Up Close: 2009 Acura RL

The Acura RL receives a host of changes for the 2009 model year, but the most recognizable one is its new front end, which takes on the shield theme the automaker uses on its MDX luxury SUV. It's a distinctive look for sure, but I'm not convinced it'll resonate with luxury sedan buyers.

One of the more interesting updates the sedan receives is available real-time weather updates from XM Satellite Radio. With the service, weather information can be presented in both textual and graphical formats, the latter as an overlay over the navigation system map. You can also zoom in to your current location to get local weather conditions.

Unlike the RL's real-time traffic feature, which is primarily available in metropolitan areas, real-time weather is available across the country, according to Acura spokeswoman Jessica Fini, and is updated every two minutes. Yes, the screens pictured show the current weather in Chicago today. XM weather, traffic and satellite radio are included free for three months and are available at an extra charge thereafter.

Despite these and the car's other updates, Acura is unlikely to get luxury buyers who've crossed the RL off their lists to give this updated 2009 model another look; underneath the tweaks and improvements, the RL is much the same as before.

Comments

[Jagat]

Uglier than ever. That car should sell for less than an Accord. Who would buy that thing anyway? This is the ugliest car on the market.

[Adam]

I am still shocked! After seeing sneek peaks of the new front-end a couple days ago, I knew they had to be fakes. Now that I know this really is the new front-end I am speechless. It looks so cheap and tacky. As a Honda loyalist, I am very worried, with the boring Pilot concept and now this! Ugh!

[MSS]

This is a very bad update. I like Acuras and if the TL and TSX go this way, I do not think anybody will even consider them to e true players...

Though I like the look of the MDX (it could be more refined though)

The grille reminds me of when Chevy put the truck grill on the 2004 Malibu!

Why is everyone so suprised? When has Honda/Acura styled any vehicle with emotion with the exception of the S2000 and the NSX? They will always play it safe. They will never design anything beyond the normal vanilla styling they have always done.

[cody]

It looks like the guys that f#'d up the front ends of all the newest Hondas have turned their creative genius to f#'ing up the new Acuras. Kudos to Honda/Acura for testing how far buyers will let them go with their wierd-ass styling. It's like some Japanese anime nightmare! Go Element/Ridgeline!!!

[Dee]

I think Acura should do a quick re-do on the grille b4 any come off the assembly line! Maybe it wouldn't look so bad if the "lip" wasn't silver? It looks like a scary cartoon character 2 me!

[Dee]

ps...the taillights rock, IMHO!! The Accord should have had these!

[jay]

the front end must vanish and reappear with better styling because that grill is terrible!

[Dave T.]

I will say in person this is much better looking than in photos but the grille just doesn't look "right"
the taillights are quite well done. Kind of like newer mercedes.

[Jay]

I don't understand why Honda really brought the Legend (known outside the US) here anyway. They knew it was too similar in spec to the TL. The big cheifs in Japan must think that US buyers are so stupid. Its really unfortunate Acura hasn't been a real player in the luxury market since the '91-'94 Legends. I just don't understand why they won't go all out like Audi and Infinti has in recent years and give the US luxury buyers what they really want. Honda seems like they have just become content with being an "efficient" car company.

[Red]

The grille looks like the bastard child of a 2007 camry and an old Mazda 626.

[Paul]

I am a Honda/Acura loyalist, but that grille and future indications of Honda/Acura designs are absolutely disturbing. WAYYY too big, they needed to at least match the top line of the grill with the top line of the headlights to make it look streamlined. It simply looks tacky and extremely ugly.

[Pierre]

No matter what Acura does with the RL, it will never be competitive in the marketplace. With the absence of a V8 engine, and small interior space, the 5 series, Lexus GS and E Class are better cars for the money. The TSX is also just as crappy as the RL. The only Acura worthy of purchasing is a TL. Hopefully Honda will come to it's senses and make Acura as upscale as Lexus, Audi and BMW.