- Newest year: 2004
- Gas
- Midsize cars
- Same as 2003
2000-2004 Acura RL MPG & Fuel Cost
5 model years · 18 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 1 of 10 midsize car configurations, MY2004. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2000-2004 Acura RL at a glance
The 2000-2004 Acura RL covers 5 model years in the EPA database (5 configurations in all), rated 18 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2004, costs about $4,460 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the 3.5RL 3.5L 6-cyl FWD (18 MPG), at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA lists identical ratings for every model year of this generation.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2000-2004 Acura RL by model year
| Model year | Powertrains | Combined | $/yr | EPA ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Gas | 18 MPG | $4,460 | Same EPA ratings as 2003 |
| 2003 | Gas | 18 MPG | $4,460 | Same EPA ratings as 2002 |
| 2002 | Gas | 18 MPG | $4,460 | Same EPA ratings as 2001 |
| 2001 | Gas | 18 MPG | $4,460 | Same EPA ratings as 2000 |
| 2000 | Gas | 18 MPG | $4,460 | First year |
What the 2004 3.5RL 3.5L 6-cyl FWD costs to drive
Per month
$372
$4,460 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$7.43
Per 100 miles
$29.73
Five years
$22,300
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the midsize car median
$1,020more a year
Class median $3,440 a year, MY2004
Based on 15,000 miles a year and premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2004 Acura RL MPG
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2004 Acura RL as for the 2003 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2003 section above.See 2003
Gas configurations (1)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5RL (Most efficient) | 3.5L 6-cyl | FWD | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,460 |
1 configuration requires or recommends higher-octane gasoline and is costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2003 Acura RL MPG
Same EPA ratings as 2002
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2003 Acura RL as for the 2002 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2002 section above.See 2002
2002 Acura RL MPG
Same EPA ratings as 2001
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2002 Acura RL as for the 2001 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2001 section above.See 2001
2001 Acura RL MPG
Same EPA ratings as 2000
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2001 Acura RL as for the 2000 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2000 section above.See 2000
2000 Acura RL MPG
18 MPG · $4,460/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (1)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5RL (Most efficient) | 3.5L 6-cyl | FWD | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,460 |
1 configuration requires or recommends higher-octane gasoline and is costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the 3.5RL 3.5L 6-cyl FWD: $5,320 in California and $3,870 in Texas, a $1,450 difference.
- California $5,320
- Washington $5,010
- New York $4,410
- Florida $4,080
- Texas $3,870
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2004 midsize car models.
Generations
- 2000-2004 (1st gen)
- 2005-2012 (2nd gen)
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2000-2004 Acura RL get?
EPA rates the 2000-2004 Acura RL at 18 MPG combined across 5 configurations and 5 model years. The most efficient version, the 2004 3.5RL 3.5L 6-cyl FWD, is rated 18 MPG (16 city, 22 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2000-2004 Acura RL?
Every model year of the 2000-2004 Acura RL tops out at 18 MPG combined, so no year is better than another.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2000-2004 Acura RL?
No. EPA lists the same ratings for every model year from 2000 to 2004.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2004 Acura RL per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the 3.5RL 3.5L 6-cyl FWD costs about $4,460 a year. Across all 1 configuration the cost runs $4,460 a year.
How much does it cost to drive a 2004 Acura RL 100 miles?
About $29.73 per 100 miles for the 3.5RL 3.5L 6-cyl FWD at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2004 Acura RL more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The 3.5RL 3.5L 6-cyl FWD is rated 16 city and 22 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 6 MPG.
How does the 2004 Acura RL compare with other midsize car configurations?
The 3.5RL 3.5L 6-cyl FWD costs about $4,460 a year to fuel, $1,020 more than the class median of $3,440, and less than 1 of 10 midsize car configurations. The comparison covers all 119 rated midsize car configurations for MY2004, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2004 Acura RL different from the 2003 model?
No. EPA lists the same ratings for 2003 and 2004: 1 configuration rated 18 MPG combined. See the 2003 Acura RL for that year.