2009 Acura RL Review
2009 Acura RL Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Excellent all-weather handling, wealth of standard features, handsome interior, excellent build quality, superb stereo, seamless integration of complex technologies, top-notch crash test scores.
Cons
- No V8 engine offered in status-conscious class, same power and size as the less expensive '09 TL, so-so fuel economy.
What’s new
The 2009 Acura RL has been heavily updated. Highlights include a more powerful engine, freshened styling, a revised suspension and new features.
Edmunds says
Though lacking in prestige and personality, the 2009 Acura RL is still luxurious and technology-packed. It's a smart choice for value-conscious luxury sedan shoppers.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Acura RL 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$297/mo for RL Base
RL Base
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Almost two decades ago, a golden-mulleted Andre Agassi (he wasn't always bald, you know) used his bad-boy tennis image to hawk Canon EOS Rebel cameras. "Image is everything," a smug Mr. Agassi said. This is a lesson Acura's executives should have learned, for around the same time, they decided to rename their flagship sedan from Legend to RL and (unknowingly) send it down a path of increasing anonymity.
While image actually has little to do with a tennis star's skills, it does mean a great deal for the average luxury sedan buyer. The first-generation Acura RL was competent but bland to look at and even less exciting to drive. The second-generation RL that came out for 2005 was a step in the right direction, thanks to a more sporting personality. But even with a trick all-wheel-drive system and wealth of high-tech features, it was still seen more as a dour Pete Sampras than a mullet-man Agassi.
For 2009, Acura is trying again with a heavily revised version of the RL. On the docket is freshened styling, including completely new front and rear ends, a more powerful engine, revised suspension tuning, a quicker-responding AWD system and new features such as traffic rerouting for the navigation system, a USB port for the excellent Bose audio system, improved voice recognition capability and active front head restraints.
The new styling, which Acura says is meant to give the car a more aggressive look, hasn't been much of a hit with our staff. But if you can get past the bagel-slicer grille and bustle-back trunk lid, the new RL has a lot to offer. The new, larger (3.7-liter vs. 3.5-liter) V6 now hits the 300-horsepower mark, and it comes matched to a quicker-responding five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control, the latter done via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system, which enhances handling by sending more power to the outside rear wheel to push the car around a turn, has also been modified for quicker reflexes. There's also a slightly freshened cabin, firmer suspension tuning and bigger tires (18-inch versus the previous 17-inchers).
All told, the 2009 Acura RL continues to be a very smart choice for luxury sport sedan consumers focused on value. We're fond of it, especially since similarly equipped competitors from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz can cost upwards of $10,000 more than the Acura. But even with this year's changes, the RL still lags behind much of the competition in terms of prestige. A V8 engine isn't available, and this Acura is going to have a hard time displacing something like a 550i when it comes time to valet. Image isn't actually everything, but for many buyers, it certainly comes close.
Performance & mpg
The sole engine available in the RL is a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 300 hp and 271 pound-feet of torque. This allows a 0-60 time in the 6-second range, just above par for six-cylinder large luxury sedans. A five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control sends power to the SH-AWD system. That system has the ability to send varying degrees of torque to each individual wheel to improve handling and wet-weather traction. In terms of fuel economy, the RL has an EPA rating of 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined, which is a little below average for the V6-powered luxury sedan segment.
Safety
Standard safety features 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.
All RLs get a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for front-impact and side-impact safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the RL a "Good" rating (the highest possible) in its frontal-offset and side-collision tests.
Driving
The SH-AWD system in the 2009 Acura RL works transparently but very effectively to maintain traction under the worst of circumstances and, along with the newly firmed-up suspension, provide cornering abilities that are more "sports car" than "luxury sedan." Acura's flagship sedan offers a nice balance between a cushy ride and competent handling and, as a result, makes an excellent everyday luxury sport sedan.
Interior
The 2009 Acura RL's interior is beautifully crafted and attractively designed. A swath of convincing or real (depending on trim level) wood trim flows into a neat waterfall center stack that integrates the car's sizable number of electronic functions. This year brings revised climate controls, a new steering wheel (with wood trim on CMBS) and new metallic accents. The standard 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system is so superb that you'd swear Gladys Knight was riding shotgun with the Pips crammed in back.
With the optional Technology package, major functions like audio, climate and navigation systems can be controlled by voice commands, buttons on the steering wheel and dash or a multipurpose control knob and LCD screen. These redundant controls may seem confusing in description, but allow the driver choices in how to access commonly used functions. The trunk measures 13.1 cubic feet in capacity, a somewhat disappointing figure for this class.
2009 Acura RL models
The 2009 Acura RL is a midsize luxury sedan available in three trim levels: RL, RL Technology Package and the eloquently named RL Technology Package with CMBS. The base RL comes very well stocked, with 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, 10-way power and heated front seats with driver memory settings, leather upholstery, a sunroof, a keyless ignition, Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system with a six-disc CD/DVD-audio changer, satellite radio and both a USB port and an auxiliary audio jack.
The Technology Package adds adaptive headlights, a rearview camera, a GPS-linked and solar-sensing climate-control system, AcuraLink real-time weather reporting, a navigation system (with real-time traffic and traffic rerouting capabilities), ventilated front seats and voice-command functionality for climate, audio and navigation functions. The CMBS package adds adaptive cruise control, real wood instrument-panel trim and Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System technology (hence its name).
2024 Acura ZDX First Drive: Like a 500-HP Lounge
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 2009 Acura RL.
5 star(85%)
4 star(13%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
39 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Former Collector-Had Ferrari, Lotus, Jag
Dr Al, 03/12/2009
2008 Acura RL 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Great handling, feels like the vehicle is glued to the road due to the SH-AWD. Requires high test although gas mileage is reasonable. Excellent acceleration for a 4000 pound vehicle. Roomy, high tech voice command system, fabulous 5.1 surround sound and backup camera which I wanted. Also has manual shift via paddles on the steering wheel, and Acura reliability. Everything works as … intended. Drive one, you'll buy it.
5 out of 5 stars
Great car...
Eva, 06/06/2016
2008 Acura RL 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
This car is as reliable as they come. I have never own a more reliable car.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Artfully Subtle Luxury and Performance
Paul J, 03/27/2009
2008 Acura RL 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Does everything well instead of compromising one performance area to excel in another. For example, corners as if on rails but preserves quiet, comfortable ride. The engine is smooth and quiet around town but makes operatic noises at the top of the rev range. This is the perfect luxury car for with enough confidence to eschew driving a visible status symbol. I drove Audis before they … went upscale to compete directly with Mercedes and BMW. This Acura now fills that niche of artful, understated luxury that makes one look smart, not status conscious.
5 out of 5 stars
LOVE this car
mtfool, 09/18/2012
2008 Acura RL 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I bought this car as Certified Pre-Owned, with 70k miles, and it's been great in all regards. The stock tires were not good in snow, so I bought snow tires and put them on dedicated rims, and wow! The car is amazing in the snow. It's also a heavy car, so it holds tight to the road, like it's on rails. Is quiet and responsive but not demanding.
A few minor issues: Chrome on the grill is … peeling, which I see on all RLs of that year in our area. Acura had the brass to tell me the "solution" is to wipe down the chrome with a towel after every rain and snow! How about taking some responsibility, Acura!? Also, keyless entry door handle needed replacement, which is a common problem.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Acura RL, so we've included reviews for other years of the RL since its last redesign.
2009 RL Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $46,680 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $297/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 RestraintGood
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