Following a moderate redesign in 2009, which included the addition of a larger, more powerful V6 engine, the Acura RL changes little for 2010. As Acura's flagship sedan, the RL retains its streamlined shape, muscular stance, wide hood, and distinctive Acura grille with its chrome bar “plenum.” The 2010 RL also keeps its five-star safety rating, achieving top scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for protecting passengers in the event of frontal and side-impact crashes, as well as rollovers. In addition, owners like the RL's excellent reliability, standard all-wheel-drive system, precise handling, and high-tech interior, all of which carry over for 2010.
Acura offers the RL in three trims for 2010, including the base RL, the RL with a Technology Package, and the RL with the Technology and CMBS/ACC Packages. A 3.7-liter, single-overhead-cam V6 engine powers all three trims. The transversely mounted V6 produces 300 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, and features variable valve timing and lift electronic control (VTEC) for intake and exhaust valves, which helps improve responsiveness. The engine connects to a five-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted Sequential SportShift paddle shifters for manual shifting. The EPA estimates fuel economy numbers for the RL at 16/22, which disappoints some owners, who would like to see better fuel efficiency. The V6 engine provides plenty of power, according to owners and reviewers, and can drive the luxury sedan for more than 100,000 miles before requiring a tune-up. The engine requires premium fuel.
The RL's cabin receives high marks from drivers, thanks to its many luxury-oriented and high-tech features. A leather-trimmed interior and perforated leather front sport seats with dual-level heating come standard. The front seats also feature 10-way power adjustment with two-way power lumbar support. Other standard features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob with wood grain trim, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat ventilation controls, and a Smart Entry keyless entry and start system. For entertainment, the RL comes equipped with an Acura/Bose 10-speaker surround sound audio system with a 6-CD changer, XM satellite radio, iPod integration, a USB audio interface, and an MP3 input jack. Voice recognition for the audio and climate control systems also comes standard.
The Technology Package kicks up the high-tech factor, thanks to such features as a navigation system with voice recognition. The navigation system also provides real-time traffic and weather updates, as well as Zagat Survey restaurant ratings. In addition, the Technology Package adds a GPS-linked, solar-sensing temperature control system, which warms and cools the interior of the car according to the position of the sun, and an upgraded Bluetooth system with wireless phone book functionality.
The RL with the Technology and the CMBS/ACC Packages adds a Collision Mitigation Braking System, which uses radar to detect oncoming collisions, alerts the driver, and applies the brakes and tightens the seat belts if necessary. In addition, the package adds Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which maintains a set distance behind the vehicle ahead. Curly maple wood dashboard trim is also included.
The 2010 RL comes standard with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, which continually monitors road conditions and other factors, and distributes power between the front and rear wheels as necessary to optimize traction, stability, and balance. Safety features for the RL include a Vehicle Stability Assist system and antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, which aid the driver when stopping the car in emergency situations. The RL rides on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with Michelin tires.
Happens intemittently -- sometimes not for a month, then next day, etc. Dlrshp can't find issue. Starts after many tries. Says "Check keyless entry" Check SHAWD, ABS, brakes." Reprogrammed the only fob I have. Everything else works (door locks, steering wheel position memory, "WELCOME DRIVER 2"). Any ideas? Thanks.
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.53 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: power adjustable headrests · Front headrests: adjustable
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: with wind deflector
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 30 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 19 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.53 · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: power adjustable headrests · Front headrests: adjustable
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: AcuraLink · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: with wind deflector
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 30 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 19 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Dash trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.53 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: power adjustable headrests · Front headrests: adjustable
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: AcuraLink · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 30 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 19 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation