Against 438 other V6 cars rated 2010–2012, the RL sits right on their 20.4 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1996, the 3.7L 6-cyl (2009–2012), does 19 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.5L 6-cyl (1996–2008), 18.5: $55 a year apart.
Every Acura RL engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 16.5 / 23 | 2009–2012 | $2,021 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 16.2 / 22.8 | 1996–2008 | $2,076 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Hyundai Elantra gets 32 mpg, the Nissan Altima 26.7 mpg and the Cadillac CTS 18.5 mpg, next to 20 mpg for the 2012 RL.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2012) | $0.160 |
| Fuel per year | $1,920 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,600 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2010–2012 | +$38 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,144 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2012 Acura RL gives up 7 mpg in town: 24 on the highway against 17 in the city, $659 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2012) | 17 mpg | $2,259 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (41%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the RL changed over the years
The RL peaked in 2012 at 20 mpg (17 city, 24 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2010 at 18 — 2 mpg apart, or $213 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2011 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2010 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2009 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2008 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2007 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2006 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2005 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2004 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2003 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2002 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2001 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2000 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1999 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1998 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1997 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1996 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 17 EPA ratings of the Acura RL — 2 engines across 1996–2012. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $4,144. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2012 Acura RL get?
20 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1996 the RL has averaged 18.6 mpg.
Is the 2012 RL more efficient than the 2011?
About the same: 20 against 20 mpg combined.
Which RL year has the best gas mileage?
The 2012, at 20 mpg combined (17 city, 24 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the RL get better gas mileage than the Hyundai Elantra?
No: 20 mpg for the 2012 RL against 32 for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, about $720 a year more to run.
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