Exterior
Lighting & Visibility
Rearview Camera
When “Reverse” is engaged on an RL with the optional Acura Navigation System9, the large 8-inch navigation screen will display a view of the space directly behind the vehicle below the driver’s normal field of vision.
- A camera located discreetly above the rear license plate helps provide visibility for short items, like garbage cans or low walls.
- The display can also be extremely useful when parallel parking.
- The side mirrors also enhance rearward visibility and can be set to automatically tilt down when “Reverse” is engaged to reveal any objects close to the side of the car.
- 9 Acura Navigation System and related features available in the 48 contiguous United States, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. See your local Acura dealer for information regarding navigation system area coverage.
HID Headlights
All RL models are equipped with Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights for the low beams.
- Xenon lights cast a whiter and brighter light for improved clarity.
- The HID lenses allow a more precise beam pattern that increases road visibility without blinding oncoming drivers.
Active Front Lighting System
To help you see farther into a turn at night, the RL Xenon HID low-beam headlight on the side of the turn direction can swivel up to 20 degrees to the outside. This illuminates the edges of the road and guides your turn as dark spots are lit.
- While especially helpful on curving roads, the system is also activated when making a right-hand turn from a standing start at an intersection.
- AFS will not work from a standing start on a left-hand turn, so as not to shine into the eyes of drivers of oncoming traffic.
- AFS works automatically, without buttons to push or settings to configure, although the driver may manually turn it off, if desired.
Controls
Key Remote Functions
The combination RL key/remote was given a few extra convenience features beyond the usual door lock, trunk release and panic button functions.
- The remote can lower the windows and open the moonroof to air out the cabin as you approach.
- The remote will retain your preferred positions for the driver’s seat, side mirrors and steering wheel, as well as audio, climate control and navigation system preferences, and the RL will activate those settings the moment you open the driver’s door.
- If a jacket or purse containing the remote is placed in the trunk, the lid will pop open, and a warning sound will alert you.
Rear Parking Sensors
The back-up sensors can assist you in difficult parking spots and alert you to obstacles that may be behind you and out of sight.
- The driver is alerted by audible beeps when approaching objects.
- For broad surfaces like walls, there are three stages of alerts with different-sounding beeps: 1) when the object is approximately 59 inches from the bumper; 2) when the object comes within 47 inches, and 3) when it’s within 20 inches.
- For thin objects such as poles, the second two stages engage.
- The system can detect items that are one-foot tall or higher.
- The sensors are unobtrusive and color-matched to original factory paint specifications.
Adaptive Cruise Control
As with a conventional system, the available Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system allows you to set a desired speed, but it also lets you set a time interval from the car ahead of you, allowing you to use cruise control in light traffic.
- While cruising, engage the Adaptive Cruise Control, and the system will prompt you to select a short, medium or long interval from the vehicle ahead.
- ACC will hold the selected interval, modulating the throttle and applying moderate braking, if necessary.
Interior
Seating
Front Seats
Every RL comes equipped with sumptuous, soft seats with perforated leather that provide the ideal balance of indulgence and support.
- Two-level heating keeps driver and front passenger warm in colder months.
- With the Technology Package, the ventilated front seats can warm their surfaces or draw ambient-temperature air through the perforations in the leather, allowing you to reach your desired comfort level more quickly than ever before.
- The driver will easily find the perfect position with a 10-way power driver’s seat (8-way power positioning, plus power lumbar support).
- The front passenger will bask in the luxury of an 8-way power front passenger seat.
- The 2-driver automatic memory system will conveniently record preferences for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and side mirror positions as well as climate control and audio presets.
Rear Seats
The RL has spacious rear accommodations, with generous legroom, knee clearance and shoulder room.
- Rear passengers get their own adjustable climate control vents.
- The wide, fold-down center armrest has a lockable pass-through space from the trunk to accommodate long cargo items.
- Rear passengers can keep the sun at bay with a power-operated rear window sunshade and manual slide-up shades for the rear door windows.
Storage
Cargo Area
To keep items secure and out of sight, the RL's lined and carpeted trunk provides 13.1 cubic feet of storage space.
- A lockable trunk pass-through aperture is accessible through the rear seat—a handy feature for long or bulky cargo.
- Access to the trunk is available by both a button in the driver's side door and through the Keyless Access System.
- A temporary spare is nestled underneath the trunk floor to preserve cargo space.
Cabin Storage
Abundant storage space is cleverly dispersed throughout the RL interior.
- In the front, large storage pockets line the doors, and a center console doubles as an armrest and clamshell opening storage compartment—with additional space underneath.
- A generous glove compartment provides ample room for safekeeping items.
- In the rear, spring-loaded seatback pockets can hold maps and newspapers.
Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
The RL’s dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control system allows the driver and front passenger to create their own microclimates.
- Set your desired temperature and airflow distribution however you like. Your front passenger can set an entirely different temperature, and the system will maintain both.
- When alone, the driver can easily switch off the dual setting and set the whole cabin to a single temperature.
- Almost all climate control functions can be operated by voice commands.
GPS-Linked Temperature Control
When the climate control is in automatic mode and direct sunlight is warming one side of the cabin, the system will automatically adjust to compensate for the heat gain. The system will track the sun’s position to continually maintain the set zone temperatures, as needed.
- The automatic climate control system uses the Acura Navigation System’s9 GPS receiver to continually track the vehicle’s position relative to the sun.
- A solar sensor measures the sun’s intensity to determine its impact on interior temperature.
- The GPS link is completely automatic.
- 9 Acura Navigation System and related features available in the 48 contiguous United States, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. See your local Acura dealer for information regarding navigation system area coverage.
Integrated Sunshades
To ensure the comfort and protection of your passengers, the RL comes with sunshades made from UV-fighting mesh.
- In the rear, a power-operated shade will raise or lower with a single touch from the driver's overhead console.
- On the rear door windows, sunshades can be raised or lowered manually.
Bluetooth Interface
Bluetooth HandsFreeLink
The Bluetooth®11 HandsFreeLink® system works with many Bluetooth-enabled cell phones to let you receive and initiate phone calls through the RL audio system without ever taking your hands off the wheel.
- A one-time pairing process on a compatible phone enables you to communicate wirelessly, and up to six phones can be paired to the system.
- When available, an incoming call will display the number if it is entered into the speed-dial list.
- The phone can then be operated through the vehicle audio system without ever leaving your pocket or purse.
- On models with the Technology Package, you can download all of your compatible phone’s numbers at one time into the navigation database9.
For more details, please visit the Acura HandsFreeLink minisite.
- 9 Acura Navigation System and related features available in the 48 contiguous United States, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. See your local Acura dealer for information regarding navigation system area coverage.
- 11 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks is under license.
Keyless Ignition/Start
Keyless Start
The Keyless Access System allows you to walk up to the RL, unlock the doors, have the car set your preferences, and start the engine without ever having to take the key out of your pocket.
- The vehicle will sense the key remote but will not unlock the door until you touch the handle.
- Turn the ignition switch as you normally would except you don’t have to insert a key.
- A slide-out key acts as a back-up system.
- If you exit the RL with the remote in hand while the vehicle is running, after closing the door, the navigation screen and Multi-Information Display will flash a message, and a warning alert will sound.
Audio & Navigation
Audio System
Bose Surround Sound System
A fully integrated Bose® Surround Sound System channels 260 watts of crisp, clean sound through 10 acoustically positioned speakers.
- Supplying the power is an 8-channel digital amplifier, which works with a variety of formats, including DVD Audio, DTS® 5.1 music discs, CDs, MP3-formatted discs, as well as XM® Radio4.
- For uninterrupted sound, an Active Sound Control system reduces ambient noise from an already quiet cabin.
- The DVD-Audio System delivers six distinct channels of sound with 500 times the audio resolution of CDs.
- With Bose Centerpoint® signal processing circuitry, the RL can even simulate surround sound with ordinary CDs.
- XM Radio offers more than 170 channels of digital programming and near-CD quality sound.
- The Note function allows you to store song information and a 10-second sample as it is aired on an XM Radio station so you can recall it later.
- 4 XM services require a subscription after 90-day trial period. Subscriptions governed by XM Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com. If you decide to continue your XM service at the end of your complimentary trial, the plan you choose will automatically renew and bill at then-current rates unless you call 1-800-967-2346 to cancel. Fees and programming subject to change. Available only to those at least 18 years of age in the 48 contiguous United States and D.C.
USB/iPod Integration
It’s easy to take your digital music library along for the ride in your RL. A USB7 connection interfaces with Apple® iPod®8 players and other USB mass storage devices, such as flash drives that contain MP3, WMA6 or AAC music files.
- Track information appears on the center display. Selection can be controlled using the audio system, including the steering wheel-mounted controls.
- The USB will charge a compatible iPod® while it’s playing.
- An auxiliary input jack can be connected to any iPod, MP3 player or other audio device.
- Both the USB and auxiliary inputs are within the center console-covered storage area, where devices can be conveniently carried and discreetly stored.
- 6 Windows Media® Audio is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft® Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
- 7 The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your local Acura dealer for details on compatibility.
- 8 Currently includes fifth generation or later Apple iPod, and all generations of iPod Nano, iPod Classic, iPod Touch, or iPhone®. iPod® and iPhone® are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Active Sound Control
RL Active Sound Control (ASC) can reduce unwanted cabin noise by as much as 10dB, countering it with opposing sound frequencies through the audio system speakers.
- It uses two microphones located in the ceiling to monitor for low-frequency noise in the cabin.
- When sound is detected, the ASC control unit passes an inverse waveform to the Bose® amplifier unit, where it is amplified to an inaudible volume that cancels the original sound.
- To further insulate your cabin from exterior disturbances, the RL dash, floor, roof, fenders and hood are designed with highly effective noise-insulation materials.
Navigation System
Functionality & Controls
The centerpiece of the Technology Package, the Acura Navigation System9, is perhaps the best driving companion since the invention of the car radio.
- The system features an 8-inch screen, mounted high in the center control panel for easy visibility.
- You can enter an address or dial a location from its vast DVD destination database, using the interface dial or the Voice Recognition system.
- The screen will plot your path on the map and show special displays to guide you through freeway ramps, interchanges and forks in the road, and even provide voiced guidance, if desired.
- Additional features include Zagat® Survey restaurant reviews, and the available AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ information and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™13, which can help you get around delays while traveling to your desired destination.
- Following the 90-day free trial period, both Acuralink Real-Time Traffic and Weather™ data services are available on a subscription basis for a fee, which can be combined with or separate from other XM® subscriptions.
- 9 Acura Navigation System and related features available in the 48 contiguous United States, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. See your local Acura dealer for information regarding navigation system area coverage.
- 13 AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather™ are operable only in select markets within the 48 contiguous United States. AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ is also operable in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather™ are available by separate XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather™ subscriptions after a complimentary 90-day trial period. AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System does not require a subscription.
AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic
The AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™13 feature helps you steer clear of gridlock by providing continuously updated traffic information in major metropolitan areas across the 48 contiguous United States. The system also features Traffic Rerouting™, which can suggest alternative routes based on continuously updated traffic conditions.
- Interstates and expressways are color-coded to indicate traffic flow levels.
- Icons indicate the location of incidents and traffic conditions affected by construction and weather.
- Traffic Rerouting™ will suggest an alternative route if the system determines it is at least two minutes or 10% quicker.
- The information is aggregated by NAVTEQ™ from multiple sources, including highway patrol incident reports and transportation departments, and is updated approximately every 90 seconds.
- Following the 90-day free trial period, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic data services are available on a subscription basis for a fee, which can be combined with or separate from other XM® subscriptions.
- 13 AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather™ are operable only in select markets within the 48 contiguous United States. AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ is also operable in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather™ are available by separate XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather™ subscriptions after a complimentary 90-day trial period. AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System does not require a subscription.
AcuraLink Real-Time Weather
You can determine the weather conditions in your immediate area or anywhere you plan to be with the AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ system13. It will even alert you if a potential weather-related issue exists along your plotted route.
- Current weather is shown on the RL map display in the form of icons, which can be clicked on to receive details.
- Weather forecasts for the next 3 hours, 6 hours, and across the next three days in a given area are available any time.
- A warning map and an additional map showing adverse weather conditions across the U.S. are also accessible.
- Following the 90-day free trial period, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ data services are available on a subscription basis for a fee, which can be combined with or separate from other XM® subscriptions.
- 13 AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather™ are operable only in select markets within the 48 contiguous United States. AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ is also operable in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather™ are available by separate XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather™ subscriptions after a complimentary 90-day trial period. AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System does not require a subscription.
AcuraLink
To keep you up to date with the latest information related to your RL, this easy-to-use proprietary data network uses the XM® Radio4 communications interface. Some of the features available through the AcuraLink®9 Satellite Communication System9 include:
- A pre-programmed RL feature guide
- Dealer appointment reminders
- Direct communication with your dealer
- If you have linked your cell phone to the Bluetooth®11 HandsFreeLink® interface, the system can also contact Acura headquarters and your dealer for the latest diagnostic information.
- 4 XM services require a subscription after 90-day trial period. Subscriptions governed by XM Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com. If you decide to continue your XM service at the end of your complimentary trial, the plan you choose will automatically renew and bill at then-current rates unless you call 1-800-967-2346 to cancel. Fees and programming subject to change. Available only to those at least 18 years of age in the 48 contiguous United States and D.C.
- 9 Acura Navigation System and related features available in the 48 contiguous United States, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. See your local Acura dealer for information regarding navigation system area coverage.
- 11 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks is under license.
Destination Database
The Acura Navigation System9 has an extensive database of addresses and points of interest for a variety of handy information.
- For instance, you can ask the system to show you the nearby ATMs, and if you don’t want to pay a service charge, just tell it to show your bank’s machines.
- You can also find the exact type of restaurant you’re in the mood for, as well as locate schools, parks, hospitals, drugstores, museums, and more.
- 9 Acura Navigation System and related features available in the 48 contiguous United States, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. See your local Acura dealer for information regarding navigation system area coverage.
Zagat Reviews
The Acura Navigation System9 will not only tell you where restaurants are and how to get to them, it can also tell you their price range and provide customer reviews.
- The system’s Zagat Survey® restaurant reviews provide detailed information from a database that you can read on-screen, or if you’re driving, they can be spoken over the audio system.
- If you need reservations, the system can even dial the restaurant for you through your compatible Bluetooth®11-enabled cell phone.
- 9 Acura Navigation System and related features available in the 48 contiguous United States, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. See your local Acura dealer for information regarding navigation system area coverage.
- 11 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks is under license.
Voice Recognition
The Voice Recognition feature allows you to perform the most frequently used functions of the audio, climate control, and navigation systems without ever taking your hands off the wheel.
- With a simple click of the “Talk” steering wheel-mounted control, the audio system will instantly mute as you issue one of over 600 voice commands with 100,000 variations to the audio, climate or navigation systems.
- Some commands can replace multiple manual functions, for example: “CD 3, song 4”, will turn on the audio system, select the third CD, and play the fourth song.
- You can enter a specific address, as the system will recognize over a million city and street names.
Safety & Security
Braking & Stability
Braking Systems
The disc brakes on the RL are backed up by several sophisticated electronic systems to provide you with enhanced braking abilities under almost any circumstance.
- The anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking heavily by preventing the wheels from locking up, while allowing them to achieve their maximum level of stopping.
- The Electronic Brake Distribution system uses the ABS system to direct braking power among the four wheels, depending on their load, to help optimize braking effectiveness.
- The Brake Assist system detects emergency braking by the driver by monitoring the speed at which the brake pedal is depressed and steps in by maximizing braking force, which terminates immediately upon release of the brake pedal.
Vehicle Stability Assist
The Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) system uses an array of sensors, along with ABS and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) to help reduce the dangers of oversteer or understeer.12
- VSA continually monitors vehicle speed, throttle position, individual wheel speeds, steering angle and vehicle yaw rate.
- If potential oversteer or understeer is detected, the system will first use Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) to redirect power among the front wheels and each of the rear wheels to maintain stability
- If using SH-AWD is insufficient, the system will reduce engine torque and use the ABS to apply brakes to each wheel as needed to help stabilize the vehicle.
- The response is so quick that the instability may be corrected before the driver even knows it’s occurring.
- 12 VSA is not a substitute for safe driving. It cannot correct the vehicle's course in every situation or compensate for reckless driving. Control of the vehicle always remains with the driver.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Since an under-inflated tire impedes handling and can be a safety hazard, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses pressure sensors mounted in each wheel that send readings to a central electronic control unit. The system then evaluates whether the pressure is in an acceptable range.
- If a reading is significantly below the recommended level, the RL will alert the driver through the Multi-Information Display (MID) located on the instrument panel.
- The problem tire will be indicated, along with the individual pressure for each of the four tires.
- The pressure display can be accessed anytime, using the MID controls on the steering wheel.
- As useful as TMPS is, it is still recommended that you manually check your tires on a regular basis.
Collision Mitigation
Collision Mitigation Braking System
To help reduce the likelihood of a frontal impact, the Advance Package includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™).
- Powered by a radar transmitter mounted behind the RL grille, a signal is constantly transmitted and the return signal is evaluated, determining the distance and closing speed of vehicles that lie directly ahead.
- If a collision is possible, the system will provide audio and visual alerts to warn the driver.
- If the driver does not take action to reduce speed, or otherwise avoid the collision, the CMBS will automatically tug at the driver’s seat belt and begin light braking.
- Even if no prior warnings have been given, if at any time the system senses that a frontal collision is unavoidable it will tighten the front seat belts and automatically apply strong braking to help reduce the impact velocity and collision force. However, the system is not designed to bring the vehicle to a complete stop by itself.
- The goal of the CMBS system is to alert the driver to apply the brakes. It is not alone expected to brake the vehicle sufficiently to avoid a collision.
Airbag System
The RL is equipped with a sophisticated six-airbag system consisting of two front and two front-side airbags, as well as two side curtain airbags that provide coverage for the front and outboard rear seats. Advanced sensors and inflator systems are designed so that the airbags can deploy at the right time with the appropriate force.
- The front airbags are equipped with two-stage, multiple-threshold inflators. One or both airbags will be deployed only in the event of a sufficient frontal impact. If deployed, these airbags are capable of being inflated at different rates depending on crash severity, seat belt usage and/or other factors. Frontal airbags are designed to supplement the seat belts to help reduce the likelihood of head and upper body injuries in frontal crashes.
- Sensors in the front passenger seat determine if it is empty or if the passenger is too small for the passenger’s front airbag to deploy safely and will disengage the front passenger airbag, if necessary.
- The Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) uses sensors in the front passenger seatback to determine the height and position of the passenger and will deactivate the side airbag if a child or small-statured adult leans into the side airbag deployment path.
- In a side impact, side curtain airbags deploy downward from just above the doorframes on the impacted side to help protect both front and outboard rear seat occupants.
Seat Belts & Active Front Head Restraints
All five seating positions in the RL have 3-point belts and head restraints. The front seats have load-limiting tensioners and active head restraints.
- The front seats’ automatic tensioning belts react in the first milliseconds of an impact to automatically tighten the belts and help hold the individual in position against the seatback.
- To help prevent the automatic tensioning belt from causing undue pressure on the chest, load limiters slightly relieve belt tension, as needed, to help soften the force.
- In a rear-end collision, a front seat occupant’s body will be pushed against the seatback, and the pressure to the seatback is transmitted from the lumbar plate, pushing the head restraint upward and forward to reduce the gap between the occupant’s head and the head restraint.
- Impact forces on the neck and spine are diminished, helping reduce the likelihood of whiplash injuries.
Child Safety
The RL has several features addressing child safety, from sophisticated airbag sensors to anchors that secure child seats.
- The Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) utilizes sensors in the front passenger's seatback to detect if the occupant is a child or small-statured adult. The passenger front-side airbag will deactivate if a child or a small-statured adult is detected leaning into the airbag deployment path.
- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) anchors plus upper-tether anchors in the rear seat allow LATCH-compatible child seats to be installed in the outboard positions without the use of seat belts.
- All windows and the moonroof have an auto-reverse feature that prevents them from closing if a finger or other similar obstacle is encountered.
Body Structure Design
Acura utilizes Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure to enhance occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes.
- The ACE™ design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle.
- This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.
Security
Security System
Like every Acura model, the RL comes equipped with a security system. In the event of a break-in, the following events will occur:
- The ignition will be disabled.
- The horn will sound.
- The lights will flash.
Ownership & Services
Ownership & Services
Total Luxury Care
- 24-hour nationwide emergency and travel services
- Roadside Assistance
- Acura Concierge Service
- A host of special privileges available exclusively for Acura owners
Roadside Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at: (800) 594-8500.
Warranty
Acura’s superb track record allows each vehicle to be generously covered.
- All models enjoy a 4-year/50,000-mile16 limited warranty.
- Acura powertrains are covered by a 6-year/70,000-mile16 limited warranty.
- Outer body rust-through is covered by a 5-year/unlimited-mile limited warranty.
- Seat belts are covered by a 15-year, 150,000-mile limited warranty.
- Acura Genuine Accessories installed by the dealer at the time of vehicle purchase enjoy a 4-year/50,000-mile17 limited warranty.
- 16 Ordinary maintenance items or adjustments, parts subject to normal wear and replacement, and certain other items are excluded.
- 17 When installed at the time of new-vehicle delivery.
My Acura
With My Acura - the exclusive Acura owners’ Web site, you can personalize your ownership experience and obtain valuable services and information such as online service scheduling, as well as sales and service offers. My Acura contains helpful videos, interactive tutorials, and owner’s manuals to help you get the most out of your Acura vehicle. You can also order navigation DVD updates and get details about your Total Luxury Care® benefits.