2011 Acura RL with All-Wheel Drive and Advanced Safety Features

The Acura RL comes in one trim level with packages and options available for customization. The fuel-injected 3.7-liter V-TEC V6 can make 300 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, with a drive-by-wire throttle. It's mated to a 6-speed Sequential Sportshift automatic transmission, with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system, as Acura calls it, improves handling on dry roads and traction on wet surfaces.

After a major refresh in 2009, there's not much new in the RL for 2011. The most notable change is the addition of a new 6-speed transmission, as well as a revised front grille. In addition, Acura has also fitted the 2011 RL with Hemholz resonators in the wheels, which in turn help reduce vibration and interior noise. The RL achieved 5-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, including the rollover test. Acura claims it's the only luxury automaker to do so.

Standard all-wheel drive stabilizes the car around corners, which is a nice thing to know with the 3.7L V6 under the hood. This is the kind of Acura technology that has earned the RL reviews for being quiet and surefooted, as well as quick and refined. The luxurious interior is very well insulated, and the Bose sound system adapts its volume to the speed of the vehicle.

All-wheel drive standard; quick, controlled handling; luxurious interior; high-tech options available

In order to achieve such stellar crash test results, the RL features a wealth of safety features on board. Anti-lock brakes, stability assist, six air bags and tire pressure monitoring all come with the car. An active front lighting system that projects the beams around curves is optional. So is the Collision Mitigation Braking System, which uses a radar signal mounted behind the front grille to lessen the impact of a collision by preemptively slowing the vehicle. The CMBS/ACC Package comes with adaptive cruise control, which allows you to select a long, medium or short distance from the car in front, which the RL will hold with the throttle and brakes, unaided by the driver.

2011 Acura RL Prices

TRIM

Starting MSRP

2011 Acura RL Automatic

$47,200

2011 Acura RL Automatic with Technology Package (Hawaii)

$51,350

2011 Acura RL Automatic with Technology Package

$51,350

2011 Acura RL Automatic with Advance Package

$55,150

The interior is pretty swanky, and includes standard heated leather seats. The driver can adjust his seat 10 ways, while the passenger has eight positions. Dual-zone climate controls can be operated by voice commands, but the optional GPS-linked temperature control (part of the Technology Package) monitors the sun's position and intensity relative to the car and automatically adjusts the interior temperature.

The 10-speaker Bose sound system has USB and iPod integration, plus active sound control. The optional navigation system has an 8-inch screen, and can be used with either the interface dial or voice recognition. It includes real-time traffic, weather. A rear-view camera is also available.