This large, all-wheel-drive luxury sedan serves up almost every technological update you can imagine. First, the Smart Handling automatic all-wheel drive distributes torque where needed and comes with both center and rear limited-slip differentials. Augmenting its performance are standard traction and stability control and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires. Fueling the sedan is a 24-valve, 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 290 hp and 256 ft-lbs of torque at 5,000 RPM. It's paired with a paddle-shifting 5-speed sport-shift automatic and achieves 16/24 mpg.

Inside the 2008 Acura RL Base AWD, you'll find seating for five, with power-adjustable headrests and a folding armrest that doubles as a trunk pass-through. Legroom is 42 inches up front and 36 in the back, with 13 cubic feet of cargo space. Backseat passengers get their own cupholders and climate control. Climate control also resides on the steering wheel, alongside the cruise control, phone controls, and audio controls for the 10-speaker surround sound system. A 6-CD player with MP3 jack and six months of satellite radio are also standard. Full power features include remote entry and remote start, a sunroof, an 8-way driver's seat and 4-way passenger seat, a garage opener, and memory settings for the tilt steering, rearview mirror, and driver's seat. Leather upholstery and trim are complemented by wood accents. A trip computer, temperature readout and compass, maintenance warning system, intermittent wipers, Bluetooth, and heated mirrors round out the standard equipment list.

The 2008 RL Base receives five stars in all crash tests. Dual front-side airbags with passenger sensors and side curtain airbags for both rows are standard, along with 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brake assist. Mirrors with turn signals, automatic xenon headlights with an auto-leveling feature, foglights, a tire monitor, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror complete the safety profile. Options such as a rear spoiler, splash guards, a cargo net and tray, and 18-inch wheels are all dealer-installed.