Model Strengths:

• All-wheel Drive Standard
• Quick, Controlled Handling
• Luxurious Interior
• High-tech Options Available

Model Overview:

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 5-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.

In order to reach such stellar crash test results, the RL has a lot of safety measures on board. ABS, stability assist, six air bags and TPMS 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.

The interior is pretty swanky, with 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, Zagat restaurant reviews and AcuraLink for the latest information about your RL, such as dealer appointment reminders. A rear-view camera is also available.

Model Changes:

After a major refresh in 2009, there's not much new in the RL for 2010. Last year, the engine got an upgrade to 3.7 liters, and this continues for the 2010 model year. 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.

Model Value:

Standard all-wheel drive stabilizes the car around corners, which is a nice thing to know with the 3.7-liter 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.