Car Review: 2012 Acura RL

THE 2012 ACURA RL REVIEW

Summary Review by Tess: Good, but Not Good Enough

The 2012 Acura RL sedan returns with no major changes for the new model year. Spacious and comfortable, this luxury vehicle offers plenty of room for five passengers. The RL delivers above average performance and a solid array of standard features for buyers along with Acura’s own exclusive Super Handling all-wheel drive system. However, it faces significant competition in the luxury sedan marketplace, not least by its own less expensive siblings in the Acura lineup.

Under the hood
The 2012 Acura RL sedan derives its power from a solid 3.7-liter V6 engine. With 300 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, the V6 offers plenty of motivation and can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.9 seconds. All-wheel drive is standard and is paired with a six-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Fuel economy for the V6 is good; it manages 17 miles per gallon in typical city driving conditions and 24 miles per gallon on the highway. (See annual fuel costs for the Acura RL). Safety features include antilock brakes and air bags; an advanced collision warning system is available as an optional safety feature.

Inside the cabin
The Acura RL sedan is available in three trim levels. Standard equipment on the base trim for this midsize vehicle include leather upholstery, two-zone climate controls, heated front seats with power-adjustable positioning, keyless startup and entry, a Bose stereo system with surround-sound, USB, iPod, auxiliary, and Bluetooth interfaces. Optional features include an advanced automatic climate control system, parking sensors and rearview camera, an advanced navigation system, adaptive cruise control, and ventilated front seats.

(See 80+ images of the 2012 Acura RL).

On the road
The exclusive all-wheel drive system of the 2012 Acura RL sedan allows it to manage a wide range of road conditions with finesse and aplomb. The 3.7-liter V6 engine provides enough accelerative power to ensure that the RL can manage tough challenges like the dreaded highway merge with ease. Overall, the Acura RL sedan is surprisingly versatile and provides a smooth, comfortable ride for driver and passengers. The extensive lineup of competition in the entry-level luxury car marketplace and the high cost of the RL may reduce the appeal of this midsize sedan for some buyers.

Conclusions
The 2012 Acura RL sedan is a solid entry in the luxury sedan marketplace; however, strong competition and a lack of defining characteristics may hamper its progress in this crowded automotive segment.

Details:
Engine: 3.7-liter SOHC V6
Horsepower & Torque: 300 hp/271 lb-ft
Transmission: AWD six-speed shiftable automatic
Fuel Economy: 17/24
0 to 60: 5.9 seconds
Base MSRP: $48,200

Need More Information on the 2012 Acura RL?
video: 2012 Acura RL
vehicle eBrochure: 2012 Acura RL
Dealer Quote for the 2012 Acura RL

More>>> Car Reviews