Acura
RL
Owner report available
Infiniti
Q45
Owner report available
Acura RL vs Infiniti Q45
The short answer
Based on available data, the Infiniti Q45 comes out ahead of the Acura RL on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
RL
Overall
Owners regard the RL as a comfortable, quiet, well-built luxury sedan with a strong V6 and a notably refined cabin, and several long-term owners report trouble-free runs past 200,000 miles. The dominant criticism is that the car is now old, parts are increasingly hard to find, and the early-2000s V6 automatic transmissions are a known weak point. Sentiment splits by generation: the first-generation 3.5 RL (1996-2004) draws praise for durability but warnings about transmission and parts scarcity, while the second-generation RL (2005-2012) is described as smoother, quieter, and better sorted, with the 2008 model specifically called out as having had early bugs worked out.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. The strongest partial signal favors the 2008 model year, which owners describe as the point where early tech, radio, and SH-AWD issues were resolved, and the 2011-2012 RL is called an absolute unicorn by one owner.
Known issues
- Automatic transmission failure or slipping, particularly on early-2000s V6 models: Frequency: very frequent. Parts availability problems, including scarce dealer, aftermarket, and used parts: Frequency: very frequent.
Q45
Overall
Sentiment is polarized and heavily dependent on the vehicle's age and condition. Long-term owner reports from the 1990s and early 2000s models praise the vehicles for their powerful V8 engines, exceptional comfort, quiet and refined cabins, and high-quality Bose sound systems. Many describe them as fantastic driving cars that were competitive with, or offered as an alternative to, contemporary Lexus LS models.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a single "best" model year or trim. The first-generation (1990-1996) is noted for its "bubble era" technology and being a short-wheelbase Nissan President, but also for controversial styling.
Known issues
- Catastrophic depreciation and high repair costs: vehicles lose value rapidly and require very expensive repairs post-100,000 miles, with parts being costly and hard to find. Frequency: very frequent.
- Aging electrical and sensor failures: numerous sensors fail causing stalling, rough running, and check engine lights; window regulators, key fobs, and HVAC system components are problematic. Frequency: very frequent.
- Power steering system failures: pumps, racks, and high-pressure lines leak and fail, causing fluid expulsion from the reservoir and noisy operation. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Acura RL is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Infiniti Q45, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Acura RL are a dealbreaker, the Infiniti Q45 is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Acura RL or the Infiniti Q45?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Acura RL than the Infiniti Q45. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Acura RL or the Infiniti Q45?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Acura RL or the Infiniti Q45?
The EPA rates the 2012 Acura RL at 20 mpg combined and the 2006 Infiniti Q45 at 18 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Acura RL or the Infiniti Q45?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Infiniti Q45 than the Acura RL. See the known issues comparison above.