DecodedCarsAcura RL
8 model years from 2005 to 2012, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2005–2012
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Latest engines
- 3.7L 6-cyl
- Best MPG
- 18–20 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 11 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2005 (49)
The 2012 RL in brief
The 2012 Acura RL is a midsize car offered with a 3.7L 6-cyl engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 196 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,109 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 24 highway), 16% worse than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file.
The Acura RL has 8 model years in our data, from 2005 to 2012.
Its most efficient year was 2012 at 20 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 18 to 20 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the air bags (62), exterior lighting (12), electrical system (9).
2005 has the most recalls (9); all years together count 11 campaigns and 97 owner complaints.
How the 2005 RL compares
The 2005 Acura RL is a midsize car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 194 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,001 lb.
2012 RL pros & cons
Full 2012 details →What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 20 MPG combined, 16% below the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
RL changes by model year
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 8 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 3.7L 6-cyl | 20 MPG | 195.7 in | 4,109 lb | Not rated | 6 | 0 |
| 2011 | 3.7L 6-cyl | 20 MPG | 195.7 in | 4,109 lb | Not rated | 6 | 3 |
| 2010 | 3.7L 6-cyl | 18 MPG | 195.7 in | 4,109 lb | Not rated | 7 | 7 |
| 2009 | 3.7L 6-cyl | 18 MPG | 195.7 in | 4,109 lb | Not rated | 6 | 3 |
| 2008 | 3.5L 6-cyl | 19 MPG | 194.1 in | 4,001 lb | Not rated | 5 | 9 |
| 2007 | 3.5L 6-cyl | 19 MPG | 194.1 in | 4,001 lb | Not rated | 6 | 12 |
| 2006 | 3.5L 6-cyl | 19 MPG | 194.1 in | 4,001 lb | Not rated | 6 | 14 |
| 2005 | 3.5L 6-cyl | 19 MPG | 194.1 in | 4,001 lb | Not rated | 9 | 49 |
Alternatives to the 2012 RL
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Jaguar XJ | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Porsche Panamera | 25 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Lexus ES | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →