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

See All Ratings & Specs

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

100

0 - 100

Acura RL

vs. Similar Cars

Acura TL

Audi A6

BMW 5 Series

Buick LaCrosse

Cadillac CTS

See All Models Reliability

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

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

Acura vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Acura vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Acura vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

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

$6,725 - $7,975

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Acura TL

$7,700 - $8,875

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi A6

$3,700 - $7,125

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi A7

$7,575 - $9,050

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi S4

$9,825 - $9,975

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW 5 Series

$6,375 - $8,000

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW 6 Series

$8,025 - $10,675

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Buick LaCrosse

$6,250 - $6,600

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Cadillac CTS

$4,350 - $22,175

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Fisker Karma

$ NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Infiniti M

$5,400 - $8,025

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Jaguar XF

$4,275 - $6,175

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lexus ES

$10,000

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

$6,425 - $7,125

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lincoln MKZ

$4,725 - $6,200

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

$8,600 - $14,100

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$6,300 - $13,675

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volvo S80

$5,325 - $6,350

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volvo XC70

$6,000 - $8,175

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Luxury midsized cars Ratings

Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD

3.7-liter V6 (300 hp)

6-speed automatic

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

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

See All Ratings & Specs

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.