2012 Acura RL

Acura envisions itself as a younger, sportier brand than it was twenty-five years ago, but it's not quite ready to abandon its older customers, who fell in love with the Legend years ago. As a result, the RL continues to find a home in the company's portfolio, even though monthly sales volumes struggle to reach the triple-digit mark. Interestingly, the slow-selling RL shares quite a bit with the popular TL, including its engines, driveline, and several key dimensions. Each car has its own unique personality, however. Whereas the TL is unmistakably a sport sedan, the RL serves as a premium cruiser. Although the 3.7-liter V-6 produces more than adequate power and the standard torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system provides impressive grip in corners, softer suspension tuning inevitably produces a little more body roll when the RL is driven hard. Still, the RL's edge may lie with comfort -- not only does that suspension tuning provide for a comfortable ride, but the car's cabin also feels more upscale and well arranged than that of its sibling. Acura's typical barrage of infotainment technologies is available on the RL; the ELS surround-sound system is superb, but the optional navigation system is still hampered by dated graphics and clunky menus. Some competitors may offer similar luxuries and a little more fun behind the wheel, but for those eyeing a sedate sedan with just a hint of sport, the RL may be the ideal formula.