Is the 2004 Acura RL FWD or RWD?
The 2004 Acura RL is front-wheel drive (FWD). This model year did not offer rear-wheel drive or a factory all-wheel-drive option. Acura introduced its SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system later in the RL lineup, beginning with the 2005 model year.
In detail, the question about whether a 2004 RL is FWD or RWD touches on Acura’s drivetrain choices in the early 2000s. The RL line later expanded to all-wheel drive with the SH-AWD system starting with the 2005 model year, but the 2004 version used a conventional front-drive setup. Here is a closer look at how the drivetrain evolved and what that means for performance and maintenance.
Drivetrain details by model year
For the 2004 RL, the car relied on a front-wheel-drive layout paired with a 3.5-liter V6 and automatic transmission. There was no rear-wheel-drive option and no factory all-wheel-drive system on the 2004 model.
Introduction of SH-AWD in the RL lineup
Starting with the 2005 model year, Acura introduced its SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system on the RL. This brought all-wheel-drive capability and torque vectoring to the RL range, providing improved traction and handling in varied driving conditions compared with the 2004 FWD version.
What this means for buyers
If you’re considering a 2004 RL, expect a traditional front-wheel-drive sedan with the 3.5L V6. If all-wheel drive is a priority, look to 2005-and-newer RL models equipped with SH-AWD, while noting that features and availability can vary by year and market.
Summary
The 2004 Acura RL is FWD. All-wheel drive with SH-AWD arrived in the RL lineup starting with the 2005 model year, offering enhanced traction and handling for buyers seeking AWD capabilities.
How much is a 2004 Acura Rl worth?
The value of a used 2004 Acura RL ranges from $963 to $3,238, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
How much horsepower does a 2004 RL have?
The 2004 Acura RL has 225 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 engine. It produces 231 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm and is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
- Horsepower: 225 hp @ 5,200 rpm
- Torque: 231 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm
- Engine: 3.5-liter, SOHC, V-6
Is the Acura RL front-wheel-drive?
And of course being a Honda product it kept the front-wheel drive layout with V6. Power the 3.5 RL's engine was a single overhead cam 24- valve 3.5 L V6 cranking out 210 horsepower through a four-
Is the Acura RL RWD?
At the time of its introduction, the Acura RL's SH-AWD was the first all-wheel-drive system to vary the distribution of power not only from front to back, but also side to side in the rear using a technique called torque vectoring.
