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2011 Acura RL (photos)

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.
Wayne Cunningham
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Although the car does not look overly large, there is a lot of trunk space.

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A CNET editor easily fits in the trunk.

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The interior of the RL features wood trim and leather, but also plenty of plastic.

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Acura uses an electric power-steering unit, freeing the engine from keeping a hydraulic system pressurized.

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Acura sets its gauges in deep wells, helping to avoid glare.

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The six-speed automatic has sport and manual shift modes. The driver can choose gears with the shifter or with paddles mounted on the steering wheel.

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The center stack of the RL is an indication of how button-happy Acura can get. The main controller knob is somewhat ugly, but it works well.

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This eyebrow display is unnecessary when the car comes equipped with the navigation system, as it duplicates information on the main LCD.

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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.

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The destination entry menu uses this elliptical theme, a style repeated throughout the various menus. It is easy to use but needs a graphics update.

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The integrated Zagat restaurant guide is a great way to find restaurants in other cities, as it gives quality information.

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Satellite radio joins iPod integration and Bluetooth audio streaming as the more advanced digital audio sources in the RL.

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The phone system offers this search screen for finding contacts, useful for people with large contact lists.

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