As a flagship luxury sedan, the current Acura RL is a bit of an oddity. In terms of size, it's actually classified as a midsize car. It comes with a V6 engine exclusively, even though most competing luxury sedans offer an optional V8. But unlike most of its peers, the RL comes with a price tag that's -- surprise! -- reasonably affordable. So what's the deal with the Acura RL?
Acura didn't design the RL to be a powerhouse sedan or an extravagant luxo-barge. It is, however, a comfortable and refined sedan, packaged with a high level of user-friendly technology. For buyers in this segment, we think that the RL represents the intelligent choice. Alas, it would seem that being the intelligent choice only gets a car so far in terms of sales.
The Acura RL has never attained huge popularity and typically lives in the shadow of more prestigious makes and well-known models. Older Acura RLs suffer from a similar problem, but to an even greater degree. We like the current-generation car, though, and recommend it for buyers who desire an all-wheel-drive luxury sedan, particularly one that's available with all the latest technology.
Current Acura RL
The Acura RL is a midsize luxury sedan. As with other Acura models, selecting a style is quite easy, as Acura makes nearly everything standard. Powered by a 290-horsepower V6 engine, the RL was the first Acura to feature Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This innovative technology continuously varies power among all four wheels to enhance handling and aid wet-weather traction.
Although it doesn't offer the posh reputation of other luxury vehicles, the RL nevertheless features a classy, sumptuous interior adorned in high-quality materials, leather and real wood trim. The dash is awash in buttons, which may confuse some, but they serve a welcome redundancy with the optional navigation system's iDrive-like control knob and voice commands. The RL's 10-speaker surround-sound stereo with six-CD/DVD audio changer, satellite radio and optional iPod integration is one of the best in the business. An optional Technology Package includes a voice-activated navigation system.
In road tests, we found that the Acura RL gets better the harder it's driven thanks to the SH-AWD system that tenaciously maintains traction. The ride is tuned more on the cushier side of the spectrum, so despite offering notable handling abilities, it is still principally designed to be a comfortable cruiser. Our chief complaint has been a lack of low-end grunt. Unlike its competitors, there is no V8 offered.
2008 Acura TL
2008 Acura TL $33,725 - $38,425
The 2008 Acura TL is increasingly becoming an oddball. While there are a handful of front-wheel-drive, entry-level luxury sedans, a few can claim to be truly sporty. A real high-performance driving experience can usually only be had when the power is sent to the rear wheels and occasionally all of them. The TL, particularly the Type-S model, sets itself apart by being a front driver that can keep up with (although still not surpass) such rear-drive thoroughbreds as the Infiniti G35. Yet despite this sporty nature, the TL still provides a wonderfully smooth ride and luxury appointments that will make comfort-minded customers happy.
After substantial changes last year, including the return of the Type-S model, the TL carries over unchanged for 2008. That's certainly OK, as Acura's best-selling car has always stood out from the pack since being redesigned for 2004. The TL's wedge-like shape is still attractive as ever, and its spacious interior remains a model of craftsmanship and ergonomics. The base engine manages to have character, while the suspension is well-controlled without being a rough rider. Its surround-sound stereo is so good, it's almost enough to justify buying the car alone. The Tl has value. A package that bundles a voice-activated navigation system (with real-time traffic information) and a rearview camera is the lone option on the base car (standard on the Type-S), while features like Bluetooth, leather seating, power front seats, sunroof and that surround-sound system are included on all TLs. Those features are usually options on rivals that typically start at a higher base price.
For a front-wheel-drive, entry-level luxury sedan with sporting tendencies, the 2008 Acura TL is the best choice around. Its mix of driving fun, comfort, quality and value can't be beat. But if maximum handling and performance are priorities, the BMW 328i, Infiniti G35 and Lexus IS 350 are better choices. In the end, it could very well hinge on how you feel about oddballs.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2008 Acura TL is a midsize entry-level luxury sport sedan available in two incredibly well-equipped trim levels. The base TL comes standard with 17-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlights, foglights, sunroof, leather upholstery, eight-way driver and four-way passenger power/heated seats, driver memory functions, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker surround-sound system with in-dash six-CD/DVD audio changer, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. The lone factory option is a navigation system that comes with a voice command interface, real-time traffic updates and a rearview camera.
The TL Type-S is the more performance-oriented trim level, adding a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension and more powerful brakes. The exterior is also treated to more aggressively styled fascias and side skirts, along with a deck lid spoiler, quad exhausts and special 17-inch wheels. The navigation system and its accompanying features are standard on the Type-S, which also gets sport seats, special interior trim and different lighting. High-performance tires are the Type-S model's lone option.
Powertrains and Performance All TL are front-wheel drive. The base TL is powered by 3.2-liter V6 that produces 258 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque. Unlike in the past, a five-speed automatic is the lone transmission available. Despite this being the "base" engine, it's still capable of bringing the TL from zero to 60 mph in around 6 seconds. For an even quicker experience, the Type-S is motivated by a 3.5-liter V6 good for 286 hp and 256 lb-ft of torque. Buyers have a choice of either a slick-shifting six-speed manual with a limited-slip differential, or a five-speed automatic that features paddle shifters. Expect either combination to deliver a 0-60-mph time in the mid to high 5-second range.
Fuel economy for the base 2008 TL is 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The manual-equipped Type-S actually returns better mileage at 18 city and 27 highway, while the five-speed automatic gets 17/26.
Safety
The 2008 Acura TL comes standard with stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length curtain airbags. A rearview camera comes along with the available navigation system. In crash tests, the TL gets five out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for both frontal impact protection and rear side impact protection. Front side impact testing resulted in four out of five stars. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's side and frontal-offset crash tests, the TL received top scores of "Good." Interior Design and Special Features
Both TL models are beautifully crafted, and that's where this luxury sedan really shines, with near bulletproof build quality and top-notch materials. The Type-S differentiates itself with more aggressively bolstered seats, red instrument lighting (versus cobalt blue) and two-tone leather. Crammed full of electronics, the TL is pretty easy to operate -- even for those who wouldn't know the difference between an iPod and an iPhone. As Acura and Honda slowly migrate to an iDrive-like electronics interface, the TL features the good-old touchscreen setup (bolstered by voice commands) for navigation-equipped models that's easy to figure out and operate. Enjoy it while you can.
2009 Acura TSX
2009 Acura TSX Previously a taut sport sedan offering enthusiasts a lively, communicative driving experience along with Acura quality, the Acura TSX has become more of a luxury sedan for 2009. Many consumers will consider the latest version of the TSX to be "nice." Enthusiasts, however, will likely consider it watered down and boring. More often than not, our staff compares the new TSX to a Honda Accord due to its upsizing (it's 3 inches longer and wider than last year's TSX) and more isolated feel behind the wheel. Yes, the Accord's a very good car that has gotten increasingly more refined and more feature-laden over the years. But if folks want one, they can go to a Honda dealer. People step up to the Acura brand expecting something different, something more involving to drive and more luxurious than a volume-selling family sedan. And based on our time with the 2009 Acura TSX, we don't think the company delivered.
Performance Although the same 2.4-liter inline-4 is used as before, the version in the 2009 TSX is quieter. In response to feedback from customers who felt the engine was a little too vocal, Acura took pains to mute the sound coming from under the hood, which to our ears took away some of the car's character. The company also tweaked the engine to have more midrange torque and hence a fatter power band. The numbers come in at 201 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. That's 4 hp less but 8 more lb-ft. Even when coupled to a five-speed automatic (a six-speed manual is also available), the 2.4 does a decent job of getting the 3,400-pound TSX up to speed. We clocked the 0-60-mph sprint at 8.6 seconds, with the quarter-mile run taking 16.3 seconds. We thought the four would be a lazy dog when paired with the automatic, but thanks to the tranny's alert nature, the TSX seldom felt flat-footed. Even the manual-shift feature was on point, something of a rarity as in most cars with this feature there's a brief but annoying lag between when the lever or paddle is flicked for an upshift and when it actually happens. There's solid midrange punch on tap for passing and merging, too. But stats mongers will note that most V6-equipped family sedans would still have no trouble showing their taillights to the TSX, beating it to 60 by 1 or 2 seconds. In the real world, a mid-8-second car will be more than quick enough for most folks. High-speed cruising is relaxed, though grooved pavement, such as that seen on Southern California's freeways, can generate noticeable road noise. At 22.1 mpg, our fuel economy didn't quite match up to EPA estimates of 21 city, 30 highway and 25 combined. Our first big disappointment came with the TSX's braking performance. A stopping distance of 133 feet from 60 mph is respectable…for a big SUV. We'd expect something about 10-15 feet shorter for an entry-level luxury/sport sedan. In their favor, the brakes have a progressive, easily modulated pedal. The next bummer came upon turning the steering wheel, when we wondered "where did the feel go?" In fact, the previously stated Accord comparison isn't really fair in this regard. The Honda has more feedback and a better interface between the driver and the asphalt than the TSX's over-assisted, numb setup. The suspension does a respectable job of keeping the car composed in the turns, yet it also seems to have lost the taut, athletic nature of the prior system. Whereas the previous car felt small and nimble, the new one feels still capable but every bit its size. As such, the 2009 Acura TSX doesn't inspire confidence in the twisty bits the way last year's version did. On the plus side, the TSX's ride is supple and did a fine job of insulating occupants from nasty, broken pavement. Comfort With their aggressive side bolstering (even in the shoulder area), the front sport seats are ready to provide generous lateral support should one somehow be inspired to take a spirited run through a curvy road. Their ideal, firm shaping combined with the standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and 10-way power driver seat allowed all from our shortest (5-foot-5) to our tallest (6-foot-3) editors to get and remain comfortable behind the wheel. In back, although the seat is well-shaped and comfy enough, taller folks may find legroom lacking — at 34.3 inches, it's around 3 inches less than an Accord, though it specs out nearly 4 inches more than a Lexus Is 250 Hip- and shoulder room are noticeably better than before, thanks to the 2009 model's 3-inch increase in width. A number of standard features — such as perforated leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats — serve to pamper those inside the TSX. Function Although the dash's center stack is loaded with buttons — many of them similar in size and shape — most of the controls are easy to use and intuitive once you're familiar with them. It looks similar to an Accord's setup, but a closer look reveals that the TSX separates the audio and climate groupings. Our TSX had the Technology package trim (includes a navigation system, upgraded audio system and a rearview camera) which also meant that the climate, audio and nav systems could be operated via voice commands. Springing for the Techie version also means you get weather forecasting and real-time traffic with rerouting. The latter was accurate, clearly showing the ugly reality of L.A.'s rush-hour traffic right there on the nav screen and offering alternate routes. In-cabin stowage is generous and the center console features iPod and auxiliary audio jacks as well as a power point. Rated at 12.6 cubic feet, the trunk rates a few cubes smaller than a typical midsize family sedan's, yet it's more usable than you'd think. Thanks to its boxy shape and easy access, the trunk can take three golf bags crosswise (no angling required) and also features a 60/40-split rear seat to open up more capacity. The 2009 Acura TSX also passed our child safety seat test with flying colors, allowing the large seat to be placed in reverse-facing mode in the rear center position or even directly behind a 6-foot-3 driver or passenger. Design/Fit and Finish With its massive chrome frame around an angled smile, the TSX's grille styling is quite bizarre, and sadly seems to reflect Acura's new design language. In profile, it's not too bad, with the wedgelike theme reminiscent of the past TSX. But even then, the chunky front overhang and rear door cutline that runs right through the wheelwell flare lends additional awkwardness. Things are much better inside, where high-grade materials and gimmick-free design are found. However, we'd prefer real metal (or even fake wood) trim to the faux titanium accents, as the latter once again reminded us of an Accord. Who Should Buy This Vehicle Those who are looking for a feature-laden, well-built luxury sedan at an attractive price should consider the 2009 Acura TSX. Driving enthusiasts who value involving dynamics more than the latest high-tech features would be happier with a true sport sedan. If we had our druthers, we'd take a livelier, base BMW 328i over this more mundane, feature-rich Acura.
2009 Acura MDX
2008 Acura MDX MSRP: $40,790-$48,690 With Sports Pkg $49,595.
The term "performance SUV" comes very close to being an oxymoron. Really, if your number-one goal is performance, a big and boxy sport-utility is usually a poor choice to go about getting it. But for consumers who really like to drive, yet have certain constraints in their life that require an SUV (read: a family), such a vehicle can make a certain amount of sense. Enter the 2008 Acura MDX.
Acura's midsize luxury SUV was redesigned last year. As with the first-generation MDX, it's a car-based crossover SUV with V6 power and seating for seven. But the new model is considerably sportier. It's powered by the largest and most powerful V6 ever to grace an Acura (yes, including the NSX), giving it unparalleled juice and athleticism. With it, Acura promises V8-like performance while still maintaining respectable fuel economy.
On-road handling ability is also high on the MDX's resume. The ute benefits from a stiff chassis and an electromechanical all-wheel-drive system first seen in the RL sedan. This system, dubbed SH-AWD, can not only actively shift torque from front to rear, but also from side to side in order to maximize traction and stability in all situations. Actively controlled dampers are also available, and with them come two driver-selectable modes: Sport and Comfort. The default mode, in a nod to the MDX's mission, is the Sport setting.
Thankfully, there's still plenty of "Acura" to the MDX as well. The interior is attractively designed and solidly constructed, and one can outfit it with real-time traffic navigation and surround-sound audio. Technically, there's room for seven passengers, but the MDX works best seating four adults with the third row folded for cargo. That third row will handle small children, but like most midsize SUVs, it's for occasional use only.
Overall, the 2008 Acura MDX is a well-balanced midsize luxury SUV with solid sporting credentials. In its class you'll find other sport-oriented models such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Infiniti FX, Porsche Cayenne and Volvo XC90. In terms of performance, the MDX matches or bests the V6-powered versions of those models, while often undercutting them by thousands of dollars even when equipped with a full list of optional features. True, you could spend more for a competitor's V8 model and get a smidge of extra performance and prestige. But for meeting the oxymoronic "performance luxury SUV" goal while keeping a realistic budget, the Acura MDX is about as good as it gets.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2008 Acura MDX is a midsize luxury crossover SUV. Base MDXs come equipped with 18-inch wheels, xenon HID headlights, a sunroof, power and heated front seats, driver seat memory, tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an audio system with a six-disc CD/MP3 player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. Three optional packages are available to provide additional features.
The Technology package adds a navigation system with voice recognition and real-time traffic, a surround-sound audio system, a rearview camera, premium leather upholstery and solar-sensing climate control. The Sport package includes the features of the Technology package, and throws in an Active Damper system sport suspension, special wheels and perforated leather trim. Finally, an Entertainment package can be had with either the Technology or Sport packages, and includes a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, heated second-row seats, a power liftgate and a 115-volt power outlet. Powertrains and Performance
The MDX's sole engine is a 3.7-liter V6 rated at 300 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control, and power is directed to all four wheels through an advanced all-wheel-drive system. In testing, we found the MDX can sprint to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. Fuel economy, with a 2008 rating of 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway, is average for this segment. When properly equipped, maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. Safety
Standard safety equipment for the MDX includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and stability control with a stabilizing feature for trailering. In government crash tests, the 2008 Acura MDX earned a top five-star rating in both frontal and side-impact tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the MDX a top score of "Good" for occupant protection in frontal offset and side-impact crashes. These crash-test performances are among the best in the MDX's class. Interior Design and Special Features
With high-grade materials quality and a bevy of electronic features, the seven-passenger MDX's cabin is a comfy and luxurious place to be. We do have some quibbles, however. The center stack's button layout is complicated, and some drivers will take issue with the way the slim steering wheel falls to hand. Versatility comes via a 60/40-split-folding second-row seat and a 50/50-split-folding third row. The third row can be a little hard to get to, and its meager accommodations are for small children only. There are 83.5 cubic feet of cargo space available with the second and third rows folded. Driving Impressions
For a three-row SUV, the 2008 Acura MDX does a fine job of driving like it's not one. On curvy roads, the MDX is an eager partner thanks to the SH-AWD. There's a sensation of the torque shifting from wheel to wheel during hard cornering, clueing the driver into the magic behind the electronic curtain, but it all happens so effectively that it's encouraging rather than distracting. Equipped with the Sport package, the MDX's two-mode dampers soak up the bumps when necessary and firm up when the pace quickens.
The 3.7-liter V6 isn't quite as smooth as we've come to expect from Acura's past V6s, but it's hard to argue about its power. Acceleration is a shade soft until the tach needle builds momentum, at which point the engine pulls with enthusiasm. Downshifting readily when the throttle is prodded, the MDX's manually shiftable five-speed automatic transmission provides transparent and smooth shifts.
2009 Acura RDX
2009 Acura RDX
$22,585 - $36,985
As manufacturers take advantage of the young target demographic to stretch their creative legs, crossover vehicles are getting a lot of hype. Currently, crossovers offer some of the most adventurous designs on the market. The Acura RDX follows that trend with a highly mechanized architecture that pushes the brand's usual style cues beyond its safety threshold to a level that could intrigue many shoppers.
The RDX is also the first factory Acura product to utilize a turbocharged engine. This attribute, along with the vehicle's design focus on on-road performance rather than off-road ability, reinforces the crossover's purpose as a sporty performer inside the body of a small SUV. As such, Acura hopes it will appeal to young affluent buyers looking for an alternative to a sedan or coupe. Current Acura RDX
The Acura RDX, introduced for the 2007 model year, is a small luxury crossover SUV. Compared to the Honda CR-V, of which there is minimal mechanical similarity, the RDX is much more upscale in terms of interior design, features and performance. Its all-new engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that's capable of 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission (with paddle shifters) is standard fare, and the RDX is equipped with Acura's advanced Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system.
SH-AWD transfers torque between the wheels (front and rear, and side-to-side) to optimize steering and handling under every driving situation. Other important standard performance features include stability control, traction control and antilock disc brakes with brake assist.
For the entry-level luxury crossover SUV segment, the Acura RDX stands out for its list of premium standard features. For instance, leather seating, heated seats, xenon headlights, Bluetooth and a 260-watt audio system with a six-CD changer are all standard. An optional Technology Package adds a navigation system (with voice activation and real-time traffic reporting), sun-sensing climate control system and a rearview camera. The stereo also gets upgraded to a 410-watt surround-sound system with 10 speakers and speed sensitivity control.
The one drawback to such a sport-conscious package is that it comes at the sacrifice of some utility. Although there's plenty of space for passengers (the rear seats are nearly as roomy as those in the larger Acura MDX), the 61 (maximum) cubic-foot cargo hold is on the small side compared to most rivals and lacks items like adjustable cargo tracks and a rear parcel shelf.
If you can deal with the limited amount of cargo space, then you should look at the RDX just from a performance perspective. In road tests, we've found that the Acura RDX drives like a sport sedan. It's quick and extremely nimble through corners. The turbocharged engine is a thrill and makes the RDX exciting to drive, providing 0-60-mph times in the high-6-second range. On the downside, the RDX's EPA fuel estimates are barely average for this segment, and the turbocharged engine requires 91-octane fuel.
