2011 Acura RL

The 2011 Acura RL is a large, comfortable sedan, handsome and well-detailed. Yet up against other performance luxury sedans, even when you consider them for upscale family duty, there's something missing.


That's one of the reasons why we at FamilyCarGuide give the Acura RL a 7 out of 10. While it has a very comfortable ride, a quiet cabin, a secure all-wheel-drive system, and capable handling that won't fluster you or your passengers, it falls short in many respects.

Most importanly, the RL quite simply lacks curb appeal. If it matters that you're noticed at a crowded country club parking lot or a valet stand, that's an issue. Secondly, the RL has disappointing back-seat space for a flagship sedan.

While the RL comes with nice, supportive seats that are heated and cooled in front—along with excellent ventilated/perforated leather upholstery—they're missing the extending thigh supports that many other luxury models have. In back, there's just enough space for adults, surprisingly, and both lanky teens and smaller adults might find heads brushing the headliner, which has been carved out.