2007 Acura RL Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Acura's flagship sedan shuffles a few features for 2007. The RL has a 290-hp V6 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. It also has Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which apportions power between the rear wheels to enhance cornering stability. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are standard. So are ABS, traction/antiskid control, and keyless entry and starting. For 2007, steering-linked xenon headlamps and a voice-activated navigation system move from standard equipment to an available Technology Package. The option introduces a rearview camera and includes the AcuraLink system providing OnStar assistance, real-time traffic conditions, and vehicle maintenance data. A second Technology Package, priced as a separate model, adds run-flat tires, adaptive cruise control, and Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System, which signals of approaching objects and applies the brakes and tightens the front seatbelts if it determines a collision is unavoidable.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buys include the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus GS 450h, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

News

A redesigned RL is currently rumored for model-year 2010 or '11. Sources speak of a new platform and V10 engine shared with a next-generation NSX sports car, expected to arrive shortly before the sedan. Though a V10 seems at odds with parent Honda's focus on low emissions and high fuel economy, engineers could lop off two cylinders to make a more-efficient V8. Another possible mpg-booster is a "clean diesel" V6 now in development. Though it's unclear whether the RL would get this, we think the chances are better than even, given predictions of higher gasoline prices in the years ahead.

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2007 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	7

Test RL did 7.0 sec 0-60 mph. That's almost on par with some V8 rivals, but RL can't quite match their highway passing punch. Transmission shifts smoothly, responds quickly to convenient manual-shift paddles.

Fuel Economy

Base	Class Average
4	4.6

Test RLs averaged 17.0 mpg in mixed city/highway use that included gas-eating performance tests, 21.0 mpg with more highway driving. Acura recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base	Class Average
7	6.6

Remarkably supple. Only the sharpest bumps filter through. No opportunity to evaluate fully with CMBS.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base	Class Average
8	7.2

Assured and reassuring, with accurate steering, firm suspension, strong brakes, and traction-enhancing SH-AWD. The last behaves like other AWD setups in normal driving, but feels a touch more stable in aggressive maneuvers. Optional radar-based cruise control and auto-braking systems impressive in brief demo runs, seem worthy safety aids once experienced.

Quietness

Base	Class Average
8	6.9

One of the quietest cars around. Solid structure free from squeaks, rattles.

Controls

Base	Class Average
8	6.8

Legible gauges, mostly sensible controls. But center dash is awash in buttons, many duplicating functions accessible from a "master" knob for display on the large, clear dashboard screen; sorting it all out takes patience. At least responsive, accurate voice control simplifies navigation use. Available real-time accident/traffic info a boon for commuting. Top-notch cabin decor, assembly.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base	Class Average
8	7.4

Adult head and leg room. Seats all-day comfortable, supportive in spirited cornering. Some shorter drivers may feel a bit "buried," but ample seat adjustments, tilt/telescope steering wheel help compensate.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base	Class Average
7	5.4

Enough head clearance for all but the very tall. Fine knee room, toe space unless front seats are moved well aft. Bench seat unusually supportive, but center floor hump compromises three-abreast comfort.

Cargo Room

Base	Class Average
3	4.2

Wide trunk extends well forward, but lacks height for really big cargo. Sickle-shape trunklid hinges are covered, but eat up space; most rivals have compact strut-type hinges. Rear seatback has small pass-through but doesn't fold. Average cabin storage.

Value within Class

Base	Class Average
6	6.1

RL shines for its sporty demeanor and smart, efficient engineering, plus standard all-wheel drive, handsome interior, and Acura's reputation for reliability and resale value. The Technology Packages add worthwhile safety and convenience features, but like-priced rivals offer the V8 power and higher nameplate prestige that resonate more with many buyers in this class.

Total Score

Base	Class Average
66	62.2

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		49
Average Score		62
High Score		75

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2007 Acura RL Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 11/17/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan	$45,780	$40,795	$670

Technology Pkg. 4-door sedan	$49,400	$44,016	$670

Technology and CMBS Pkg. 4-door sedan	$53,200	$47,397	$670

Price note: Satellite radio, AcuraLink assistance system, traffic information not available in Alaska and Hawaii. Navigation system not available in Alaska.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power steering, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, center console, cupholders, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), trunk pass-through, wood interior trim, active noise cancellation, power-folding rear headrests, heated power mirrors w/turn signals and tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access and starting, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3/DVD Audio changer, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, digital clock, wireless cell phone link, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, outside-temperature indicator, map lights, power rear sunshade, manual side sunshades, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, xenon headlights, fog lights, 245/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels.

Technology Pkg. adds to Base:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Navigation system w/voice recognition, AcuraLink assistance system w/one year service, traffic information, rearview camera.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights.

Technology and CMBS Pkg. adds to Technology Pkg.

Safety

Precrash safety system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Adaptive cruise control.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

245/60VR18 run-flat tires.

Optional Equipment

No factory options.

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2007 Acura RL Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Acura RL 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	110.2

Overall Length, in.	193.6

Overall Width, in.	72.7

Overall Height, in.	57.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	4012

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	13.1

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	19.4

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	37.2

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.5 /212

Horsepower @ rpm.	290 @ 6200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	256 @ 5000

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	18/26

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Acura RL 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	5

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	6/70,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Japan

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive

< 2007 Acura RL Photos

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Also in the 2007 Acura RL Review:

Acura RL

Acura RL Road Test

Acura RL Prices & Equipment

Acura RL Specs & Safety

Acura RL Photos

Acura RL Full Review