- 2010
2009 Acura RL
- Used Acura RL
Acura RL - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Acura RL has a lot going for it, including some of the best in-cabin technology in its class, bulletproof Honda reliability, great resale value, and a price that starts a bit high but doesn't climb into the stratosphere when you start adding options. However, it is underpowered for its price, and short on space for its size.
For 2009, Acura's flagship gets a substantial makeover -- but in a class where V8 power is normal, the RL still features a V6 under the hood.
The RL's improved 3.7-liter V6 is not wea, making a V8-like 300 horsepower. But reviewers are diappointed 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 rvials.
It's still a fun car to drive. Acura's unique SH-AWD 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.
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.
For this year, the RL's interior design has been refreshed. Inside are new 10-way power adjustable heated and cooled seats, more sound-deadening material and sound-cancelling technology to quiet the ride, and an improved navigation system that offers more information than anything else in its class. Its standard all-wheel-drive system now serves to improve handling by varying the speed of the wheels to help point the car into turns while keeping it firmly planted to the road. Only one trim level is offered, though option packages allow buyers to customize the car somewhat.
- "The 2009 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
- "All told, the 2009 Acura RL continues to be a very smart choice for luxury sport sedan consumers focused on value. We're fond of it, especially since similarly equipped competitors from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz can cost upwards of $10,000 more than the Acura." -- Edmunds
- "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
- "We all know that American luxury car buyers can be a bit superficial, wanting the world to know they bought an expensive and exclusive car. And the RL didn't have the cache of a BMW 5-Series or a Mercedes-Benz E-Class. So the 2009 RL aims to fix all that with a bolder grill, an upgraded interior, new technology and a 3.7-liter V6 engine." -- Popular Mechanics
RL Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)
The 2009 RL features an improved all-wheel-drive system that actually helps to steer the car by accelerating the outside wheels in a turn. Its V6 is strong for a small engine, but offers disappointing fuel economy. 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 - 6.1 (Mediocre)
Acura is out to make its cars look distinctive for 2009, giving all of its vehicles a unique, heavy chrome grille that many reviewers don't like at all. The look is at its most tame in the RL, but some still liken to the front end to a beak. Beyond the grille, the car is stylish...but most observers can't get beyond the grille. Read More
RL Interior - 8.8 (Very Good)
The interior of the 2009 RL may be its best feature. New ultra-comfortable 10-way power adjustable heated and cooled seats, added room for rear passengers, and one of the most comprehensive technology packages available anywhere highlight the cabin. Nearly everything can be operated with voice controls, and the navigation system, with real-time traffic updates, seems to impress many reviewers. Read More
RL Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2009 Acura RL achieves a flawless five stars in every government safety test, and 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 - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2009 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 2009 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. Acura says the system will minimize the inconveniences of car maintenance. The idea is new, and fairly untested. Read More
