Initial Quality – In the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study (IQS), which measures owner satisfaction with vehicle quality after 90 days of ownership, the Acura RL received 5 out of 5 Power Circle Ratings when compared to other vehicles in its class.

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Performance and Design – In the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout Study (APEAL), which measures owner satisfaction with performance and design attributes of a vehicle, the Acura RL received 5 out of 5 Power Circle Ratings when compared to other vehicles in its class.

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Predicted Reliability – In the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which measures owner satisfaction with a vehicle’s reliability after three years of ownership, the Acura RL received 5 out of 5 Power Circle Ratings and was the top-ranked vehicle in its class, according to the people that own one.

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Fuel Economy – The 2010 Acura RL is equipped with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine driving all four wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission. According to the EPA, the RL is rated to return 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Our review vehicle averaged 17 mpg during a week of mixed driving with a highway emphasis. Combined with the RL’s 19.3-gallon fuel tank, this actual fuel economy figure results in an approximate 325-mile range between fill-ups of premium unleaded.

Safety – According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2010 Acura RL receives five-star crashworthiness ratings in each of the Administration’s five test factors, including for rollover propensity, which is uncommon.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2010 Acura RL receives a “Good” rating in the frontal offset crash test, a “Good” rating in the side-impact crash test, and a “Good” rating for rear impact protection. Last year, the Acura RL was named a “Top Safety Pick,” but new 2010 rules require that a vehicle pass the Institute’s new roof-crush strength regulations.

Environment – According to the EPA, the 2010 Acura RL consumes 19 barrels of petroleum annually resulting in a carbon footprint rating of 10.2 tons per year. Air pollution scores were not available at the time this review was published.

Note: This review was published on December 18, 2009. It may not reflect data that has become available for this vehicle since that date.