2007 Acura RL Review
2007 Acura RL Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Outstanding all-weather handling, long list of standard features, neat interior design, brilliant stereo, seamless integration of multiple complex technologies.
Cons
- Modest V6 power in a class that often demands V8 grunt, somewhat numb steering.
What’s new
Entering its third year of production, the second generation of Acura's range-topping RL receives a few feature-oriented changes. The navigation system is no longer standard and is now part of the Technology package. There's also a new Technology package combined with Acura's Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS) and Michelin PAX run-flat tires.
Edmunds says
The 2007 Acura RL is neither fast nor flashy, but it is comprehensively competent and absolutely confident in its manners and performance. It may not get noticed, but it's a stalwart winner no matter what Mother Nature or a deteriorating freeway throws at it.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2007 Acura RL 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A) 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 $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$292/mo for RL Base
RL Base
vs
$187/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Based strictly on the long list of technologies stuffed into it, the 2007 Acura RL should be one of the world's most exciting luxury sedans. This is, after all, a car that has a "Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive" system distributing power to each wheel only when each particular wheel can effectively use it; paddles on the steering wheel that let the driver shift the five-speed automatic transmission manually when the road beckons; a multizone climate control system blowing filtered air; a stability system so sophisticated it should be able to keep tectonic plates from moving; front xenon headlamps that illuminate where the car is headed instead of only where it's pointed; and a rearview camera that means you'll only back over the cat if you really want to back over the cat. But exciting is the one thing the RL isn't.
The main culprit for that lack of thrills is the 290-horsepower 3.5-liter SOHC 24-valve V6 powering the RL. By any standard this is a sweet-natured engine that builds power seamlessly, with no apparent transition when the VTEC variable valve timing system engages and it operates in virtual silence, but the RL weighs in at just over 2 tons and there's no way 256-pound feet of peak torque is going to shove that much mass around with authority. Also, unlike many direct competitors in this segment that have moved on to six- or even seven-speed automatic transmissions, the RL still makes due with five and the paddle shifters are more a distraction than a performance enhancement. It could use those additional gears even more than its V8-engorged competitors.
That aside, there's a lot to like about the 2007 Acura RL. The overall design is outstanding, the quality of the leather used is exemplary and there's room enough for four full-sized adults (five in a pinch). The Bose sound system is so vivid it sounds like Frank Sinatra is singing while riding shotgun and Nelson Riddle and his orchestra are playing from the backseat. The ride is compliant and controlled, road noise is minimal and the all-wheel-drive system is effective. For luxury sedan buyers self-confident enough to never draw attention to themselves, the RL is a car that matches their personalities perfectly.
Performance & mpg
The sole engine available in the RL consists of a 3.5-liter V6 that provides 290 hp and 256 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission sends power to the Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system. SH-AWD can send varying degrees of torque to each individual wheel to improve wet-weather traction and handling.
Safety
Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a stability control system. The optional CMBS uses a millimeter-wave radar unit inside the front grille to monitor the distance and closing rate between the RL and any object in front of it. With that information a computer continuously calculates the likelihood of a frontal collision. If the system determines that that likelihood has grown beyond an acceptable level, audible, visual and tactile warnings warn the driver. After that stage two kicks in and applies light braking. If all that fails and the CMBS concludes that a collision is inevitable, it activates its third stage and retracts the driver's and front passenger's seatbelts while braking to reduce the speed of impact. The 2007 Acura RL gets a five-star rating from NHTSA for rollover resistance, frontal impact and side impact safety. The IIHS awarded the RL a "Good" rating (the highest possible) in all its offset frontal collision tests.
Driving
It might not be quick, but the 2007 Acura RL gets better the harder it's driven. The SH-AWD system works transparently but very effectively to maintain traction under the silliest of circumstances, and when the stability control is also engaged it would take a bulldozer to push the RL off course. But with the stability control off, the RL will corner with a touch of understeer and pull hard out of the corners, with no wheelspin whatsoever. The steering is a bit numb and slow, but precise, and the cushy ride gets downright mushy as the RL's independent, double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension approaches its handling limits. It's not exciting, but it's absolutely competent.
Interior
The RL's interior is lavishly equipped, but the heated front seats are too flat and the dramatically designed dash is overrun by a vast number of buttons and controls. If you don't like blue LEDs, you won't like how the dash is lit. However, the perforated leather upholstery is top quality and the rear seat offers generous legroom.
2007 Acura RL models
The 2007 Acura RL is a large luxury sedan. There are three trim levels: RL, RL with Technology Package and RL with Technology Package plus CMBS and PAX run-flat tires. The base RL comes with 17-inch wheels, power and heated front seats, leather seating, real wood trim, power operation for virtually all accessories, a moonroof, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, satellite radio and an auxiliary jack for MP3 players integrated into the standard Bose audio system. To this the Technology Package adds 18-inch wheels, a navigation system with real-time traffic and a rearview camera, and adaptive xenon headlights. Obviously, the Technology Package plus CMBS and PAX run-flats is pretty self-explanatory.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2007 Acura RL.
5 star(83%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
30 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Acura RL -- ultimate intelligence
Daryl Miller, 10/20/2006
2007 Acura RL 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Truly have fallen in love with this car, because of it's intelligence. The german offerings do not have the creature sensitivity the Japanese can create. The driving experience includes more than just speed or performance. Integrated with it's performance is driver comfort and assistance. If you appreciate deep intelligence in design.....get this car and you won't want to ride in any … other car when you go places.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Okay
fred, 12/29/2006
2007 Acura RL 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I enjoy owning the RL. It is very comfortable and easy to handle. Acceleration is mild for horsepower rating. It behaves as though it has turbo lag. Entry is awkward, seat and steering wheel take position when I get in the car rather than waiting until door is closed or car is started. Standard battery capacity is low. Have had to charge battery twice from sitting car with engine off … trying to learn/program the computer navigation system. Fuel economy is good.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Best cae I ever owned
Ben, 10/25/2006
2007 Acura RL 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Quality, perfect never back to dealer for anything except for free car washes. I owned Porsche and BMW, quality can not compare - great value and better overall perfomance.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Worth It
c5028, 12/08/2006
2007 Acura RL 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I drive 120 miles per day R/T from Long Island to New Jersey. About 45 miles is on highways with traffic with about half during high traffic rush hour. Average speed about 40 mph. Gas mileage typically 22-23 mpg. On longer, non traffic trips 26 mpg. Never got less than 19 mpg. Car has 12,000 miles... no defects or repairs. Very comfortable, all the power you need, handles well, nothing … to really complain about.
2007 RL Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $45,780 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $292/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 RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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 RestraintMarginal
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