2012 Acura RL — Full Specifications
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Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2012 Acura RL is a saloon/sedan powered by a 3.7L 6-cyl premium gasoline engine. It returns around 24 mpg (UK) / 20 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Acura RL workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Acura RL: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 24 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 3.7L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 99 cu ft (2,803 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 14 cu ft (396 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 24 combined / 20 urban / 29 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 20 combined / 17 city / 24 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 276 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,100 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 1 configuration for the 2012 Acura RL, all with the 3.7L 6-cyl engine. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (17/24) | 276 | $4,100 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 99 cubic feet (about 2,803 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Acura RL
Running Costs: 2012 Acura RL
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Acura RL at 24 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,515 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $4,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Acura RL Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Acura RL (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (6). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 19V501000, reported 27 June 2019. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Air bags — campaign 19V500000, reported 27 June 2019. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Air bags — campaign 18V662000, reported 27 September 2018. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Air bags — campaign 18V041000, reported 9 January 2018. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Showing the 4 most recent of 6 campaigns.
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2012 Acura RL. The most-reported areas are Exterior lighting (1).
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Acura RL
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (6 recall campaigns) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Lighting (1 owner complaint) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Acura models in our database average about 29 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Acura RL's 24 mpg is 5 mpg below that make average. Its 276 g/km CO₂ figure is 41 g/km higher than the 235 g/km Acura average.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Acura RL
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Acura RL have?
It's fitted with a 3.7L 6-cyl premium gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s6) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Acura RL?
The most efficient configuration returns around 24 mpg (UK) combined, or 20 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2012 Acura RL cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $4,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Acura RL have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Acura RL (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (6). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Acura RL?
Among the 1 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Exterior lighting (1 complaint). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Acura RL have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 99 cubic feet (about 2,803 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.