Vehicle Overview
Acura gave its flagship RL sedan a modest update for 2009. Though the changes fell short of a full redesign, the updates include a new face that follows those of the brand’s SUVs and its redesigned TSX. The RL competes with midlevel luxury cars like the Infiniti M and Mercedes E-Class.
New for 2010
There are no changes to the Acura RL for 2010.
Exterior
Most immediately noticeable is the RL’s face, with thin headlights that fall in line with Acura’s current styling trend. The grille adopts a shielded band, and the lower air dam has prominent side portals. In back, the trunk curls up at its termination, and the taillights have crisp edging.
- Standard xenon headlights
- Optional adaptive headlights
- Hexagonal dual tailpipes
- Standard 18-inch wheels
Interior
The base RL comes fairly well equipped, and in typical Acura fashion the options list is simple. A Technology Package includes a navigation system and backup camera, among other high-tech luxuries, and a safety package adds a collision mitigation system and adaptive cruise control. Trunk volume remains just 13.1 cubic feet, which is even less than some compact cars offer — not good for this segment.
- Standard 10-way power front seats
- Standard leather upholstery
- Standard Bose surround-sound stereo
- Standard heated front seats; heated and ventilated seats optional
- Optional wood dashboard trim
- Optional real-time weather and traffic conditions
- Optional navigation system
Under the Hood
Acura’s standard Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive can transfer power not just between the front and rear axle, as many conventional AWD systems do, but between the left and right wheels as well. It does so during low-traction and high-performance situations — channeling, for example, slightly more power to the outside wheel during spirited cornering.
- A 3.7-liter V-6 delivers 300 horsepower
- Standard five-speed automatic transmission
- Gas mileage is 16/22 mpg city/highway
Safety
The optional collision mitigation system uses a radar system to monitor the road ahead. If it detects a fast-approaching obstacle, it can alert the driver, and if he or she fails to react in time, it can hit the brakes and tighten the front seat belts.
- Standard side-impact airbags
- Standard side curtain airbags
- Standard four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
- Standard electronic stability system and traction control
- Standard active front head restraints are also standard
- Optional collision mitigation system
