Acura RL: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Acura RL is a five-seat luxury sedan that served as Acura’s flagship before the RLX. It is known for smooth V6 power, standard all-wheel drive, a quiet cabin, and a long list of standard comfort features.
The RL consistently favored understated comfort and all-weather confidence over flashy styling or a complicated options sheet. Its defining combination was a leather-lined cabin, smooth V6 power, and an all-wheel-drive system designed to add stability in bad weather and help the car feel composed on curvy roads. The 2009 refresh sharpened that formula, while the 2011 transmission update improved acceleration and highway fuel economy. The RL ended after 2012 and was succeeded by the RLX.
Strengths
- Standard all-wheel drive gives the RL reassuring traction in poor weather and helps it stay composed on winding roads.
- The cabin is quiet, leather-lined, and focused on comfort rather than visual flash.
- The smooth V6 provides 300 horsepower in the refreshed 2009-2012 cars.
- Many comfort and convenience features came standard, so even the base car feels well equipped.
- The 2011 and 2012 models use a six-speed automatic that improved acceleration and highway fuel economy.
Who it's for
The RL fits someone shopping for a comfortable used luxury sedan who values confident year-round driving and plenty of built-in equipment. It especially suits buyers who prefer a quieter, more understated alternative to better-known luxury brands and do not need a large back seat or trunk.
Acura RL lineup
The lineup centered on one well-equipped base sedan with the same V6 and all-wheel-drive foundation as the upper versions. Pick the base RL if the core comfort, performance, and standard equipment are enough. Technology versions suit shoppers who want more cabin electronics, while the upper CMBS-ACC versions in earlier years and Advance package in later years carry the fullest equipment bundle. These packages changed features and names over time rather than creating fundamentally different RL models.
Acura RL generations
From 2009 to 2012, the RL spans 1 generation. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2005.
2nd Generation (2005–2012)
This generation is a V6-powered luxury sedan with Acura's all-wheel-drive system. A major 2009 refresh brought a stronger 3.7-liter V6, revised styling and updated handling, while 2011 added a 6-speed automatic before the RL ended after 2012.
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2012
Carryover from 2011. This was the RL's final model year before the RLX replacement.
2011
A new 6-speed automatic improved acceleration and highway fuel economy. Acura also revised the grille, added cabin insulation and improved Bluetooth calling.
2010Trim changes
Carryover from the major 2009 refresh, with the same 3.7-liter V6, 5-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive system.
2009Mid-cycle update
A major refresh added a 300-hp 3.7-liter V6, revised styling, updated steering and suspension, quicker-responding all-wheel drive and new cabin technology.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Acura RL.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Acura RL a sedan or an SUV?
The Acura RL is a four-door luxury sedan. It seats five, and the final 2012 version has 13.8 cubic feet of trunk space.
What is the Acura RL known for?
The Acura RL is known for a quiet leather-lined cabin, smooth V6 power, standard all-wheel drive, and a long list of comfort features. Its focus is relaxed luxury with confident four-season road manners.
Does every Acura RL have all-wheel drive?
The second-generation Acura RL uses standard Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. This system sends power to all four wheels and can shift power across the rear axle to improve grip in bad weather and around curves.
Is the Acura RL a hybrid?
No. The Acura RL covered here is a gas-powered sedan with a V6 engine. The refreshed 2009–2012 cars use a 300-horsepower 3.7-liter V6.
Is the Acura RL a good fit for winter driving?
Yes, the Acura RL suits drivers who regularly face rain or snow. All-wheel drive is standard, so winter capability does not depend on finding a particular trim. Proper tires still matter.
How many generations of the Acura RL are covered here?
The history here centers on the second-generation RL, sold from 2005 through 2012. The 2009 refresh brought a stronger 3.7-liter V6 and revised styling, and Acura later replaced the RL with the RLX.
Do all second-generation Acura RLs have the same transmission?
No. Refreshed 2009–2010 RLs use a five-speed automatic, while 2011–2012 cars have a six-speed automatic that improved acceleration and highway fuel economy. Both include steering-wheel shift paddles.