Minor updates to the Acura RL over the years have not helped it keep up with the latest in tech. In fact, Acura has given its other models better updates. Why so little love for the RL?
Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Acura refreshed the RL in minor ways for 2011, but has let the car's technology stagnate. Along with the competition, even Acura's other models surpass the RL.
The RL gets the signature Acura grille treatment. There is also a forward-facing radar that enables the car's adaptive cruise control and automatic braking system.
Beyond the grille styling, the RL hasn't changed much visually over the last decade. Its sedan styling is fairly bland, especially compared with the bolder look of Acura's TL model.
The 3.7-liter V-6 powering the RL is a solid engine, using variable valve timing to get some efficiency. But other companies are using direct injection to get better fuel economy and power from similar displacement.
Compared with other companies' top sedans, the RL is modestly sized. That does not keep it from being very comfortable, with a reasonable amount of rear-seat passenger room.
Acura's suspension is conventional and tuned to allow a lot of travel in the dampers, making it stretch in cornering. But the all-wheel-drive system is very advanced, using torque vectoring to help the car turn.
The RL's maps are easily readable, but only offer 2D display. The system does include traffic information, but Acura has a more advanced navigation system in its other models.
