Is the Acura RL front or rear-wheel drive?
The Acura RL is primarily front-wheel drive, with an available all-wheel-drive option (SH-AWD) on certain models; there has never been a factory rear-wheel-drive RL.
This article explains how the RL’s drivetrain is configured, how it varied across generations, and what buyers should know about front-, all-, or (absent) rear-wheel-drive configurations when evaluating used examples.
Drivetrain Basics
The RL is built around a front-mounted engine with a front-wheel-drive layout as the standard setup. This configuration emphasizes interior space efficiency and typical luxury-sedan ride characteristics.
Standard front-wheel drive
In its baseline configuration, power is delivered to the front wheels through a front-wheel-drive system. This arrangement was the common setup for most RL models, aligning with Acura’s approach to the model during its production run.
Optional SH-AWD all-wheel drive
On select RL trims and model years, Acura offered its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This system can route torque to the rear wheels and use torque vectoring to aid cornering and grip, particularly in slick or sporty driving conditions. It is not a rear-wheel-drive setup; it enhances all-weather performance while maintaining a front-engine orientation.
What to Check When Shopping Used
When evaluating a used Acura RL, confirm whether SH-AWD is present by checking the window sticker, owner's manual, or VIN documentation. This affects maintenance considerations, fuel economy, and how the car drives in variable weather.
Summary
The Acura RL is fundamentally a front-wheel-drive vehicle. An all-wheel-drive option (SH-AWD) was offered on certain models, but there is no factory rear-wheel-drive RL. For buyers, this means standard FWD performance with available AWD capability, not a pure RWD configuration.
Is the Acura RL front wheel drive?
The 3.5RL's longitudinally mounted V6 gasoline engine had its center-line mounted in-line with the car's axis, and not transversely (i.e., 90 degrees offset from the vehicle axis) like most other front-wheel-drive cars.
Is the Acura RL RWD?
The Acura Rl Honda legend Honda/Acura's first car in Japan to break the 276hp gentleman's agreement with 300hp Naturaly Aspirated all-wheel-drive platform to distribute optimum torque between the front and rear wheels and between the left and right rear wheels.
Did Acura ever make a RWD car?
No, most Acuras are front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but some models, like the all-electric 2024 ZDX, offer a rear-wheel drive (RWD) option. The ZDX A-Spec is available with a single motor and rear-wheel drive, while other Acuras typically use their Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.
Acura models with RWD
- Acura ZDX: The base model of the all-electric ZDX is available with a single electric motor, which drives the rear wheels, making it a rear-wheel drive vehicle.
Acura models with other drivetrains
- AWD: Most other modern Acura SUVs and sedans use their Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which is standard on models like the RDX and available on the TLX.
- FWD: Many of Acura's historical models were front-wheel drive, but this is less common in their current lineup, which emphasizes AWD for better performance.
- RWD: Historically, Acura has made few RWD vehicles. The NSX supercar was a notable exception, but most other Acura models have not been RWD.
Is the Acura front or rear-wheel-drive?
Acura Models With All-Wheel Drive
The Acura ILX is the only model that is only available with front-wheel drive. SH-AWD®, however, can be found standard or as an available option on the following Acura sedan and SUV lineups: Acura TLX AWD. Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD®
