When did they stop making Acura RL?
The Acura RL was discontinued after the 2012 model year, with the RLX succeeding it starting in the 2014 model year.
Overview: The RL nameplate spanned two distinct generations and a production gap, culminating in its retirement in 2012 as Acura shifted its flagship sedan strategy toward the RLX.
Generational timeline
The RL has two major production periods in the United States, separated by a hiatus. The following list highlights the key years for each generation.
- First-generation RL (1996–1999 model years). Introduced as Acura’s refined luxury sedan, building on the Legend platform in its early years.
- Second-generation RL (2005–2012 model years). A comprehensive redesign that served as Acura’s flagship until the model was retired in 2012.
There was a production gap from 2000 to 2004, during which Acura did not offer a new RL in its lineup; the RL nameplate was revived in 2005 with a new generation.
From RL to RLX
In the early 2010s, Acura restructured its lineup and retired the RL name in favor of a new flagship: the RLX. The RLX launched for the 2014 model year to carry forward the role of Acura’s top sedan, with updates over time and a performance variant later joining the lineup.
What changed in naming and positioning
The transition from RL to RLX represented a branding refresh designed to align Acura’s flagship with modern design, technology, and efficiency targets, rather than a simple face-lift of the old model.
Impact and legacy
The end of the RL name marked a shift in Acura’s strategy toward newer styling and engineering while preserving the tradition of a high-end sedan under the RLX name. The RLX remains Acura’s flagship sedan, evolving with new features and, eventually, a performance-oriented variant in its lineup.
In short, Acura stopped selling the RL after the 2012 model year, and the brand introduced the RLX to fill the flagship role beginning with the 2014 model year.
Summary
What replaced the Acura RL?
Acura RLX
The RL was the flagship of the marque, having succeeded the Acura Legend, and was replaced in 2013 by the Acura RLX.
Is Acura TL or RL better?
The main differences are that the Acura RL is Acura's flagship, full-size, all-wheel drive luxury sedan (sold until 2012, replaced by the RLX), while the Acura TL is a sportier, mid-size, front-wheel drive sedan (though later models offered AWD). The RL is more focused on luxury and refinement, with standard AWD and a larger, more spacious interior. The TL is generally considered a better value, as it was more affordable and has more aftermarket support, while still offering a powerful engine and sportier performance, particularly in the Type-S models.
You can watch this video to see a comparison of the Acura RL and TL: 52sTraveling Car GuruYouTube · Jun 27, 2023
Acura RL
- Positioning: The top-tier, flagship luxury sedan, considered the successor to the Legend.
- Drivetrain: Comes standard with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).
- Engine: Typically featured a larger V6 engine (e.g., a 3.7L V6 in later models).
- Luxury Features: Often equipped with more high-end features, such as advanced collision mitigation systems, adaptive headlights, and cooled seats in later models.
- Interior: Has more interior volume and cargo space, though some specific areas like front legroom are smaller than the TL.
- Value: Was significantly more expensive than the TL, and its higher price point combined with the availability of AWD in later TLs made it a less compelling option for many buyers.
Acura TL
- Positioning: The sportier, mid-size sedan, built on a more affordable platform and considered a "sportier, more luxurious version of the Honda Accord".
- Drivetrain: Primarily front-wheel drive (FWD), but later models offered SH-AWD as an option.
- Engine: Used a V6 engine (e.g., 3.2L in earlier models, a 3.7L in the Type-S) but was generally less powerful than the RL's engine.
- Luxury Features: Offered luxury features in its technology package, but did not have the same level of standard luxury as the RL.
- Interior: Had more front legroom and rear shoulder room than the RL.
- Value: Was a much better value, especially given its lower price point and strong performance capabilities.
- Aftermarket: Has significantly more aftermarket support than the RL, making modifications and part replacements easier and cheaper.
This video explains the history of the Acura RL and why it was overlooked: 56sAcura AdviceYouTube · Sep 24, 2023
Is the Acura RL reliable?
The Acura RL is generally considered a reliable luxury car, with a good reliability rating from sources like RepairPal and positive owner reviews, though some models have specific issues. Common problems can include minor electrical glitches, interior wear on leather components, and specific issues like hazy headlights or suspension problems, depending on the model year.
You can watch this video to learn about the common problems with the Acura RL: 1mKyle PantanoYouTube · Dec 16, 2019
General reliability
- Strong reputation: The Acura RL is often praised for being a reliable car, especially with proper maintenance.
- Positive rankings: It ranks well for its reliability in the luxury full-size car category.
- Lower ownership costs: The average annual repair cost is lower than average for its class.
- Longevity: Many owners have reported driving their RL for very high mileage with few major issues, particularly after addressing any initial problems.
Common issues and model-specific concerns
- Interior wear: Leather on the center console armrests can tear, and other interior leather or vinyl can wear out. The glove box lid can also bubble from sun exposure.
- Electrical problems: Some owners have reported issues such as an alarm that goes off without cause, fuses blowing, or the trunk release not working from inside.
- Brakes: Some owners have experienced brake issues where they don't apply immediately, even with new pads and rotors.
- Suspension and steering: Problems with shocks/struts and the steering adjustment control have been reported.
- Electronics and lights: Newer models might have hazy headlights from the inside, and electronics and suspension components can be areas of concern for some owners.
- Transmission: Some reviews mention a "questionable transmission," though many owners have found it reliable.
Model year differences
- The later models (2009–2012) are considered by some owners to have been built better and have fewer mechanical issues, partially due to the shift to the 3.7L engine.
- The 2005-2008 models were the first to feature the SH-AWD system, which is generally reliable, but some owners noted potential issues with lightweight drive shafts in early versions.
- Early models may have original Pax tires, which are now less common and may have been converted to more conventional tires.
You can watch this video to see what it's like to own an Acura RL with almost 200,000 miles: 44sKyle PantanoYouTube · May 11, 2020
Did Acura stop making the RL?
The RDX. And MDX crossovers. As well as the upcoming performanceoriented 2021 TLX so that will just leave four models in the lineup for Acura the ILX TLX the MDX. And the RDX.
