2011 Acura RL Details

Model Code: RL
Bodystyle: Sedan
Doors: 4
Transmission: Automatic
Engine: 3.7L
Dealer Price: $47,200

2011 Acura RL Pictures

2011 Acura RL Standard Specs

2011 Acura RL Standard Features

2011 Acura RL Review

Although it doesn’t carry the same amount of prestige as some better known luxury large cars, the 2011 Acura RL is a great choice for many buyers. Car and Driver says, “It’s easy to forget what a nice car the RL is to drive — as consumers seemingly do on a regular basis — until you slide back into it.”

Bulletproof reliability, impressive interior tech and good resale value are among the RL’s strengths. However, it doesn’t offer the interior and cargo space, or optional V8 engines, which are available from its top competitors.

The Acura RL is different than most luxury large cars, which usually offer similar a big engine and a rear-wheel drive platform. The only available engine in the RL is a V6, but that doesn’t mean that the RL isn’t sporty. Its Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system lets the RL take corners at high speed while maintaining impressive grip. The RL is more about agility than speed, and it’s also more about a luxurious high-tech cabin than old school elegance.

Under the hood, the RL’s 3.7-liter V6 is on par with what’s available from much of the six-cylinder competition in the luxury large car class. Still, the Acura RL isn’t the quickest in its class, and although a new six-speed transmission offers slightly improved fuel economy for 2011, it’s not the most fuel-efficient either. Still, if you add all-wheel drive to its competitors, the playing field levels a bit, as both the Mercedes-Benz E350 4matic and the Infiniti M37x match the RL’s 17/24 mpg city/highway fuel economy.

The 2011 Acura RL is offered in only one trim level, although two option packages are available. Starting at about $47,000 the RL comes loaded with standard features such as Acura’s Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), a Bose sound system and push-button start, as well as USB/iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

Adding the Technology Package adds about $4,000 to the base price and includes voice-controlled navigation with traffic and weather updates, GPS-linked temperature control, rear parking sensors and a backup camera. Some reviewers say that the navigation system is among the best available, although a few reviewers note that the map graphics look a bit dated compared to the competition. If you’re looking for a fully-loaded RL, adding the Advance Package will bring the price up to about $55,000. The Advance Package includes all the features of the Technology package and adds safety tech such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), as well as power folding side mirrors.

New for 2011 is a six-speed automatic transmission, which offers improved acceleration and fuel economy over the outgoing five-speed slushbox that was fitted to 2010 models. Other minor tweaks from Acura include improved sound insulation for a quieter ride, as well as a better viewing angle from the optional backup camera and the addition of parking sensors to the Technology Package.