2007 Acura RL Review by Cars.com Staff

2007 Acura RL

Kelley Blue Book Retail $17,200
This price range reflects the Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail value for all trim levels, but not necessarily all available options.
The Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail value represents the amount an auto dealer might ask for a specific vehicle; the actual sale price will vary. A vehicle's popularity, condition, warranty, color and local market conditions are factors involved in determining a final price. The retail value is not a trade-in or private party value.
The Suggested Retail value assumes that the vehicle has been fully reconditioned and has a clean title history. The Suggested Retail value also allows for advertising, sales commissions, insurance and other costs of doing business as a dealer. Most vehicles offered at this price have passed an inspection, and some may carry a warranty. Vehicle mileage is assumed to be normal or below normal.

Previous Review 1 of 2 Next Review

Expert Reviews

By Cars.com Staff

Cars.com National September 1, 2006

Vehicle Overview

Acura's RL loses some of its high-tech standard features for 2007, moving items like a navigation system and real-time traffic monitoring to the options list. A rearview camera is also optional.

The RL features Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive. The system can apply as much as 100 percent of rear torque to the outer rear wheel in curves in order to enhance cornering and stability attributes and dry- and wet-weather traction. Up to 70 percent of engine torque goes to the rear wheels under full-throttle acceleration.

The 290-horsepower RL has an optional Technology Package that includes active headlights that swivel up to 20 degrees to better illuminate corners, as well as a rearview camera and a navigation system with real-time traffic monitoring. A Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control and Michelin PAX run-flat tires are also optional.

Exterior

Acura says the RL has a "wide, muscular stance" and that the "dramatically sloping hood leads down to an aggressive front fascia with angular headlight treatments." Aluminum is used for the hood, front fenders, deck lid, subframe and suspension. Riding a 110.2-inch wheelbase, the RL is 193.6 inches long overall, 72.7 inches wide and 57.1 inches tall. Alloy wheels hold 17-inch tires.

Interior

The five-occupant RL has an interior trimmed with wood and leather. A 10-speaker Acura/Bose DVD Audio system, XM Satellite Radio and an OnStar communication system are installed. Acura's Keyless Access System does away with a traditional key for starting, locking and unlocking.

A wealth of standard features includes leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and heated, power-adjustable front seats.

Working in conjunction with XM Satellite Radio, the optional real-time traffic monitoring system uses XM NavTraffic data. An 8-inch screen displays current traffic details, including flow, accidents and freeway construction. Drivers can then select the least-congested route. In addition, AcuraLink can relay maintenance and diagnostic information.

Under the Hood

Acura's 3.5-liter V-6 generates 290 hp and 256 pounds-feet of torque and drives a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle-style shifters on the steering wheel. All RLs have the SH-AWD system.

Safety

Side-impact and side curtain airbags and an electronic stability system are standard. All-disc antilock brakes are installed. An optional Collision Mitigation Braking System uses a radar unit to measure distance to objects in front of the RL. If the system judges the distance to those objects is closing too quickly, it alerts the driver and, if necessary, applies brakes.

Driving Impressions

The previous RL was an excellent road car with a solid, heavy feel. That's still the case, but it's augmented by even stronger performance. A shortage of power is never a concern, and the automatic transmission shifts easily and promptly.

The ride is fine on smooth surfaces, but this sedan gets jittery on harsher pavement. Steering is firm and positive. The RL is extra-quiet but not eerily silent.

Space in the comfortable, supportive front seats is abundant, and snug bolstering holds occupants in place. Backseat space is less appealing, with marginal headroom and fair legroom and foot room. Trunk space is modest, but visibility is very good.

The RL's rich-looking dashboard sports instruments that are large and easy to read. Some controls, however, are cryptic or hard to find.

Real-time traffic information is a valuable feature, but trying to spot traffic indications on the video map screen is somewhat difficult. The map also washes out in sunlight and is excessively reflective.

Previous Review 1 of 2 Next Review