| Premium midsize car; Built in Japan |
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| Good condition price range: $12,700 – $22,000* |
2005 Acura RL
2005 Acura RL
2005 Acura RL
2005 Acura RL
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The 2005-06 RL boasts a sporty demeanor, smart engineering, standard all-wheel drive, and Acura’s reputation for reliability and resale value. Other premium midsize rivals offer V8 power and higher nameplate prestige, but the RL is still an excellent value.
Overview
Acura redesigned its flagship sedan for 2005. The ’05 RL was four inches shorter in wheelbase and overall length than its 1996-2004 predecessor, but gained standard all-wheel drive, more power, fresh styling, and additional safety and convenience features. It came in one trim level with no options.
The sole engine was a 3.5-liter V6 with 300 hp. The only transmission was a 5-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual operation. Acura called the RL’s AWD system Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). It was designed to transfer power to the outside rear wheel in turns to help rotate the car around a corner. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags were standard. So were antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid control, steering-linked xenon headlights, navigation system, and keyless access and ignition.
Also included was the AcuraLink system, which displayed maintenance reminders, operating tips, diagnostic information, and vehicle recalls on a dashboard screen. It also alerted the driver to traffic conditions and accidents in major urban areas.
Yearly Updates
| 2006 RL For 2006, the RL gained an optional Technology Package that included run-flat tires and adaptive cruise control, plus Acura’s Collision Mitigation Braking System, which signaled of approaching objects and applied the brakes and tightened the front seat belts if it determined a collision was unavoidable. The engine’s horsepower rating dropped by 10, to 290. |
| 2007 RL Acura’s flagship sedan shuffled a few features for 2007. For 2007, steering-linked xenon headlamps and a voice-activated navigation system moved from standard equipment to an available Technology Package. The option introduced a rearview camera and included the AcuraLink system providing OnStar assistance, real-time traffic conditions, and vehicle maintenance data. A second Technology Package, priced as a separate model, added run-flat tires, adaptive cruise control, and Acura’s Collision Mitigation Braking System, which signals of approaching objects and applies the brakes and tightens the front seatbelts if it determines a collision is unavoidable. |
| 2008 RL The 2008 Acura RL carried over with no changes pending a redesign due in calendar ’08 as a 2009 model. |
