What was the last year the Acura RL was made?
The last model year produced for the Acura RL was 2012. Acura then introduced the RLX as its flagship for the 2014 model year, with no RL offered for 2013.
Timeline of RL production
The following timeline highlights the two generations of the RL and the switch to the RLX, marking the end of the RL line.
- First generation: 1996 model year through 2004 model year.
- Second generation: 2005 model year through 2012 model year.
- Transition to RLX: no RL for 2013; RLX announced for the 2014 model year.
Summary of the timeline: The RL line ran from the mid-1990s until 2012, after which Acura shifted to the RLX for the 2014 model year, skipping 2013.
Generations overview
First generation (1996–2004)
The first-generation RL debuted in the United States as the mid-1990s flagship sedan and was produced through the 2004 model year. It established the RL as Acura’s luxury-sport sedan, offering a V6 engine and available all-wheel drive during its run.
Second generation (2005–2012)
The second generation launched for the 2005 model year with updated styling, interior refinements, and newer drivetrain features. It remained in production through the 2012 model year, continuing to serve as Acura’s flagship before the lineup shifted to the RLX.
Transition to RLX (the successor)
Acura introduced the RLX to replace the RL as the brand’s flagship sedan, with the 2014 model year marking the official transition. There was no 2013 RL model year, and the RLX took over as the higher-end Acura sedan lineup starting in 2014.
Summary
The Acura RL was produced until 2012, marking the end of its two-generation run. The model was succeeded by the RLX for the 2014 model year, with no RL offered in 2013.
