2011 Acura RL Review
2011 Acura RL Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+87
Used RL for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- All-wheel drive
- wealth of standard features
- high-class interior
- excellent build quality
- superb stereo
- smart technology interface.
Cons
- Same size as the less expensive TL
- subpar braking distances
- no V8 engine offered
- aging design.
What’s new
The 2011 Acura RL gains a six-speed automatic transmission for slightly improved fuel economy and acceleration. Other changes this year include a minor exterior styling freshening, added sound insulation for a quieter ride, available rear parking sensors and a more useful viewing angle for the optional back-up camera.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Acura RL is a capable luxury sedan, but some newer competitors are more appealing overall.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Acura RL 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$276/mo for RL Base
RL Base
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
On paper, the 2011 Acura RL seems like a pretty desirable midsize luxury sedan. It has a 300-horsepower V6, standard all-wheel drive, a long list of standard features, a classy interior and top-notch build quality. But when it comes to real-world desirability, something gets lost in translation for this Acura flagship.
Styling might have something to do with the RL's lack of appeal. Overall, the exterior is looking a bit dated, while many of its rivals have fresher and more contemporary lines. On the whole, this car is aging and needs a fresh face. For 2011 the RL receives a few touch-ups here and there, and at least the odd-looking front grille has been tamed down a little.
Acura has also replaced the RL's previous five-speed automatic with a new six-speed unit. Fuel economy is up as a result (2 mpg more on the highway) and acceleration should also be a bit quicker. Handling also remains a praiseworthy RL attribute, thanks to the car's advanced Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which can apportion torque to individual wheels to improve both traction and handling balance.
Even with these changes, the 2011 RL still struggles to be anything more than a bench player in the segment of luxury sedans. The 2011 Hyundai Genesis is fully competitive in terms of luxury, yet significantly undercuts the RL on price. Meanwhile, more traditional (and newer) choices like the 2011 Audi A6, 2011 BMW 5 Series, 2011 Infiniti M37 and 2011 Mercedes E-Class are either sportier or more prestigious. Even Acura's TL is much the same size as the RL, has a similar drivetrain and yet is more than $10,000 cheaper. With so many other cars to choose from, it's really not too surprising that the RL gets lost in the mix.
Performance & mpg
Every 2010 Acura RL comes with Acura's "Super-Handling" all-wheel-drive system that automatically apportions power to the optimum wheels for the best traction and handling, reacting to road conditions to deliver a superior all-weather automobile.
Powering the 2011 Acura RL is a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 300 hp and 271 pound-feet of torque. A new six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift paddles is standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.
Safety
Standard safety features for the Acura RL include antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and a stability-control system. The optional CMBS can help prevent or minimize a frontal accident by providing warnings to the driver or actually applying emergency braking if a collision seems unavoidable.
The RL has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to 2011 tests) resulted in top five-star ratings for frontal-impact and side-impact safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the RL its highest rating of "Good" in its frontal-offset and side-collision tests. It only scored the second-worst rating of "Marginal," however, in roof-strength tests.
In Edmunds brake testing, the RL delivered a lackluster 131-foot stop from 60 mph. Most competitors record results that are 10 feet shorter.
Driving
The 2011 Acura RL's rather conservative appearance might lead some to assume that the ride quality and driving dynamics may be more akin to an overly softened luxury car. But they'd be wrong. The ride quality is balanced between luxurious compliance and sporty agility. Thanks to the SH-AWD system, the RL is one of the more fun-to-drive choices in the segment. The RL's V6 engine revs smoothly and provides slightly quicker acceleration this year thanks to the new six-speed transmission.
Interior
The 2011 Acura RL features an attractive and well-built interior that is comparable to most other luxury sedans. The wood trim -- simulated or authentic depending on the model trim level -- frames the waterfall-style center stack, adding warmth to the overall interior design.
There are quite a few buttons and knobs in the cockpit, but the voice-activated system and controls on the steering wheel deliver easier operation. We found the standard 10-speaker Bose audio system particularly notable for its clarity and power. On the downside, the navigation system's graphics seem outdated when compared to competing luxury sedans. The trunk space also leaves a bit to be desired, accommodating a slightly below-average 13.1 cubic feet.
2011 Acura RL models
The 2011 Acura RL is a midsize luxury sedan that is available in three trim levels (though the two upper trims are really just a pair of technology packages).
Standard equipment on the RL includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, heated 10-way power front seats with driver memory functions, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear-seat climate controls, an auto-dimming mirror, a power rear sunshade and manual rear side sunshades.
Also standard are Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, voice commands for the audio and climate systems and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with a six-CD changer, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod audio interface.
The RL with Technology package adds adaptive headlights, a back-up camera, rear parking sensors, heated and ventilated front seats, a wood-grain steering wheel and shift knob, upgraded Bluetooth phone connectivity, GPS-linked solar-sensing climate control and a navigation system with real-time traffic, real-time weather, Zagat restaurant ratings and voice activation. The RL with the Advance package adds adaptive cruise control and the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), along with power-folding side mirrors.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#9 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Acura RL from 2008-2022.$397/yr
vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.53x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).10%
vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Acura RL.
5 star(87%)
4 star(10%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
30 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Acura RL Luxury with Technology
Alden, 11/23/2010
2010 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
I recently purchased the Acura 2010 RL with the Technology Package. I am extremely pleased with this decision. In my opinion, it is a true luxury car with great agility, plenty of power, fun to drive, and many extras that exceed expectations. The wood and leather steering wheel, blue highlighted instrument panel, cool and heated ventilated seats, voice commands to control almost every … interior function with the option of easily making manual choices, a very high tech navigation system, and very comfortable seats with a lot of leg, shoulder, and head room. For the money, it is the best luxury car on the market.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Car!
lnesbit, 01/27/2012
2011 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
After researching and driving the Lexus ES350, Hyundai Genesis, Toyota Avalon, and Buick Lacrosse CSX, the Acura RL won out due to ride comfort, reliability factor and quality reputation.
While other competitors may offer more updated staying and better navigation system, the 2011 RL is an overall great car for the long haul.
Even though Acura sells very few of these vehicles, it's still … an Acura with luxury features not available on the TL.
5 out of 5 stars
It just doesn't get any better than this
Stephanie, 07/02/2009
2009 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
As a business executive and also a mother, I wanted a vehicle that exuded class without snob appeal that needed little maintenance and had the room for my clients as well as my family of four. I found the exterior to be stylish, the interior incredibly plush and the surround sound audio system unbeatable.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Better then most
jrtala, 06/08/2011
2010 Acura RL 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
Though the RL is my wife's car I have driven it many times.
In the past 20 years I have had several Mercede Benz's & BMW's (eleven total).
At present we have a 2010 corvette & 2010 RL.
The RL beats all my other cars in build quality, comfort, reliability and great value. I feel I am in a much better position to make an evaluation on the best cars then most critics.
For the money, the … Acura RL is one of the best luxory cars on the market.
Better then most cars and we finally found reliability the way it should be.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Acura RL, so we've included reviews for other years of the RL since its last redesign.
2011 RL Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $47,200 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $276/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the RL include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Pre-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover9.7%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestMarginal
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
People who viewed this also viewed
Starting at $169,500 |
4.3 average Rating out of 40 reviews. |
Starting at $27,720 |
4.0 average Rating out of 3 reviews. |
Starting at $41,750 |
Related Used 2011 Acura RL info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2017
- Used Ford Escape 2013 For Sale
- Used BMW X5 2015
- Used Audi e-tron 2021
- Used Porsche Cayman 2018
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- M4 F82 BMW
- 2023 Toyota Tacoma
- Honda Ridgeline Pickup Truck
- Ford F-150 2024
- Lexus Is 350
- Chevrolet Equinox SUV
- 2023 Defender
- Kia Soul+
- Q 7
- Corolla Crosshybrid
Research other models of Acura
- 2023 Acura RDX
- Acura MDX 2023
- Acura RSX 2023
- 2024 Acura ILX
- 2024 Acura TLX
- TLX S Type
- 2024 Acura MDX
- Acura RDX
- Acura MDX
- 2023 TLX
Research similar vehicles
- Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio Giulia
- Audi A6
- Kia Rio
- Cadillac CT 5
- Nissan Maxima
- Audi A7S
- 2023 Honda Accord
- BMW M5 Car
- 2024 Honda Civic
- Is300
Other models
- Used BMW X5 in West New York, NJ
- Used Lexus GS-F in Escondido, CA
- Used GMC Hummer-Ev-Suv in Medina, OH
- Used Audi TT-RS in Hudson, NH
- Used Rivian R1S in Muncie, IN
- Used Toyota Pickup in Logan, UT
- Used Mini Cooper-Clubman in Niagara Falls, NY
- Used Ferrari Portofino in Beaverton, OR
- Used GMC Envoy in Coshocton, OH
- Used Mazda 5 in Van Buren, AR