- Newest year: 2012
- Gas
- Midsize cars
- Same as 2011
2005-2012 Acura RL MPG & Fuel Cost
8 model years · 18–20 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 2 of 10 midsize car configurations, MY2012. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2005-2012 Acura RL at a glance
The 2005-2012 Acura RL covers 8 model years in the EPA database (8 configurations in all), rated 18–20 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2012, costs about $4,070 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the RL 3.7L 6-cyl AWD (20 MPG), at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA changed the ratings in 2009, 2010 and 2011; 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2012 repeat the values of the year before. The best combined rating in the generation, 20 MPG, was reached in 2011 and 2012.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2005-2012 Acura RL by model year
| Model year | Powertrains | Combined | $/yr | EPA ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Gas | 20 MPG | $4,070 | Same EPA ratings as 2011 |
| 2011 | Gas | 20 MPG | $4,070 | Ratings changed |
| 2010 | Gas | 18 MPG | $4,460 | Ratings changed |
| 2009 | Gas | 18 MPG | $4,460 | Ratings changed |
| 2008 | Gas | 19 MPG | $4,230 | Same EPA ratings as 2007 |
| 2007 | Gas | 19 MPG | $4,230 | Same EPA ratings as 2006 |
| 2006 | Gas | 19 MPG | $4,230 | Same EPA ratings as 2005 |
| 2005 | Gas | 19 MPG | $4,230 | First year |
What the 2012 RL 3.7L 6-cyl AWD costs to drive
Per month
$339
$4,070 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$6.78
Per 100 miles
$27.13
Five years
$20,350
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the midsize car median
$1,040more a year
Class median $3,030 a year, MY2012
Based on 15,000 miles a year and premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2012 Acura RL MPG
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2012 Acura RL as for the 2011 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2011 section above.See 2011
Gas configurations (1)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RL (Most efficient) | 3.7L 6-cyl | AWD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,070 |
1 configuration requires or recommends higher-octane gasoline and is costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2011 Acura RL MPG
20 MPG · $4,070/yr
Versus 2010: The most efficient configuration moves from 18 to 20 MPG, up 2. Its annual cost goes from $4,460 to $4,070, $390 less.
Gas configurations (1)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RL (Most efficient) | 3.7L 6-cyl | AWD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,070 |
1 configuration requires or recommends higher-octane gasoline and is costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2010 Acura RL MPG
18 MPG · $4,460/yr
Versus 2009: The most efficient configuration stays at 18 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $4,460.
Gas configurations (1)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RL (Most efficient) | 3.7L 6-cyl | AWD | 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).
2009 Acura RL MPG
18 MPG · $4,460/yr
Versus 2008: The most efficient configuration moves from 19 to 18 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $4,230 to $4,460, $230 more.
Gas configurations (1)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RL (Most efficient) | 3.7L 6-cyl | 4WD | 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).
2008 Acura RL MPG
Same EPA ratings as 2007
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2008 Acura RL as for the 2007 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2007 section above.See 2007
2007 Acura RL MPG
Same EPA ratings as 2006
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 2007 Acura RL as for the 2006 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2006 section above.See 2006
2006 Acura RL MPG
Same EPA ratings as 2005
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 2006 Acura RL as for the 2005 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2005 section above.See 2005
2005 Acura RL MPG
19 MPG · $4,230/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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RL (Most efficient) | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,230 |
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 RL 3.7L 6-cyl AWD: $4,860 in California and $3,530 in Texas, a $1,330 difference.
- California $4,860
- Washington $4,570
- New York $4,020
- Florida $3,720
- Texas $3,530
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2012 midsize car models.
Generations
- 2000-2004 (1st gen)
- 2005-2012 (2nd gen)
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2005-2012 Acura RL get?
EPA rates the 2005-2012 Acura RL at 18–20 MPG combined across 8 configurations and 8 model years. The most efficient version, the 2012 RL 3.7L 6-cyl AWD, is rated 20 MPG (17 city, 24 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2005-2012 Acura RL?
The RL 3.7L 6-cyl AWD reached the generation's best combined rating, 20 MPG, in 2011 and 2012. The lowest top rating, 18 MPG, was in 2009 and 2010.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2005-2012 Acura RL?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2009, 2010 and 2011. In 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2012 the values repeat the year before.
How does the 2005-2012 Acura RL compare with the previous generation?
The previous generation (2000-2004 Acura RL) is rated 18 MPG combined and costs $4,460 a year to fuel; the 2005-2012 model is rated 18–20 MPG and costs $4,070–$4,460 a year.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Acura RL per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the RL 3.7L 6-cyl AWD costs about $4,070 a year. Across all 1 configuration the cost runs $4,070 a year.
How much does it cost to drive a 2012 Acura RL 100 miles?
About $27.13 per 100 miles for the RL 3.7L 6-cyl AWD 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 2012 Acura RL more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The RL 3.7L 6-cyl AWD is rated 17 city and 24 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 7 MPG.
How does the 2012 Acura RL compare with other midsize car configurations?
The RL 3.7L 6-cyl AWD costs about $4,070 a year to fuel, $1,040 more than the class median of $3,030, and less than 2 of 10 midsize car configurations. The comparison covers all 148 rated midsize car configurations for MY2012, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2012 Acura RL different from the 2011 model?
No. EPA lists the same ratings for 2011 and 2012: 1 configuration rated 20 MPG combined. See the 2011 Acura RL for that year.