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- Used Acura
- 2012 Acura RL
- Performance
Note: This performance review was created when the 2012 Acura RL was new.
Performance: | 8.2 |
Reviewers love the 2012 Acura RL’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which makes the RL surprisingly nimble.
While the RL lacks the sporty aspirations of cars like the BMW 5-Series, it’s just as powerful as many of its six-cylinder rivals. Still, the lack of a V8 option means that power-hungry shoppers will probably want to look elsewhere.
The RL is not the quickest luxury large car, but reviewers generally note that its 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 provides enough power to remain competitive with V6-powered rivals. Power delivery is smooth, and reviewers love the RL’s standard all-wheel drive system. Still, rivals like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5-Series and Infiniti M all offer V8 engines if you want more power.
While some competitors have more gears, critics don’t complain about the RL’s six-speed automatic transmission. According to the EPA, the 2012 Acura RL gets 17/24 mpg city/highway.
The Acura RL’s all-wheel drive system gives it impressive road grip, which reviewers appreciate. Many say that the RL strikes a nice balance between comfortable and sporty handling, but if you’re looking for a four-door sports car, the RL may come up a bit short. Additionally, a handful of reviewers dislike the RL’s speed-sensitive steering, which gets mixed reviews for its lack of road feel. Its wide turning circle can also make the RL tricky to maneuver in tight places like parking lots.
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