Is Acura RL all-wheel drive?
The short answer: not every Acura RL is all-wheel drive. The RL offered Acura’s SH-AWD system on many trims, but some models used front-wheel drive depending on year and configuration.
Overview of the RL’s drivetrain options
Introduced in 2005 and produced through 2012, the RL was offered with two main drivetrain configurations. The SH-AWD system—short for Super Handling All-Wheel Drive—was a defining feature on many trims, providing power to all wheels with an emphasis on handling and stability. However, there were occasions where base or regional configurations used front-wheel drive alone. For buyers and owners, the key is to verify the exact drivetrain on a given car through its documentation or VIN.
What SH-AWD does for the RL
SH-AWD is designed to improve traction and cornering. It actively distributes torque not just between front and rear axes, but across the wheels to enhance grip during acceleration and negotiation of turns. In practice, this means better stability in wet or slippery conditions and a more confident, responsive driving experience compared with a traditional front-wheel-drive setup.
Availability by model year and trim (high-level)
To help readers understand how common AWD was across RL models, here is a high-level snapshot of the drivetrain options over the RL’s production span. The exact configuration can vary by market and by year, so always verify with the specific vehicle’s documents.
- SH-AWD was offered on many RL trims across its production, though not necessarily on every variant or year.
- Some early-year or base models could be equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD) instead of SH-AWD.
- In later model years, higher trims and packages commonly included SH-AWD, aligning with Acura’s emphasis on enhanced handling.
In summary, most RLs you’ll encounter in the used market that carry a badge or package indicating SH-AWD will be all-wheel drive, but there are exceptions. Always check the specific car’s documentation to confirm the drivetrain configuration.
How to check if your Acura RL is SH-AWD (verification tips)
If you want to verify a particular RL’s drivetrain, use these practical checks before buying or relying on memory:
- Check the window sticker or Monroney label for SH-AWD or all-wheel-drive designation
- Inspect the trunk lid badge; SH-AWD badges are often placed on the rear or trunk area
- Look up the VIN on Acura’s official site, the NHTSA database, or a trusted VIN check service to confirm drivetrain
- Consult the owner’s manual or service records for SH-AWD-specific maintenance notes
Verification is important because the RL’s handling and maintenance requirements differ between FWD and SH-AWD versions. If in doubt, ask the seller or a dealership to pull the exact drivetrain configuration from the VIN.
Summary
The Acura RL was not universally all-wheel drive, but SH-AWD was a central feature on many RL models and trims across its 2005-2012 run. If you’re shopping for a used RL, expect a mix of SH-AWD and FWD configurations depending on year, trim, and market. The best approach is to verify the drivetrain with the vehicle’s documentation and VIN.
