Acura 3.5RL
18 MPG The 2004 Acura 3.5RL is EPA-rated at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 833 gallons, $2667 a year in fuel, or $0.178 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1996–2004 run it averages 18.3 MPG, falling by 1 MPG over 9 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.139 | $1389 | $2083 | $2778 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.178 | $1778 | $2667 | $3556 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.194 | $1944 | $2917 | $3889 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.222 | $2222 | $3333 | $4444 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.278 | $2778 | $4167 | $5556 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 1 |
| 2003 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 1 |
| 2002 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 1 |
| 2001 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 1 |
| 2000 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 1 |
| 1999 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 1 |
| 1998 | 19 MPG | 17 | 23 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 1997 | 19 MPG | 17 | 23 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 1996 | 19 MPG | 17 | 23 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the Acura 3.5RL ranks 222 on current figures, against a class average of 27.3 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Audi 100 (18.5), Bentley Flying Spur (19), BMW 550i xDrive (19), BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe (19), Buick Riviera (19).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 494 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Acura 3.5RL get?
The 2004 Acura 3.5RL is rated at 18 MPG combined by the EPA — 16 city and 22 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 18.3 MPG, ranging from 18 to 19 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Acura 3.5RL cost in fuel per year?
At 18 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 833 gallons — roughly $2667 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.178 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2004 model is $4300.
Has the Acura 3.5RL become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 19 MPG in 1996 to 18 in 2004. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Acura 3.5RL efficient for its class?
It ranks 222 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.3 MPG. That is 9.3 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.