How much horsepower does the Acura RL have?
The Acura RL’s horsepower isn’t a single figure — it varies by model year and trim. In general, early RLs delivered roughly mid-200s horsepower, while later models sat near the upper 200s to around 300 hp. The RLX that followed the RL line-up moved into about 310 hp.
Power by generation
The RL was produced in two main generations, each with its own engine and power output. The numbers below reflect typical configurations over those years, though exact horsepower can differ by market and mid-cycle updates.
- First-generation RL (1996–2004): approximately 225–260 horsepower
- Second-generation RL (2005–2014): approximately 270–290 horsepower, with some versions approaching 300 horsepower
Across these generations, horsepower generally increased from the mid-2000s onward, ending up near the high end of the 200s for many late-model RLs.
Context and where it stands now
Acura eventually replaced the RL with the RLX in 2014. The RLX carries about 310 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V6, reflecting a continued emphasis on performance in Acura’s flagship sedan line.
Notes on year-to-year variation
To confirm the exact horsepower for a specific RL you’re researching or considering, check the model-year specifications from Acura, the vehicle’s window sticker, or a trusted automotive database. Power figures can vary by market and by minor updates during a model year.
Summary
The Acura RL’s horsepower numbers aren’t fixed; they evolved across generations. Expect mid-200s hp for early models and high-200s to near 300 hp for later ones, with the RLX at about 310 hp serving as the successor benchmark.
