Acura RL

Name: 2012 Acura RL
Brand: Acura

EPA MPG: 18 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 18 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Acura RL is very pleasant, but not luxurious enough to justify its $50,000 as-new price tag. The 300-hp V6 engine gives it good overall performance and fuel economy and the car is full of electronic conveniences. However, ride quality and the back seat are not as comfortable as those in competing vehicles.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

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0 - 100

Acura RL

vs. Similar Cars

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Acura vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Acura vs. Other New Car Brands

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Acura vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2012 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

2012 Acura RL

$7,075 - $8,300

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Acura TL

$8,025 - $9,250

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi A6

$4,350 - $7,275

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi A7

$7,900 - $9,100

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi S4

$9,950 - $10,275

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW 5 Series

$6,525 - $7,975

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW 6 Series

$8,725 - $11,425

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Buick LaCrosse

$6,475 - $6,775

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Cadillac CTS

$4,575 - $23,050

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Fisker Karma

$ NA

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Infiniti M

$5,500 - $8,350

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Jaguar XF

$4,475 - $6,525

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lexus ES

$10,250

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lexus GS

$ NA

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lincoln MKS

$6,750 - $7,375

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lincoln MKZ

$5,050 - $6,325

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

$8,775 - $14,425

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$6,450 - $14,250

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volvo S80

$5,675 - $6,325

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volvo XC70

$6,375 - $8,500

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD

3.7-liter V6 (300 hp)

6-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2005-2012

2005 Redesign Year

The second-generation Acura RL is very pleasant, but wasn't quite luxurious enough to justify its $50,000 as-new price tag. The 300-hp V6 engine delivers strong performance and decent fuel economy, impressive given the standard all-wheel-drive. A six-speed transmission arrived for 2011. Handling and ride quality is sound but doesn't measure up to equivalent German sports sedans; a 2009 update helped some on both fronts. Stability control is standard. Interior noise is relatively hushed, especially for a Honda product. Cabin fit and finish is impeccable, and the front seats are supremely comfortable. However, for such a large car, rear seat space is snug; the smaller Acura TL has almost as much interior room. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking was optional beginning in 2006, making the RL one of the first cars to offer this safety technology.

1996-2004

1996 Redesign Year

Consider Acura's flagship RL sedan to be a good choice for those who prefer their luxury cars on the humble and understated side. It shares its front-wheel-drive platform with the Honda Accord and Acura TL. While quiet, spacious, and refined, the RL has always trailed its German competitors in performance. The 3.7-liter V6 and five speed automatic make for a smooth and sophisticated powertrain, but acceleration is modest compared to V8-powered rivals. Handling is competent but don't mistake the RL for a fun-to-drive sports sedan. On the other hand, the ride is quiet and composed, and fit and finish are impeccable. Controls are simple to use, including the touchscreen navigation system. Front seats are very supportive and comfortable but rear seat headroom is snug for tall adults. A 2005 redesign debuted in early 2004.