acura says the system will minimize the inconveniences of car maintenance.  The idea is new, and fairly untested. Read More