2005 Acura RL Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2005 Acura RL includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Acura RL from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Acura RL, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Acura RL help you decide if a 2005 Acura RL is right for you.

2005 Acura RL Road Test

Pros	Cons

Standard all-wheel drive	Rear-seat room

Ride/handling	Keyless locking/starting awkward

Quietness

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base	Class Average
7	6.6

Powerful V6 provides ample acceleration. Test RL did 7.0 sec 0-60 mph--nearly as quick as some competitors with V8s, though RL can't quite match a V8's highway passing punch. Transmission shifts smoothly, reacts quickly to convenient steering-wheel-mounted manual-shift paddles.

Fuel Economy

Base	Class Average
4	4.6

Test RLs averaged 17.0-19.3 mpg in mixed city/highway use, 21.0 mpg with more highway driving. Acura recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base	Class Average
7	6.9

Remarkably supple for a sports sedan. Only the sharpest bumps filter through.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base	Class Average
8	7.1

Accurate steering, firm suspension, grippy tires, strong and sure brakes, and all-wheel drive give RL outstanding traction and road manners. In everyday driving, Acura's SH-AWD system reacts no differently than conventional all-wheel drive. Driven aggressively on a racetrack, the system helped pivot RL around turns.

Quietness

Base	Class Average
8	6.8

Engine, road, and wind noise impressively hushed. Solid body free from squeaks, rattles.

Controls

Base	Class Average
8	6.7

Modern, tasteful dashboard features easy-to-read instrumentation, easy-to reach controls. Central dashboard contains an abundance of buttons, many of which duplicate functions accessed through a single central knob and displayed on dashboard screen; takes some practice to sort it all out. Navigation system has large, easy-to-read screen and recognizes spoken street and city names, easing destination entry. Accident and traffic info helpful during rush hour. Stereo can play DVD-Audio discs to deliver exceptional sound quality. Cabin decor, assembly top notch.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base	Class Average
8	7.4

Ample head, leg room. Seats comfortable on long trips and supportive in spirited driving. Driving position low, but aided by good outward visibility and tilt/telescope steering wheel.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base	Class Average
7	5.6

Enough head clearance for all but the very tall. Fine knee room, toe space unless front seats are moved well aft. Seats notably supportive, though three-abreast comfort hampered by driveline hump.

Cargo Room

Base	Class Average
3	4

Trunk not tall, but wide and extends well forward. Housings for lid hinges eat some volume; most rivals have space-saving strut-type hinges. Rear seatback doesn't fold, but small pass-through is provided in fold-down armrest. Map pockets, glovebox, and center-console bin comprise interior storage. Twin cupholders front and rear.

Value within Class

Base	Class Average
7	5.9

RL earms our Recommended rating for its efficient design, smart engineering, and a sporty personality. Standard AWD, great interior decor, and Acura's reputation for reliability and resale value are other attributes. It's not slow, but there are rivals in the $50,000 price bracket that offer V8 power and more presence--important touchstones for some premium-car buyers.

Total Score